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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,311 Subscribers Daily
April 18, 2016 #5,644 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2016- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the written permission of Barry Block
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PM NEWS QUICK POLL RESULTS |
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Results of last week's quick poll |
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PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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Did you (or your employer) contribute to your retirement account(s) for tax year 2015? |
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VA PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
VA Podiatrist Participates in Viet Nam Training Mission
Roger W. Hamm, DPM of the Louis Stoke VA Medical Center recently participated in a medical training team in Viet Nam. The team was organized by Vets with a Mission (VWAM) and traveled to Hoa Bac Civilian-Military Clinic, Da Nang Province and Hong Ha – Floyd Olsen Memorial Clinic, Thua Thien Hue Province. The medical training team was composed of three physicians and two nurse practitioners. While at the village clinic, the medical training team trained clinic physicians, nurses, and villagers in first aid and emergency medical care.
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Dr. Roger Hamm (top row, right) pictured with members of the Vets with a Mission on his recent medical mission to Vietnam. |
The village life-savers were trained in basic first aid and CPR, while the clinic staff was trained in emergency medicine, diagnostic ultrasound, and suturing. This training is valuable as the district hospitals are 45 minutes to one hour from the village and the general hospitals are over 90 minutes away. The 2017 team will train a total of ninety medical personnel and villagers from the Hoa Vang District.
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY |
CA Podiatrist Participates in High School Career Workshop
Even for the brightest high school or college graduate, the job market can be tricky to navigate. To help her students better prepare for life outside the classroom, High School at Moorpark College teacher Alexis Botton last week hosted a mock interview workshop that gave the teens a chance to sharpen their speaking and resume-building skills with business owners, doctors ,and other professionals from the community.
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Dr. Heather McGuire |
Dr. Heather McGuire, a podiatrist from Ventura, said that kind of preparation is something many students don’t learn in high school. “The fact that (teachers are) instilling some of these life skills earlier on can be helpful in the transition from academics to real-life jobs,” she said.
Source: Caitlin Trude, Moonpark Acorn [4/15/16]
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PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW |
Boston Medical Center to Pay $1.1 Million to Resolve Fraud Charges
Boston Medical Center has agreed to pay $1.1 million to resolve allegations of Medicare and Medicaid fraud, United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz announced Thursday. The hospital and two of its physician groups were charged with billing Medicare for more units of the cancer drug Rituxan than it actually used, billing Medicare and Medicaid for services at a pre-surgical center that were covered by other fees, and submitting claims to Medicare for outpatient podiatry services that were deemed unnecessary.
In a statement, Boston Medical Center said all healthcare institutions regularly identify and correct billing errors and said the hospital is dedicated to being a “responsible financial steward” of Medicare and Medicaid. “The internal and external reviews demonstrated that the majority of the issues raised in the case had no validity,” the hospital said. “However, there were limited issues of billing mistakes in pharmacy, podiatry, and the pre-procedure clinic, consistent with the results of BMC’s own review. The inaccuracies in these cases were related to software and billing complexities and have been addressed and resolved.”
Source: Katie Johnston, The Boston Globe [4/15/16]
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY |
8 Last-Minute Tax Tips for Physicians - Part 7
"The ACA provides a tax credit of up to 35 percent for health insurance premiums that small businesses pay for their employees. If your practice has paid at least 50 percent of each employee’s health insurance premium cost and it employs at least 25 employees who earn average wages of $51,000, it is entitled to receive the credit."
Lydia M. Glatz, senior manager, MBAF LLC, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Source: Karen Appold, Physicians Practice [4/4/16]
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) |
From: Simon Tabchi, DPM
Jeffrey D. Lehrman, DPM and I conducted a case study in 2012 with the use of Xiaflex for plantar fibromatosis. Xiaflex is currently used for Dupuytren's contracture of the hands. Histologically, both are very similar. Our patient had multiple conservative and surgical interventions with recurrences. After a 90-day follow-up after injection of Xiaflex, the patient had no recurrence.
