|
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 15,819 Podiatrists Daily
April 23, 2014 #5,046  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2014- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
|
| EDITOR'S NOTE | |
Advance Notice: PM News will not be publishing from April 25 - May 3rd
|
|
| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
|
|
| REMEMBERING THE BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING | |
PA Podiatrist Returns to Work His 29th Boston Marathon
When the Boston Marathon gets underway Monday, Dr. Howard Palamarchuk will be there, right beyond the finish line, ready to finish what he started last year. “We’re going to go back and when we hit that point, we’re going to finish the job this time, just like many people are going back to finish the race,” Palamarchuk said. But last year, one bomb went off and then another, turning their blister-patrol tent into more like a wartime trauma center. “When we heard that first explosion, we really didn’t know what it was. There was a lot of confusion at the beginning. And then the second explosion,” Palamarchuk remembers. “It was quiet. Then we started hearing screaming, and then lots of screaming and crying."
 |
|
Dr. Howard Palamarchuk |
“Going back? It’s feeling very strange,” Palamarchuk said from his office at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine four days before the race. This will be his 29th year working the Boston race. Each year, Palamarchuk, who is Director of Sports Medicine at the school, takes a group of 10-12 medical students up to work the race.
Source: Karen Araiza, WCAU NBC Ch10 (Philadelphia) [4/20/14]
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
OH Podiatrist Uses Amniotic Membrane to Close Diabetic Heel Ulcer
In 2011, Patricia Taylor noticed a dime-sized sore in the area between her right ankle and heel. She saw a podiatrist, who diagnosed her with a diabetic wound. Six months later, the sore was the size of a silver dollar and still growing. “By the time everything was done, it took up my whole heel,” says Pat, 61. Her podiatrist felt that she needed more specialized treatment and referred her to the Mercy Wound Center.
 |
|
Dr. Tina Demou |
Fortunately, Tina Demou, DPM, medical director of the wound center, had recently attended a seminar where she’d learned about a new treatment called Neox Wound Matrix. She thought Pat might be a good candidate for the procedure, and Pat agreed to give it a try. Neox is made from human amniotic membrane, a part of the placenta that nourishes the fetus throughout pregnancy. The graft was a success. Slowly but steadily, Pat’s wound began to close. The new tissue even filled in some of the empty space where diseased tissue had been scraped away. “It looks like I have a heel now,” she says.
Source: The Morning Journal [4/17/14]
|
|
| AT THE COLLEGES | |
Barry Podiatry Students Provide Foot Care for Homeless on Good Friday
 |
|
Barry podiatry students wash the feet of homeless (at a previous event). |
The Miami Rescue Mission is making Easter brighter for some families. Thousands of Miami's poorest were given a hot meal and medical care to celebrate Easter. The Miami Rescue Mission served over 2,500 Thanksgiving Meals at parties in three different South Florida locations on Good Friday. Participants were also given haircuts, access to showers, and foot care from podiatry students at Barry University. Students also volunteered to wash participants' feet.
Source: NBC News Channel 15 [4/20/14]
|
|
| PODIATRISTS AND BIOMECHANICS | |
Orthotics Can Correct Faulty Biomechanics: NY Podiatrist
Visit a podiatrist to minimize your risk of hip, back, and knee problems. "If you don't have a good foundation--if you have flat feet or high arches, for example--then the joints in the rest of your body will be stressed as they try to compensate," says Andrew Shapiro, DPM, a podiatrist based in Valley Stream, New York. Over time, this can result in tendinitis, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and joint pain, he says.
 |
|
Dr. Andrew Shapiro |
Shoe inserts called orthotics can help correct many of these imbalances and support your tendons and ligaments. While a custom pair from a podiatrist can cost up to $750, it's still cheaper than knee or hip surgery later.
Source: MSN Health [4/17/14]
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
PA Podiatrist Represents Kidney Foundation at Washington Legislative Summit
Jay Schnitzer, DPM, a kidney transplant patient and practicing podiatrist from Pennsylvania and Board Member of The National Kidney Foundation of Delaware Valley was selected by a National Advocacy Search Committee to testify in Congress on behalf of proposed legislation which could have been potentially devastating for chronic kidney disease patients. This summit took place last month in Washington D.C.
 |
|
Dr. Jay Schnitzer testifying in Congress on behalf of chronic kidney disease funding |
The proposed legislation, which was rescinded by Congress one week later, would have catastrophically affected medication availability for millions of the national total of 26 million who suffer with chronic kidney disease. Dr. Schnitzer was chosen from hundreds of fellow kidney disease advocates.
|
|
| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Meaningful Use Question
Could somebody please clarify the term Meaningful Use recordable patients. I know with PQRS, all Medicare patients with E/M coding are included. With Meaningful Use Stage II, are all patients included? Is it just Medicare patients? Medicare replacement plan patients? I don't believe E/M coding is necessary for meaningful use qualification.
