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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 20,000 Subscribers Daily
April 22, 2021 #6,934  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management https://podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2021- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
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When do you anticipate physically attending meetings and seminars again?
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
IN Podiatrist Called By FBI To Study Killer’s Gait, Explains Investigative Process
Michael Nirenberg, DPM runs a foot clinic in Indiana. When he’s not with patients, he’s an expert witness in criminal cases across the country. “When I look at a piece of footwear I’ll do what I call a shoe autopsy: looking at the bottom of it, the wear pattern, the insole impression,” he said. “We can show that you wore the shoe and you were the only one who wore the shoe.”
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Dr. Michael Nirenberg |
He has helped convict and exonerate people using gait analysis, but he’s careful to point out that such findings should not be the only evidence used against someone. He says more than one person can walk the same way, so it is just one piece of the puzzle. Nirenberg says he would not participate in a prosecution if the only evidence was gait analysis.
Source: Kelsey Mittauer, CBS 11 [4/19/21]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
IN Podiatrist Featured on Holocaust Remembrance Day
The city of Carmel recently remembered and honored victims of the Holocaust with a livestreamed remembrance ceremony. Alex Kor, DPM, the son of Holocaust survivors Michael and Eva Kor, was one of the featured speakers.
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Dr. Alex Kor |
Dr. Kor traveled to Auschwitz more than 20 times with his mother, Eva Kor. She was the founder of CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Eva survived the Holocaust at age 10. She and her sister, Miriam, were sole survivors of her immediate family. She died in 2019 at the age of 85. Dr. Kor is dedicated to continuing his late mother's work.
Source: WTHR (NBC)
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| PODIATRISTS AND PODCASTS | |
VA Podiatrist Hosts Forum with GW Students
Ben Pearl, DPM developed and hosted a live Zoom forum “Research is Relevant” on Fit Foot U. He sought out 2 top researchers, Bijan Najafi, PhD and David Armstrong, DPM. He collaborated with a pre-med fraternity at George Washington (GW) University which he has worked with in the past with their educational programs. Also in attendance were several students from the TUSPM sports medicine club. Dr. Pearl noted that research is particularly important during these unprecedented times, so that patients can make well informed healthcare decisions and understand the proportionate risks and benefits.
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“Research is Relevant” on Fit Foot U |
Armstrong noted that even when solutions are created to ensure patient compliance, they need to be evaluated for how they make the patient feel. He cited one study that used zip ties around cast boots as an example. Dr. Nijafi added that gamification (the application of typical elements of game playing (e.g. point scoring, competition with others, rules of play) to other areas of activity, typically as an online marketing technique to encourage engagement with a product or service) is a way to build teamwork between the physician and patient as it makes compliance with a task such as foot exercises more fun. He told young researchers to start in their training years to find mentors for areas of research they are interested in.
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| MEETING NEWS | |
Morrison Hospital Teams With ASPS to Provide Free CME Program
This past weekend, Morrison Community Hospital and the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons (ASPS) provided free education to almost 600 attendees during the Complications/Wound Care course. This was the 9th year of the seminar. Topics ranged from ankle joint implant complications to cutting edge wound care technologies.
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Morrison Hospital/ASPS Complications/Wound Care course |
Chairperson David Yeager, DPM said, “We are so happy to provide such excellent education free to our attendees. The turnout was phenomenal and the lectures were excellent.” Next year’s event will be scheduled for April 1st-2nd, 2022.
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS AND RELEVANT RESEARCH | |
Ill-fitted Shoes Can Significantly Impede Foot Movement and Comfort: Aussie Study
Podiatry experts at the University of South Australia (UniSA) are encouraging parents to get their children's school shoes professionally fitted, as new research confirms that ill-fitted footwear can significantly impede foot movement and comfort. In a new study, researchers tested the effect of shoe size on foot motion and comfort among children aged 8 to 12 years, finding that shoes that were one size too small restricted the normal movement of the heel, arch, and big toe joint during walking.
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Dr. Helen Banwell |
Co-researcher and podiatry expert, UniSA's Dr. Helen Banwell says when it comes to the back-to-school rush, parents cannot afford to overlook the benefits of a well-fitted school shoe. "The start of a new school year can creep up quickly, and it's easy to overlook or rush through the purchase of new shoes," Dr. Banwell says. "Our research shows that school-aged children can easily help identify a good shoe fit, by rating their level of comfort in the heel and toes. A good shoe fit will absolutely start your school year on the right foot."
