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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,658 Subscribers Daily
April 14, 2018 #6,165 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2018- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the written permission of Barry Block
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PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Last Chance to Vote
Quick Poll
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When did you first become aware of a career in podiatry? |
![](http://podiatrym.com/vote.jpg) |
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AT THE COLLEGES |
Canadian Students Complete NYCPM Rotation
Two senior students (Elizabeth Laroche and Jany-Eve Allard) from the Université du Québec à Trois Rivières (UQTR) spent eight (elective) weeks at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) this winter, focusing on podiatric imaging, podopediatrics, and podiatric medicine and surgery.
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Drs. Stephanie Maurais and Michael Trepal present certificates to Elizabeth Laroche (L) and Jany-Eve Allard (R) |
NYCPM is expecting more students in the summer 2018. The two students who just will receive their DPM degrees from UQTR this spring and will go on to private practice in the province of Québec. They received certificates at a luncheon in their honor.
Source: Footprints [March 2018]
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
FL Podiatrist Discusses Ankle Sprains
"Ankle sprains can vary in severity from mild to severe. Mild ankle sprains may cause swelling, bruising, difficulty moving, and tenderness. They can be treated using the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If your ankle isn’t feeling better after two weeks, it’s time to follow up with a specialist to make sure the sprain isn’t worse and that nothing is broken. Severe sprains can mean the ligament in your ankle is torn and are normally accompanied by more intense symptoms. Moderate and severe ankle sprains should be treated by a podiatrist," says Brent Evans, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at Triad Foot & Ankle Center and a member of Cone Health Medical Group.
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Dr. Brent Evans |
"Mild sprains may only take a few days of rest and ice to heal, while others may require immobilization of the ankle through a walking boot or something similar. Frequent ankle sprains or injuries can lead to instability and damage to the ankle, which may require surgery," says Dr. Evans.
Source: Fox-8 [4/11/18]
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PODIATRISTS AND PUBLIC HEALTH |
NJ Podiatrist Warns of Dangers of Salon Callus Removers
Many salons offer callus remover procedures, often using cheese grater-like devices (or the real things!), but this can be very dangerous, warns Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a podiatrist in Manhattan. "When these go too deep and are used on patients with thin skin, poor circulation, or diabetes, it can cause burns and terrible wounds or infections," she says.
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Dr. Jacqueline Sutera |
To avoid this, she recommends using creams specially made for thicker foot skin. "These creams have gentler ingredients like urea and lactic acid and can be used several times a week to keep skin smooth and thin out calluses in little time," Dr. Sutera adds.
Source: Jenn Sinrich, Reader's Digest [4/12/18]
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 1 |
NJ Podiatrist Now Part of Hunterdon Medical Group
As of April 1, Hunterdon Podiatric Medicine, formerly known as Steven M. Dribbon, DPM, became part of the Hunterdon Medical Group, a specialty practice owned and operated by Hunterdon Healthcare .
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Dr. Steven Dribbon |
Dr. Dribbon is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and a diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Dribbon also was a consulting podiatric physician to the Rutgers University Athletic Department. In addition, he is the Chairman of the Division of Podiatry and a member of the Operating Room Committee at Hunterdon Medical Center.
Source: Tapinto Flemington [4/10/18]
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 2 |
NJ Podiatrist Joins Hunterdon Podiatric Medicine
John Kramer, DPM, has joined Hunterdon Podiatric Medicine and will be practicing with Dr. Steven Dribbon. Dr. Kramer earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. For the past 12 years, he has been the Attending Physician at Staten Island University Hospital in Staten Island.
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Dr. John Kramer |
Dr. Kramer is certified in the treatment and management of diabetic wounds and will also be working with the Hunterdon Wound Healing Center. He was previously the Director of Wound Care at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy and the Associate Director of the Wound Care Center at Staten Island University Hospital. He is licensed in both New Jersey and New York.
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PUBLISHED PODIATRISTS |
AZ Podiatrist Publishes Memoir
To prove that war brings no more than the pain of loss and trauma, American veteran David Meakes, DPM, now 95, delivers a message of peace in his memoir, Perspective: The Golden Rule.
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Dr. David Meakes |
Divided in six parts, Perspective’s first part retells the author’s early years during the Great Depression. The second and third parts discuss religion and politics, war, peace, and social conditions. His education and service in WWII make up the fourth part. The last two parts contain Meakes’s thoughts on preventing war, his travels around the globe, and his view on the country’s previous leaders and reformers.