For Meaningful Use Stage I, nursing home patients were not included if they only made up a small percentage of your practice. Is it the same for Stage II?
Richard Wolff, DPM, Oregon, OH
Response: PQRS is for Medicare patients only.
Meaningful Use criteria need to be performed and documented and tracked for all patients, regardless of type of insurance.
Jeffrey Lehrman, DPM, Springfield, PA
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME) | |
RE: Payment for Diabetic Therapeutic Shoes
From: Dave Mullens, DPM, Esq
Your Medicare contractor may deny payment for diabetic therapeutic shoes, or may pay the claim and then demand a repayment of overpayment. Here is how to fight this contractor abuse. Before you provide any diabetic therapeutic shoe service, have the patient sign and date the following express agreement.
1. In the event Medicare denies payment to Dr. ____ for the diabetic therapeutic shoes provided for me, I agree to participate in a videoconference ALJ hearing as part of the appeal for payment.
2. In the event Medicare denies payment to Dr. ____ for the diabetic therapeutic shoes provided for me, and I then refuse to participate in the videoconference ALJ hearing, I agree to pay Dr. _____ the Medicare-allowed amount for the diabetic therapeutic shoe service provided by Dr. ____.
3. In the event Medicare denies payment to Dr. ____ for the diabetic therapeutic shoes provided for me, and I participate in the videoconference ALJ hearing - but the ALJ denies payment for the diabetic therapeutic shoes - Dr. _____ will not hold me responsible for payment of any claim associated with the diabetic therapeutic shoe service.
4. I READ THIS AGREEMENT BEFORE SIGNING IT.
Patient’s signature ______________ Date _________
If a patient won’t sign this agreement, why would you possibly take on the financial burden of providing therapeutic shoes for the patient? The only thing you are asking the patient to do is to show up for a videoconference ALJ hearing and take off his/her shoes so the ALJ can see the missing toe(s), the perforating plantar ulcer(s), the hemorrhagic keratoma(s), etc. If the patient will not sign the agreement, do not provide the service.
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
RE: Short Webinar on Storing Credit Cards
From: Joseph Borreggine, DPM
This policy may have to be put into the practice. This webinar may answer questions and may help alleviate the high deductible problem and people missing paying their bills. Put the policy out front so people know about it, and it can eliminate problems from then on, especially with new patients.
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CODINGLINE CORNER) | |
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM
From this discussion, I have concluded that if your desire is to be the technician who routinely grinds down excess bulk to manage fungus toenails every sixty-one days, then follow the advice of the Codingline experts.
On the other hand, if your desire is to be the medical professional who wants to identify a disease from its signs and symptoms and wants to treat disorders of the skin and toenails, then follow the advice of the of the board certified, fellowship trained dermatopathologists.
The difference I see is that the coders always post a disclaimer stating that each is only offering his or her opinion, whereas the dermatopathologists quote fellowship trained, board certified peer-reviewed documentation.
|
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
RE: Wedges Better Than Orthotics in Cycling Shoes: NJ Podiatrist (Robert Steinberg, DPM)
From: Stephen Peslar, BSc, DCh
Having competed in and completed Ironman Canada twice and once in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, and being in practice since 1984, I agree with Dr. Steinberg's comments. I would like to add that many cyclists' shoes don't have much space to accommodate orthotics. I found Langer's Slimthotics fit the shoes when some bulk was reduced. Also, Northwest Podiatric Laboratory make Superglass orthotics that are very low profile. I found a good method to help cyclists is with 5 mm semi-compressed felt padding skived, trimmed, and applied to the underside of the sock liner in their cycling shoes. They can do some minor trimming with scissors, if necessary.
