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PM News

The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 18,485 Subscribers Daily


April 18, 2019 #6,399 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2019- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block

Boardwizardsapr819

PM NEWS QUICK POLL

Quick Poll

Compared to tax year 2017, how much income tax did you pay for 2018?
 
earthwalkoct917

EDITOR'S NOTE

Photo Correction

In Yesterday's PM News, we incorrectly posted a photo of the late Michael Cassano, DPM.  We regret and apologize for this error. Below is the correct photo of Dr. Cassano.

Dr. Michael Cassano
gordonMar419

PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
Intervening Early is Key to Treating Bunions: NY Podiatrist
 
There are some health problems that you don't expect to experience until your golden years—or preferably, never—and bunions is one of them. But bunions can actually appear at any age. "Conservative treatment is directed at addressing symptoms," explains Michael Cunha, DPM, founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City. "But once the bone shifts out of alignment, there's nothing you can do to shift it back other than surgery," 
 
Dr. Miguel Cunha
 
Intervening early is key. "Bunions progressively worsen over time," says Dr. Cunha. Treatments depend on your level of pain. He recommends rating yours on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being severe pain. If yours is less than a five or six and you want to know how to get rid of bunions, then trying conservative, non-surgical treatment is a great place to start.
 
Source: Jessica Migala, Reader's Digest [4/18/19]
amerxapr119R

PODIATRISTS AND HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS
NY Podiatrists (and Residents) Mark 15th Nicaragua Medical Mission
 
The 2019 annual mission trip organized by Drs. Charles Morelli and Jeffrey Siegel marked their 15th consecutive year traveling to Leon Nicaragua and was again filled with pathology and deformities rarely seen in the United States. This year’s trip was unique due to the changing political landscape juxtaposed by the love and warmth given to the medical team by the government. They were greeted with open arms.
 
(L-R) Dr. Jeffrey Siegel, Matt Knabel, Charles Morelli and Chrisbel Dafeamekpor
 
This year’s residents came from both Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA. While in Nicaragua, they were true ambassadors of their respective programs and set a high bar for all others to follow. Training and meeting residents from around the country has proven to be as satisfying and fulfilling as meeting and treating the patients they are so proud to serve.
drcomfortmar1119

PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE
Podiatrists Volunteer at 2019 Boston Marathon
 
The 123rd Boston Marathon was run yesterday. The marathon was run under very strange weather conditions with heavy rain, thunder and lightning in the beginning of the race; then the sun came out and temperatures reached up to the high sixties and seventies. Later in the day, rain returned with windy, cool temperatures by the end of the race. Over 27,000 runners crossed the finish line, with approximately 2,000 runners treated in the medical tents.
 
Podiatrists, residents, and students at 2019 Marathon
 
Podiatrists were treating runners for various foot ailments in all medical tents.  This year’s team was led by Dr. Jonathan Kaplan with returning participants including Drs. Howard Palamarchuk, Scott Aronson, Ana Cafengiu, Carl Conui, Richard Cullen, Paul Heffernan, Lori Lundberg, Paula Marella, John Pizzuto, Benjamin Saviet, Joel Segalman, and Neal Zomback. There were also returning residents from local hospitals and students from NYCPM, TUSPM, and Western University.  
drjilldec1018

MEETING NEWS
Texas Residency Programs Cowboy Up at 2019 Bandera Meeting
 
This unique annual meeting at a dude ranch is a fundraiser for all the Texas programs and was attended by 52 docs and residents this year. Dr. Javier LaFontaine was the meeting chairman. Lecturers this year included Drs. Larry Harkless, Mike Valenza, James Kutchbackm, and Chris Browning.
 
(L-R) Drs. Chris Kreps, Rebecca Bari, and Leticia Juarez
 
Case Presentation Winners for the 2019 Bandera Texas Meeting: 
1st Place - Chris Kreps, DPM - Kingwood Houston, TX Program
2nd Place -Rebecca Bari, DPM - Baylor Scott & White, Temple, TX Program
3rd Place -Leticia Juarez, DPM - UTHSC, San Antonio, TX Program
ortho10

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY
How to Protect your Reputation Against Defamatory Online Reviews - Part 7
 
Doctors, dentists, psychologists, clinical laboratories, and other medical providers have a right to defend their reputations and livelihoods against reviewers who spread false and damaging claims. Fortunately, there are a variety of legal options available to combat defamatory online reviews.
 