Source: Medical X Press [4/20/21]
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| RELEVANT RESEARCH | |
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Leads to Reduction in Pain Scores, Opioid Consumption
Active, percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation reduced pain scores and opioid requirements without side-effects during the first 7 days after ambulatory orthopedic surgery, according to published results.
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Opioid consumption was measured in oral morphine equivalents and mean scores were measured from 0 to 10. |
“Post-operative pain management relies primarily on pharmacologic approaches with limited effectiveness,” Brian M. Ilfeld, MD, and colleagues wrote in the study. “Peripheral nerve stimulation is effective in controlling some forms of chronic pain but has not been tested in the post-operative setting,” they added.
Source: Max R. Wursta, Orthopedics Today via Healio.com [4/16/21]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Ways to Play the Prior Authorization Game - Part 2
Prior authorizations (PAs) are a pain for physicians. Here are a few things you can do to improve your odds of winning.
2. Know what needs to be documented in the chart.
I had a patient with knee pain who I suspected had a torn ligament in the knee. When talking to the rep to get prior-authorization for an MRI, I told her the patient had a positive drawer sign. She never heard of this before and because I didn’t record the results of the Lachman test in the note, she could not approve the MRI. She didn’t know what this test was (I asked) either, but it was a checkmark on her decision tree. I record them all.
Source: Linda Girgis, MD, Logan Lutton, Physicians Practice [4/8/21]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Denials for Steroid Injections
Our billing department is getting denials for almost all steroid injections (without ultrasound). Examples would be CPT 20550, CPT 20551, CPT 20600 and CPT 20605. Our coder utilizes the Optum Podiatry coding guide to make sure the diagnoses match up with the type of injection. She does not bill for the injectable (G code).
A common example would be M72.2 (plantar fasciitis) and CPT 20550 -RT. Another would be M71.371 (bursitis Rt) and CPT 20600 -RT. All get denied by Medicare and private plans. Any suggestions? Is it because we are not billing the injectable solution also?
PM News Subscriber
Response: I have not heard of across the board denial for these codes. What was the denial message on the EOMB? This can give you valuable information as to the true reason for the denial. That said, my recommendation would be not to use the RT modifier when only one side is injected. If using the RT, the computer may be looking for the LT?
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RELEVANT RESEARCH) | |
RE: Effect of High-frequency (10-kHz) Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: Can/Should DPMs Provide this Therapy?
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
The World Health Organization estimates a total of 422 million adults with diabetes worldwide and a worldwide prevalence (8.5%) that has nearly doubled over 4 decades. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, frequently seen in podiatric medical practice, is a common complication of diabetes, presenting with pain and other dysesthesias, including numbness, burning, or tingling. Approximately 20% of patients with diabetes will develop painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), a progressive, potentially debilitating chronic neuropathic pain condition. The study indicated that patients with PDN refractory to best available treatments can be safely and effectively treated with high-frequency (10-kHz) spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Patients in the study assigned to the SCS treatment group underwent temporary trial stimulation for 5 to 7 days with percutaneous leads placed epidurally along T8 to T11.
The patients who reported 50% or more pain relief using the visual analog scale (VAS) were eligible for permanent SCS device implant (Nevro Corp), which included 2 percutaneous leads placed epidurally connected to an implantable pulse generator typically placed in the low back. Stimulation parameters included 10-kHz frequency, 30-μs pulse width delivered via bipole, and amplitude range of 0.5 to 3.5 mA. Optimal bipolar location and amplitude were adjusted per patient feedback. Patients with painful diabetic neuropathy with inadequate pain relief despite best available medical treatments should be considered for 10-kHz spinal cord stimulation. Evidence-based treatment guidelines should contemplate positioning of 10-kHz SCS in the continuum of care.
Follow-up of this study population will continue for 24 months and establish potential durability of this treatment beyond 6 months. Patients experienced substantial, sustained pain relief as well as clinically assessed improvements in neurological function and improved health-related quality of life. In practice, patients with PDN with inadequate response to conventional treatments should be considered for 10-kHz SCS. Can and/or should a podiatric physician be able to provide this therapy? (Peterson EA, et al. Published Online: April 5, 2021).