Simon Tabchi, DPM, Bangor, PA
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 |
RE: The ACA and Where We're Going
From: David Secord, DPM
The mystery surrounding the current healthcare records and reimbursement debacle seems to continue unabated. The various authors of letters lament the absurd level of governmental intrusion into the physician/patient relationship and the resulting decline in quality of care, seemingly to turn providers into clerks and patients into chattel. What strikes me most about the outcome of the Affordable Care Act—neither affordable nor caring—is that its outcome is by design and predictably so. The rare bit of candor we’ve received on the Act comes from Johnathan Gruber—the MIT architect of the debacle—who admitted that the stupidity of the people would be manipulated to force this upon the nation.
Despite the protestations to the contrary, the obvious intent of the ACA was to bankrupt insurance companies (and, apparently, the Nation as a whole) and leave the federal government as the sole insurer. As a consequence of falling reimbursement, the intent is to leave only the federal government as the sole employer of physicians (unless you can afford to go the way of Dr. Bob Kornfeld).
The topic not broached as of this time is that someone voted for the people who shoved this down our throats and voted for them twice. The goals of the ACA were known when Obama was just a candidate for the Democrat nod for President and, yet, was still elected. To quote Pogo: “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”
David Secord, DPM, Corpus Christi, TX
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 |
RE: Reversing the Downward Slide of Medicine
From: Michael Forman, DPM
I have been a reader of PM News almost every day since its inception. There has been a general trend of disillusionment expressed by my colleagues - and rightfully so. From a personal standpoint, my last two years in a two-doctor practice were the worst two years of my life. I was depressed, tired, and just plain miserable. I happen to think that I have the very best wife in the world, but I would go home after office hours and be a &#@). I have been fortunate to save a few bucks and can retire without missing a meal, but I still enjoyed treating patients. I almost just walked out of my office and left everything behind and just went home. However, I found a group practice in my town run by two young (at my age everyone is young) podiatrists. I vetted this group as best I could and joined them about a year and a half ago. Professionally, this was the best move I ever made.
Currently my group, Podiatry Inc. has ten doctors in four offices. All of the mundane work is done for me by the group. I treat, enter a note, enter PQRS when appropriate, and go home right after office hours. The fun is back in practice - I could go on. From my experience, the answer for me was a large single specialty group practice. I encourage everyone to explore this possibility.
Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE) |
From: Arnold B. Wolf, DPM
As I read Dr. Hrywnak's initial post, I asked myself, "What world am I living in"? With no personal offense intended, it is my observance that there are those who believe that once statistical models are created, they must all, in fact, be true. In point of fact (and in agreement with all the other contrarians who have posted to this conversation), it is my belief that healthcare in the United States, as a whole, is deteriorating. I submit the following for consideration:
1) The ACA was supposed to enhance the portability of medical information. If our government had any common sense, one information platform would have been selected (after thorough testing) so that all providers...
Editor's note: Dr. Wolf's extended-length letter can be read here.
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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An interesting take on rocker sole shoes! |
Source: Pinelopi Loizidou via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HARRISBURG, PA
Advanced Podiatry is seeking a full-time podiatrist in a professional environment for all ages in the office and nursing homes. Applicants must be Pennsylvania licensed and or able to acquire. Advanced Podiatry is located in Harrisburg, PA. Position pays salary plus benefits. If interested call 717-657-5050 or email CV to lvgreerdpm@verizon.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST CONNECTICUT
Looking for a well-trained associate to join a 60+ year old multi-doctor, multi- location practice. Walk in to an established patient base and full schedule on day 1. No nursing homes or house calls. Competitive salary and benefits. Send CV to lakesidenh@att.net.