7. Ask yourself if legal action is worthwhile. Consider the severity of the harm inflicted when determining whether to pursue legal action. A widespread defamatory review can lead to the loss of patients as well as significant — and often permanent — reputational harm. Pursuit of a legitimate defamation claim can result in both removal of the offending review and an award of damages to the provider to compensate for the harm suffered. On the other hand, in cases of very minor misstatements, it may not be worth investing the time and resources required to pursue legal action, even if you may have a valid claim.
 
Source: Justin T. Kelton, Physicians Practice [4/4/19]
OHIapr119

CODINGLINE CORNER
Query: New or Established Patient?
 
A surgery is performed in the hospital followed by a post-op appointment in the clinic. I understand that there may be a global period. There are no “complications” or other medical issues so it is a standard post-op appointment. Per Medicare guidelines, is the patient considered a new or established patient? Also, the same question for hospital consultations.
 
Barbara Giuntoli, Compliance Officer for James McAlexander, DPM, Gig Harbor, WA
 
Response: The question is did you see the patient initially prior to the surgery or hospital consult? If so, then you cannot bill for a new patient visit. The global for new patient visits is 3 years, but if you have seen this patient longer than 3 years, it still does not mean you can necessarily bill for a new patient visit in good conscience. If you have not ever seen this patient before as a “new patient” regardless of the procedure, you may be able to bill for the “new patient” exam with the procedure using the -25 modifier.
 
Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL
 
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
bakoapr119B

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME)
From: Steven Finer, DPM, Paul Kesselman, DPM
 
This happened to me about five years ago. I had to fill the entire form out and pay the $550 fee. I was told “No exceptions”.     
 
Steven Finer, DPM, Philadelphia, PA
 
This is a CMS regulation and it is not limited to DME suppliers, the NSC, or any Medicare contractor. Any provider of any type not submitting one claim for four consecutive quarters has their enrollment terminated. This affects all Medicare providers and is not limited to suppliers. Failure to submit a claim to your local MAC for four consecutive quarters (while less likely), will result in the same termination. You can reactivate your enrollment with the same PTAN by going through the enrollment process again.
 
My advice is to track your submissions and submit a claim even for a non-covered service (use the GA modifier) every quarter, in order to avoid this type of problem in the future.
 
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY
atlasjan1419

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL-LEGAL)
From: Linda McSmith, RN
 
At PICA, we recommend that medical record retention policies and procedures should include guidelines that specify what information should be kept, the time period for which it should be kept, and the storage medium (electronic, paper, X-rays, etc.). Applicable federal health record retention requirements, state laws, or regulations pertaining to retention of health information, and accreditation agency retention standards, if applicable, should be followed. It is recommended that a local attorney, familiar with such matters, be consulted when developing medical record retention policies.
 
Unless longer periods of time are required by state or federal law, records of adult patients should be retained for a minimum of 10 years after the most recent encounter, and records of minor patients should be retained to the age of majority plus the state statute of limitations or 10 years after the most recent encounter, whichever is longest. CMS requires Medicare managed care program providers to retain records for 10 years. This includes books, records, documents, and other evidence of accounting procedures. This requirement is available at 42 CFR 422.504 [d][2][iii] on the Internet.
 
Linda McSmith, RN, Risk Manager PICA
OHIapr1519A

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL)
From: Spencer F. Dubov, DPM, Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM
 
In answer to the query from John Scholl, DPM, I found Magic Jack as a reliable VoIP alternative. It plugs directly into your router, allows transfer of your telephone number or will give you a new one if requested, costs about $3 per month which is included in the purchase price ($45 approx.) for the first year, and provides unlimited calls throughout the U.S. and Canada. In lieu of your personal answering service or device, it will intercept incoming calls with your personal message and record callers messages. It has worked flawlessly for me for the past 4 years. 
 
Spencer F. Dubov, DPM, Naples, FL
 
Although, VoIP has its place in the markets, and in other communications, I think that it is not the place for healthcare. It sounds like your expectations will not be any better than what you are experiencing in your post. In fact, VoIP will be rattled at times with digitized words or the issue breaking up. You will be dependent upon Internet traffic just like any Internet service. Therefore, at peak times, I am thinking that you will experience breaking up issues as well as dropped calls.
 
Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM, St. Petersburg, FL
aafasapr1519C

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CODINGLINE CORNER)
From: David Zuckerman, DPM
 
The use of local anesthesia definition doesn't include a regional nerve block such as a posterior nerve block. Use of a local anesthetic shouldn't be routinely used due to the potential possibility that the outcome of ESWT treatment might reduce ESWT’s  effectiveness. I base this on the study done by Dr. Furia for ESWT high energy application for treatment for insertional plantar tendinosis. Further research needs to be done in this area; however, I strongly suggest that regional nerve blocks be used and local infiltration of anesthetic such as lidocaine be avoided for Achilles tendinosis as well as plantar fasciosis ESWT applications. 
 
Medicare high energy ESWT coverage has changed since 2018. There appears to be a discrepancy between Medicare coverage policy and the updated payment policy.  
 
David Zuckerman, DPM, Cherry Hill, NJ 
2020apr819A

YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP

RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day

Would you call these horse shoes?

Source: Roxanne Jackson via Virtual Shoe Museum

astepabovejun1818


MEETING NOTICES

presentapr119B

IFAFarthro125

KSUfeb419

presentapr119

PM PODIATRY HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON

July 13, 2018 – Salt Palace Convention Center - Salt Lake City, UT

Honoring Samuel Mendicino, DPM and Rembrandt Jackson 

Sponsored by ABFAS (Gold), Bako Diagnostics (Silver), PICA (Bronze), and Sammy Systems (Bronze)

PM News subscribers are invited to see Dr. Mendicino and Mr. Jackson inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame, including roasts by special guests. 

All ticket proceeds go to the APMA Educational Foundation Student Endowment Fund. Reserve your tickets now by calling Sandra Arez  at (800) ASK-APMA.


CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND/QUEENS 
 
Advanced Podiatry Seeking Full Time DPM for upscale practices located at the Americana Manhasset, Huntington and Queens. Excellent work environment and company culture.  Latest technology with digital x-ray, laser, EHR, Ultrasound, the latest Apple software and iPads. Must be surgically trained, motivated, with a great work ethic. Very competitive salary with significant upside. Visit www.LIFootCare.com and email eavieiradpm@gmail.com for more info.
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FL
 
Seeking associate for busy foot/ankle practice. ABFAS cert or qual. Great interpersonal skills and willing to work as a team, follow company protocols and systems. Office fully EMR, digital x-rays, Ultrasound, DME. Base salary, bonus, health, 401K, etc. Email: DrLam@naplespodiatrist.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PENNSYLVANIA
 
Independent Podiatry Group Practice looking for a full-time and / or part-time associate. Foot and ankle surgery, hospital rounds, wound care and general foot care. Comprehensive benefit package and opportunity for future partnership. Please send resume to debra8@zoominternet.net
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION – WISCONSIN 
 
Established solo female practitioner seeking a well-rounded associate to provide all aspects of foot and ankle care.  Candidate must be friendly, motivated, and dedicated to growing the practice.  Competitive compensation with 401K, health insurance, malpractice, vacation, etc.  Large referral base in a rapidly growing area.  Please send inquiries to: drjulie@greenvillefac.com  
 
PODIATRIST POSITION – SOUTH CAROLINA 
 
Work and live in one of the greatest states for outdoor fun and recreation. Centrally located 2 hours from the mountains and the ocean, well established practice of 21 years seeking an associate for its rapidly growing and expanding office. Must be board qualified/certified by ABFAS. Looking for someone with great people skills who is dedicated to putting in the effort to grow the practice. No traveling, no nursing homes. You must have SC podiatry license and next test date is June 1. Please send cover letter and CV to docdan@earthlink.net
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION – FLORIDA 
 
Partnership potential with an established (30 year) solo practice looking for recent residency graduate or experienced practitioner with 2-3 years surgical residency training. Clinical skills must include wound care, diabetic foot care, surgery.  Modern office with EPAT/ LASER/ EMR.  Competitive benefit package. EMAIL JAZ1616@BELLSOUTH.NET.
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA 
 
Busy practice is looking for a BC/BE FT podiatrist! Must be motivated, hardworking, positive, and dedicated to growing the practice and reputation.  Must have great interpersonal skills, caring bedside manner, and positive demeanor.  Send CV and cover letter to: sara.bouraee@gmail.com and HRFAS453@gmail.com with a subject line HRFAS POD OPP
 