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL-LEGAL) | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Dr. Herbert is correct. If any of us do administer COVID-19 vaccines, we must get informed consent. At my hospital, a nurse gave me my shots, and I had to consent. There is, however, one greater area that we podiatrists should pursue with regard to the COVID-19 vaccinations. We should talk with our patients who harbor fears about getting the vaccine. In order for society to lick this virus, many millions of people need to take the vaccine and based on the millions of people who have already been vaccinated, these are among the safest vaccines in history.
To the contrary, getting the virus is a possible ticket to severe morbidity or even death. It behooves all of us, irrespective of whether we are administrators of the vaccine or not, to query our patients on whether they were vaccinated and, if not, do whatever we can to allay their fears and encourage them to be vaccinated.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Foot of the Day
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How to get to a podiatry office in style? |
Source: Submitted by Drs. Steven Berlin and Neil Scheffler
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MEETING NOTICES AND WEBINARS
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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 $249 (less than $17 per CECH)
podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, DE, HI, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MI, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, VT, WV, and WI
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, ID, IA, MD, 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
* NY podiatrists whose licenses expire from 3/2/20-5/1/21 may take all credits online
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY TEXAS, KENTUCKY, and ARKANSAS
Podiatrist positions available for immediate hire to treat patients in Nursing Facilities in TEXAS, KENTUCKY, and ARKANSAS. A unique opportunity with flexible schedules and an unmatched potential for growth. Send CV and Cover letter to tajdpm@verizon.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO
Available immediately. Home visits/ some facilities/ some office hours . Illinois license is required. Existing patients’ base. Net $250-325K. logistics are provided. Full- and part-time are available. Contact vadim.goshko@gmail.com or 312-375-6430.
JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR UPCOMING GRADUATES – JACKSONVILLE, FL
We are looking for a full-time surgical podiatrist in Jacksonville FL starting this summer. Three busy practice locations, inpatient service, need to be board qualified for hospital privileges (ABPM or ABFAS or ABMSP) Growth opportunities. Please sent CV or text to Dr.Barnouti@gmail.com 904 887 4531 and DrNamen@DrNamen.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - CONNECTICUT, UPSTATE and WESTERN NEW YORK, RHODE ISLAND and TENNESSEE
Looking for reliable and ethical podiatrists to service Nursing Homes, Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Facilities in CT, Buffalo area and Upstate NY, RI and TN. Send inquiries and CV to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
FUTURE PARTNER/ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST – ARKANSAS
We are a busy well established and highly respected three man group. This position is available to a well-trained, personable, motivated, goal oriented, entrepreneurial minded physician. This practice offers all facets of podiatric medicine with an onsite ASC. Located in a rapidly growing city with a Division I University. You would be hard pressed to find a better city to settle down and raise a family. Send CV to podiatrygrouppharm@gmail.com
PODIATRIST POSITION – CENTRAL/SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TERRITORY
Join a podiatric team whose work positively impacts the lives of seniors every day! KG Health Partners, the largest podiatric practice in Florida, is seeking full and part-time podiatrists who will provide mobile-based foot, ankle, and lower leg care to residents living in long-term facilities in Central/Southwest Florida. Achieve work-life balance with a Monday through Friday schedule, competitive wages, malpractice insurance, and exceptional benefits for full-time employees (health, paid time off, 401K retirement plan with company match). You must maintain active Medicare and Florida licenses. Email CV to kgadmin@kghealthpartners.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - WESTERN and UPSTATE NEW YORK
Looking for reliable and ethical podiatrists to service Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities in the Buffalo area and Upstate New York. Send inquiries and CV to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTH WEST FLORIDA
Start Immediately. Walk into a busy schedule day one in this modern, full scope practice. Must be personable, compassionate, motivated, and ABPM or ABFAS BQ/BC. Competitive salary and benefits with clear path to partnership. Excellent opportunity for surgical volume and diversity to accelerate board certification. FL License required. Send CV to podiatrymanda@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – CT, DE, PA, OH, MO, TN, FL
PediRite provides care to nursing home residents. Excellent opportunities working in our contracted facilities. Flexible scheduling, very lucrative commissions! Great match if you have open days/hours in your schedule. Work available in DE, OH, PA, MO, TN, PA, CT. Resume to sara@sightrite.com (sign on bonus for CT and DE)
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NASSAU COUNTY, NY
Multiple office practice located in Nassau County, New York seeking motivated, energetic individual to become an Associate in Merrick and Westbury locations. Multi lingual a plus. Leading to partnership and eventual ownership of practices. Please email CV to dgrossman5@optimum.net.