Source; webwire.com [4/17/18]
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HEALTHCARE NEWS |
Feds Collect 21% Less from Health Fraud
The federal government collected $2.6 billion in judgments and settlements from healthcare fraud prosecutions in 2017, 21% less than in the previous year. Of the $2.6 billion recovered, $1.4 billion was paid back to the Medicare Trust Funds and $406.7 million in federal Medicaid money was transferred to the U.S. Treasury.
The fraud program is jointly run by the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services. The number of criminal actions was up from 765 in 2016 to 788 in 2017, according to the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control program annual report. Civil actions increased from 690 to 818.
Source: Jan Greene, Univadis via Dr. Allen Jacobs [4/9/18]
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FROM PM's CURRENT ISSUE |
Several times a week, PM News posts an entire article from a recent issue of our partner, Podiatry Management Magazine. Please note that the views expressed in Podiatry Management Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of PM News or Barry Block.
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Today's Featured Article |
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY |
Best Ways to Play the Prior Authorization Game - Parts 4 & 5
There is nothing more frustrating to physicians than knowing a patient needs a certain diagnostic test or medication and having them not be able to get it because their health insurance company won’t cover it. All too often, many services require prior-authorization (PA). How can this prior-authorization game be played for better odds of winning?
4) Don’t give up. If a test is denied, appeal it and keep appealing it. I find that this is not often successful but sometimes is. Plus, the insurance company should not be given an easy pass for refusing to cover something a patient needs.
5) Get the patient involved. They should be contacting their insurance company as well. They will be talking to member services and sometimes they find a sympathetic ear who helps them get coverage or reveals the holy grail of coverage determination to them. They are often successful when we are not.
Source: Linda Girgis, MD, Physicians Practice [4/4/18]
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CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Locum Tenens
I have hired a podiatrist to cover my office and work in my clinic for somewhere between 2 to 3 months. We have added him to our Medicare and Blue Cross groups, among other insurances. Problem: To add him to my billing program (we do it in-house), it will cost me $1,500. I am not sure I want to spend that for a part-time, temporary podiatrist. Do you think it is appropriate to bill his services as a locum tenens (using the proper modifier Q code) even though I’ll be working in the practice also?
Name withheld by Moderator
Response: First, the correct term is now “fee-for-time compensation.” Medicare felt locum tenens was no long appropriate. Second, “the services must not be provided by the second physician over a continuous period of more than 60 days unless the regular physician is called or ordered to active duty as a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces.” (MLN Matters Number: MM10090, effective 6/13/2017). You should speak to a healthcare attorney about the legal angles of this hire regarding contracts and other issues.
The modifier you’d append to services would be Q6.
Paul Kinberg, DPM, Dallas, TX
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) |
RE: The Importance of Examining Legs
From: Michael Forman, DPM
Recently, some of my colleagues have been contacted by "Medicare" for the inappropriate use of E/M codes during a routine foot care or an at- risk foot care visit. I received notification from Medicare that 33% of my visits submitted included an E/M charge. I was told it was above the average. I hope I am not thought of as a criminal or law breaker. I would rather be thought of as a doctor who cares for - and takes care of his patients. As all of us are aware, our profession has changed a great deal. We are responsible for our patients' well-being and should be curious as to their general medical health and in particular their lower extremities.
If we are only interested in clipping someone’s toenails and trimming a callus and whisking 30-40 people or more a day through our office while ignoring important signs that are presented to us, we are doing a disservice. I recently heard Dr. Jeff Lehrman lecture at a meeting. He suggested that we roll up our patients’ pant legs and...
Editor's note: Dr. Forman's extended-length letter can be read here.
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Photo of the Day
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Post-op "doctored" photo submitted by a patient |
Source: Submitted by Dr. Lesley Wolff
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MEETING NOTICES
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn up to 50 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) Online
Earn 15 CECH only $219 (less than $15 per CECH)
(Only $15 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
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Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, ID, IA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
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CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1 ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP - NEW YORK
CPME-APPROVED 12 month fellowship beginning July 1st, 2018. Hospital and clinic environment, with onsite hyperbaric medicine. Working with infectious disease, dermatology, as well as plastic, general, vascular, and podiatric surgeons. Must have completed a PMSR residency. Please contact drarnoldhertz@aol.com or jtfootcare@gmail.com. EOE (equal opportunity employer)
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND, NY
Immediate Opening on Long Island. Part-time possibly leading to Full time permanent position. One of our Doctors has personal issues and must leave indefinitely. Must be personable, energetic and highly motivated. Well rounded practice incorporating all phases of podiatry Please email CV to: jobke@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NY/PA REGIONAL GROUP PRACTICE
Involving 3 hospitals, wound care center, 3 Offices- well staffed/well equipped-EPAT, digital X-ray, ultrasound, EMR, DME digital scan, etc. Beautiful area/easy commute/low cost of living. Generous base salary with incentive. Seeking ABFAS qualified DPM. Email CV chipmunklane59@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Busy, well established, well equipped, podiatric practice looking for a second associate. ABPS board certified is a plus but not required. Salary commensurate with qualifications. Incentives available. Associate expected to market and grow the practice. Must be a well- trained, highly motivated individual. Practitioners in Bergen/Passaic counties with established practices will be given special consideration. Email CV to: minggao@optonline.net
PODIATRIST WANTED - NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Podiatrist needed for practice throughout California. Professionally managed practice in long term care facilities. Excellent income potential with discretionary time. Please send CV and interest letter to dwayne8543@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN/LONG ISLAND
Seeking board certified/eligible person to work on Long Island and or Manhattan. Must be in-network with most of the carriers. Must have hospital privileges and have the capabilities to perform basic podiatric surgical procedures. Offices fully equipped with x-ray MRI CT scan and is associated with a surgicenter.