PODIATRIC POSITION – NEW MEXICO
 
Podiatric practice located in Albuquerque, New Mexico is seeking a Podiatrist BE/BC in foot and RRA to join our practice.  The ideal candidate is Spanish-speaking. Once-monthly hospital call will be required.  Weekly travel to a rural outside clinic required.  Competitive compensation with retirement, health insurance, malpractice, etc.  Email jrossfootankle@gmail.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTH CAROLINA/NORTH CAROLINA
 
Established group practice seeking a well-rounded associate to provide all aspects of foot and ankle care.  Candidate must be motivated, hardworking, positive, and dedicated to growing the practice.  Competitive compensation with 401K, health insurance, malpractice, vacation, etc.  Large referral base in a rapidly growing area.  Please send inquiries to: mwrapecpg@gmail.com.
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL NJ 
 
Associate needed for 30+ year busy private practices in Central NJ immediately in Mercer county. Applicant should be personal, independent and motivated. Practice entails all aspects of podiatry. Surgery, orthopedics, wound care, primary care and sports medicine. Competitive compensation package. To apply please email letter of intent and CV to footfx124@gmail.com.
 
POSITION AVAILABLE - MARYLAND 
 
One owner, group practice looking to hire business minded associate for buy-in/buy-out relationship. I will teach you to become a top earner in the field, with buy-in and buy-out agreement after 3 years. Salary with bonus incentive including full benefits. I am ready to slow down and sell 2 of the 3 locations in three years and eventually sell the 3rd location and become an employee working a few days a week. I own two of the office locations, so real estate investments are possible. This is a unique opportunity, you do not want to miss. AtlanticFootSurgeons.com. drhenrock@yahoo.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ALABAMA

Love the beach?  Busy, established practice located in a coastal community is looking for a full-time or part-time podiatrist!  ABFAS board qualification or certification is required.  Must be motivated, hardworking, positive, and dedicated to growing the practice and individual career and reputation.  Must have great people skills, caring bedside manner, and positive demeanor.  Must work well with staff and local medical community.  Competitive pay and partnership track available.  Send CV and contact information to:  manager@southbaldwinpodiatry.com

WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP - NEW YORK 
 
CPME APPROVED 12 month fellowship beginning July 1st, 2019. 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

PM NEWS CLASSIFIED  ADS REACH OVER 18,000 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 18,000 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
CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
PRACTICE FOR SALE - EAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS 
 
30 year established surgical practice in rural East Central Illinois. Re-locating. Turn-key operation with 3 treatment rooms and surgical suite. Certified EHR. Generates $450K, price reduced to $250K (includes real estate). Call 217-549-1887 or email drjoe@myfeethurt.net.
 
PRACTICE FOR SALE - VESTAL, NEW YORK
 
Burned out? Fed up with working for discounted fees and feeling like an indentured servant? Then cut the cord with 3rd party payors! Rare Opportunity: Well established (41years), currently part-time, “CASH” practice. NO INSURANCE! Well maintained 2500 sq.’ office and equipment.  Will introduce and train. Contact: uniquepractice@gmail.com 
 
8,000 PATIENT CHARTS FOR SALE - MANHATTAN
 
8,000 podiatry patients on an external hard drive. 27 podiatric file boxes securely stored. Successful podiatry practice patients from every major medical center in New York City. Worldwide patient flow over 40 years practice. Closed one month. Immediate responses requested. dr.philwhitman1@gmail.com 
 
SPACE AVAILABLE – PLAINVIEW NY (NORTH SHORE OF LONG ISLAND)
 
Office available to sublet and share. Fully equipped (turn-key) with state-of-the-art extremity MRI, diagnostic ultrasound, x-ray, and the availability to become a staff member of a certified ambulatory surgical center. Call 516 476-1815 podo2345@aol.com
 
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED  ADS REACH OVER 18,000 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 18,000 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.
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.
Guidelines
  • To Post a message, send it to:    bblock@podiatrym.com
  • Notes should be original and may not be submitted to other publications or listservs without our express written permission.
  • Notes must be in the following form:
    RE: (Topic)
    From: (your name, DPM)
    Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use Spellchecker
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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.

Barry H. Block, DPM, JD
 
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