FULL TIME PODIATRIST - NEW JERSEY
We are a fast-growing podiatry practice in New Jersey with multiple locations and Doctors. We are currently looking for a full-time motivated and caring Doctor to join our busy practice. Some benefits include: competitive six-figure salary, generous, guaranteed bonus structure, health insurance (including vision & dental), paid vacation time off, paid malpractice insurance and CME time off. Great prospects for experienced Doctors as well as new Associates. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your Podiatric medical and surgical experience in an office-based practice! If interested, please submit your CV to DrSamofal@PodiatryCenterNJ.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ATLANTA, GA
Immediate associate position for a well-trained, highly motivated individual. Competitive salary with commission structure, PTO, CME allowance, health and malpractice insurance. All aspects of podiatry. ABFAS RRA Board Certified is preferred but will consider the right Board Qualified Candidate. Must be confident in working solo in your own office environment. Please email cover letter and CV to atlantafootankle@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HORSEHEADS, NY
Seeking BQ/BC podiatrist with residency training to join busy practice serving the NY Finger Lakes Region as well as Corning, Elmira, and northern PA. (Surgical privileges in NY & PA hospitals) Excellent Opportunity. Generous Compensation Package. Send CV, references to career@thurberandthurber.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PISCATAWAY/HILLSBOROUGH, NJ
We are a busy podiatry office with locations in Piscataway and Hillsborough, NJ. The office has been in practice for over 31 years and has great reputations. We are looking for motivated and driven full-time and part-time doctors. Candidate will be comfortable meeting doctors and business owners to build referral relationships. We will provide you with every tool needed for your success- treatment protocols, peer networking groups, and a full-time marketing person. drwishnie@stopfootpainfast.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. PETE/CLEARWATER FLORIDA
West Coast of Florida. I am looking for a podiatrist to help in office but mainly long term care facilities. This job has flexible days, and flexible hours. All schedules and supplies will be given. We are not a big corporation. We pay a GENEROUS percentage of collections. No call, No weekends. Only drawback is that there will be fairly extensive travel throughout Florida required. Travel expenses paid for. All I ask is for a personable doctor ready to make a good living without a lot of stress. Please email Wormanjeffrey@gmail.com
FULL-TIME or PART-TIME PODIATRIST - DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA
PSR 24-36 Trained Multi-dimensional, Multi-office group treating a wide range of patients to include: forefoot, rearfoot, diabetic wound care, sports medicine and work-related injuries. Modern offices and equipment. A great opportunity for driven personable individual. Please e-mail Cover letter, CV, short introduction video Email: cnunez1940@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS
Full-time position available 7/1/21 in busy 2-doctorm 2-office well-established practice in Central Massachusetts. Must be surgically trained. Must be willing to get Board Certified. Hard-working, professional and goal oriented who is looking for a long term position with growth. We cover all aspects of Podiatric care including private office, long-term care facilities, surgeries, and wound care center. Please send cover letter and CV to greatpodiatryjob@gmail.com
PART-TIME ASSOCIATE - GLENSIDE, PA
Looking for a part-time associate DPM in our main office in Glenside. Private outpatient practice that sees all aspects of podiatry but with a Sports Medicine focus as well. Incentive-based pay. In suburbs of Philadelphia. More info/to apply email CV to gordonpodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST - NAPLES, FL
PSR 24/36, ABFAS certified/qualified for surgical practice. Must have FL license. Hospital privileges available. No HMOs. Naples is an upscale area and wonderful place to work and live. Prefer someone who is personable, team player and hard working. Email CV draustin@gulfcoastfootcare.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 20,000 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 20,000 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
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS
Established, 35 plus years, growing practice for sale. General podiatry with large volume of wound care, diabetic foot care, and pediatric treatment. Hospital privileges close by. Strong referral base with great growth potential. Contact or 972-978-6691.
PRACTICE AVAILABLE FOR SALE- MASSACHUSETTS
North of Boston. 30-year-old solo practice. Affluent community. EHR. Digital x-ray. 5 year avg. over $700k gross. Dedicated staff. Owner can stay for transition. Email podpractice2021@gmail.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – NEW JERSEY
15 min. from Philly; 38 y/o practice; all phases of podiatry office and hosp. surgery EMR, digital x-ray, great staff. Grosses 300 K in 2 1/2 days can easily expand to full time. Optional building purchase. Retiring but will stay as long as needed for transition. contact jay195322@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 20,000 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 20,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
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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
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