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - RURAL NORTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Great opportunity in rural Northeastern NC! 20 year, well established practice with multiple locations, ready to continue to grow, seeking hard working Podiatrist/s just entering practice or with experience, to join us. North Carolina license a must, Send questions and/or CV to iiicms@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - MARYLAND
Come join our team of top docs. Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC has associate positions available in several of our established MD locations. We have all the administrative, marketing, and assistant help in place to help make your practice, with us, a success. See patients, do your charting, and leave the rest to us. Email your resume and cover letter to newdpm@footandankle-usa.com . We look forward to receiving your information.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – KENTUCKY
Associate position open for well trained, compassionate physician for busy clinic in the beautiful Danville area of Kentucky. Wide range of services to be offered with several ancillary services onsite. Generous base salary with incentive/full benefits and partnership opportunity. Email CV and letter of interest to: MCrosby518@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEBRASKA
Associate wanted for growing practice. Competitive pay with partnership track available, surgery center ownership available. All facets of podiatry available with great autonomy. Great opportunity for right person. Must be BQ/BC. Send CV and contact information to: Nebraskafas@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,500 DPMs AND STUDENTS
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 18,500 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at davidekagan@gmail.com or call (215) 808-0770.
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CLASSIFIED ADS PART 2- PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE – ARIZONA
Small, non-surgical practice in Youngtown, AZ. Near retirement communities west of Phoenix. Front door parking. Hospitals nearby. Great starter or satellite office. Good potential for growth. Very reasonable. Email Art at Igogolfing2@aol.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA
Established in 1976 - fully staffed podiatry practice located in Hampton roads, Virginia across from a class A hospital. The practice has in-house x-ray, ultrasound and PAD ABI waveform devices, as well as a Styker command II system. The custom design 4000 ft² medical building includes a private parking lot, 6 fully stocked treatment rooms and an OR. Tremendous growth and expansion opportunity. Send cover letter & CV to vapodiatry18@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – MASSAPEQUA, NY
Medical equipment in good working condition for sale: 2 Boyd Podiatry Chairs, X-cel X-ray machine with developing tank, whirlpool, 1 steel cabinet with medical supplies (immobilization boots, orthotics grinder, 2 sterilization tanks) Equipment available after May 5, 2018. Best offer accepted. Contact Loreto Capogna (516) 752-0070 or lcapogna@aol.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
MidMark 416 Chair-Blue, Ritter Chair/Table-Blue, Osada SX Drill, Reliance Chair-Tan, X-Cell X-Ray P-700, Pelton Crane Autoclave-Omni Clave OCR, Burton Electricators, Mettler Sonicators, View Boxes, Supplies (walking and air casts, night splints, etc.) & so much more! Dr. Shevlin 772-267-5450
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,500 DPMs AND STUDENTS
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 18,500 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at davidekagan@gmail.com or call (215) 808-0770.
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Disclaimers |
Acceptance and publication by this newsletter of an advertisement, news story, or letter does not imply endorsement or approval by Barry Block or Kane Communications of the company, product, content or ideas expressed in this newsletter. Podiatric Medical News does not represent the views, and is a separate entity from Podiatry Management Magazine and Podiatry Management Online. Any information pertaining to legal matters should not be considered to be legal advice, which can only be obtained via individual consultation with an attorney. Information about Medicare billing should be confirmed with your State CAC.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR
ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS
PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE.
If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an
employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all
electronic copies and destroy all printed copies.
DISCLAIMER: Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be
either timely or free of viruses.
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- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
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- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
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