ASSOCAITE POSITION - ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI/SURROUNDING AREA
Well-established practice seeking experienced, highly skilled associate. Partnership opportunity. Board qualified-certified, PSR-36 trained. State-of-the-art office, Digital X-Ray, EHR, Laser, EPAT. Send cover letter, CV/Resume to stcpod@att.net or call 314-565-2739.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - JACKSON, NJ
Well-established practice serving Monmouth and Ocean County is looking for highly motivated associate. Modern office that is rapidly growing with a second office opening soon. Must be willing to provide care for all aspects of podiatry including sports medicine, biomechanics, palliative care, wound care, surgery, and several nursing homes. Send CV to: podiatrynj1212@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS- HOME FOOT CARE, INC
We are looking for podiatrists to visit home patients in these areas: Los Angeles, CA, Ventura County, CA, Santa Barbara, CA, Lancaster/Palmdale, CA, San Bernardino/Riverside, CA, Palm Springs/Palm Desert, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Honolulu, HI. Full/part time, independence, excellent compensation, dedicated support staff, electronic billing/medical records. email CV to: homefootcare@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Successful, growing full-scope practice with offices in Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura and Santa Barbara seeking a full time podiatrist with excellent patient skills to add to our team. Competitive salary and benefits offered including health insurance and 401K. Potential for partnership. Please send CV to Kelly@footsurgeon.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOS ANGELES, CA
Busy, well-established solo practitioner in Los Angeles area seeking associate leading to partnership/ownership opportunity. PSR-36 required. Office across from major hospital. Balanced medical, surgical, & orthopedic practice birth to geriatrics. Send CV and contact info to new.pod@yahoo.com
TEMPORARY PODIATRY POSITION IN ILLINOIS
During June and July temporary (may lead to a permanent full or part time) position available in Central Illinois servicing nursing homes within 90 miles of Springfield. Excellent pay and bonus for this short period! Lodging and travel stipends available. Join our great team. Please email GH@Podiatryplus.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN
Unique opportunity. Upscale, Park Avenue Manhattan. Need an experienced, motivated, caring doctor with excellent podiatric surgical skills to see in-network patients and to cover out-of-network patients. Salary based on experience with performance bonuses if earned. Part or full time. Partnership a possibility if qualified candidate exhibits outstanding performance and skills. Send CV to: institutebeaute885@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASHVILLE, TN AREA
Unique opportunity for the right individual. Spanish language skills preferred. Send your CV, two references and a letter containing the following information: 1. Why we should consider you for the position 2. Top 5 ways our patients benefit from having you in our practice. E-mail responses to NFAAPC@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST ORANGE, NJ
Associate wanted for practice in East Orange NJ PSR 24-36 trained. Must be motivated to grow practice, especially wound care and surgical services. Looking for the right person who will start the buy-in process. Send CV to Drfoot44@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Immediate, full-time opening in fast-paced Sports Medicine Center. No wound care. No Medicare. Candidate must have strong biomechanical, surgical and sports medicine background. Applications accepted online at http://www.fdfac.com/z/about-careers.html
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW MEXICO
Growing practice in need of F/T podiatrist. Remote clinic requiring hard-working board certified/qualified candidate who is well-trained in rearfoot, ankle trauma, reconstruction, wound care. Call/hospital work necessary. Looking for self-motivated candidate who is interested in partnership. Send CV to nlhuge@gmail.com
ACADEMIC PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON
The new College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery located in Illinois and leading to a degree of DPM/MD, is seeking licensed podiatric physicians to become part of the clinical teaching faculty where, under a new curriculum, students will begin clinical training their first year. Applicants need to be licensed and their academic rank will be that of clinical professor which will also include student rotations through their offices. For additional information please send your CV to: Dominic@ColPodMedSurg.com The new College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
FELLOWSHIP – DIABETIC FOOT & WOUND (TEXAS)
One position for a 12-month TMB-approved Diabetic Foot and Wound fellowship beginning July 1, 2016. Candidate must have completed a podiatric residency/plastic surgical residency/general surgery residency and be eligible for Texas Medical License. Training involves all aspect of diabetic foot management. Curriculum focuses on surgical limb salvage, and medical management of the complex wound patient. Interested candidates should email their CV, personal statement and 3 letters of recommendation to latonya.rosales@utsouthwestern.edu. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 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 (800) 284-5451.
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CLASSIFIED ADS PART 2 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
SPACE AVAILABLE WITH BILLABLE MRI – MANHATTAN AND LONG ISLAND
Are you letting income walk out your front door? Do you order MRIs but refer them to outside radiology facilities? Why not perform the MRI yourself and keep all the income? At our turn-key facilities on Long Island and Manhattan, rental of the office gives you access to our state-of-the-art equipment, including a fully-functioning extremity MRI where ankles and feet can be scanned. Once you run the numbers, you'll see that the added income to you makes this proposal a no-brainer. Call 516-476-1815 or e-mail podo2345@aol.com for further information.
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 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 (800) 284-5451.
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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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