An interesting pedal was invented by Harry Hlavac, DPM, called Biopedal. It was a traditional pedal that allowed for forefoot varus/valgus adjustment and "float" by permitting internal/external rotation of the pedal platform. It used the traditional toe clip and strap as well. I tried to find it online and found a patent for it. Perhaps Dr. Hlavac still has some available for sale. He did an interesting lecture during the 1980s on vertical alignment of cyclists' legs on the pedal.
Stephen Peslar, BSc,DCh, Toronto, Ontario, pezpied@hotmail.com
|
MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
|
|
|
Shining the Light on Wound Care: A Multidisciplinary Wound Care Symposium
April 27-29, 2014 - 20.4 CPME Credits
Long Island Marriott Hotel and Conference Center 101 James Doolittle Blvd. Uniondale, NY 11553
Keynote Speaker: Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy
Visiting Professor: David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD
A CME Conference designated for Physicians, Podiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Physical Therapists, Dietitians and Certified Diabetic Educators REGISTER NOW!
PROGRAM DETAILS: For information, go to www.northshorelij.edu/cme
|
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS |
FELLOWSHIP – DIABETIC FOOT (COLORADO)
The Eastern Colorado Health Care System – VA Medical Center in Denver is accepting applications for our Podiatric Wound Care and Diabetic Foot Research Fellowship. The annual stipend is $52,684 + benefits. For details follow the link below, selecting the fellowship tab. http://vadenver.net/
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BANGOR, MAINE
After 30 years of full service podiatric practice in the same high visibility office, I am looking to fully retire by summer’s end. The practice has been very rewarding financially and patients are wonderful. I am asking a minimal amount for all equipment, supplies, good will, etc. An ideal opportunity to walk into an active and rewarding practice. Two podiatric friendly hospitals nearby as are recreational opportunities. mainefootdoc@yahoo.com
FULLY EQUIPPED PODIATRY OFFICE FOR SALE - DES PLAINS IL AREA
With Real Estate. Complete turn-key facility include four exam rooms, X-ray room, office, podiatry chairs, reception area with furniture. Large reception area, low real estate taxes. Please Call Al Kantner at 847-293-2932 for more info.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – HOWARD BEACH, NEW YORK
Busy, well established, fully equipped, newly redecorated office in good neighborhood. Doctor relocating. Contact dfoot35@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BETHLEHEM, PA
Must sell. Established over 30 years; 2 days week; 30-35 pts/week; c&c ortho, soft tissue surg. 4 facilities. Gross $250,000. Good opportunity for graduate with no residency as Pa not required. Asking $70,000. Contact podoro123@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE/ASSOCIATE POSITION - WISCONSIN
Well established 30 year plus practice for sale. Good referral base, patient mix of general podiatry, surgical, diabetic and wound care. North of Milwaukee in a busy, high exposure commercial area. Building and property with Main Street access. Close to hospital and surgery center. Contact tjbcjb@yahoo.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL
Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida. Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH OF BOSTON
Looking for podiatry associate hard working with a busy schedule. 4 office locations with all the amenities. EMR, nerve treatments for neuropathy, vascular testing the works. Big focus on sports medicine, wound care and surgery. Lots more but would like to discuss with the right candidate. Mitchellwachtel@ yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HOUSTON, TX
Twenty-year-old Houston area practice with three offices and two doctors seeks to replace one physician moving out-of-state. Applicants should be board certified/board eligible, competent in all aspects of podiatric medicine and ready to take on immediately busy schedule including surgery, wound care and hospital medicine. Practice uses state-of-the-art EMR, digital x-rays, in-house physical therapy, vascular studies and shockwave treatment. Excellent salary, benefits. Send CV to houstonfootdr@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK
Great opportunity to share space with Board Certified podiatrist in mid-town Manhattan and White Plains “state-of-the-art” offices. On premises Joint Commission certified OR and "cutting edge" equipment. Out-of-network providers preferred but participating providers welcome. Please call 212-704-4310 for additional information or fax your CV to 212-704-4311 or email to ifanelli.hms@verizon.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MARYLAND (FULL-TIME/PART-TIME)
Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering part-time positions in Maryland. Podiatry Management Services provides care in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your CV to: drhprosen@verizon.net or fax to 410-486-2049 or call Dr. Herbert Rosen at 410-580-0255.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FINGER LAKES, NY
Established busy practice seeking full-time associate. All facets of podiatry including office, hospital and surgery center privileges. Very competitive and generous salary/benefit package. Live, work and play in scenic Fingers Lakes region of NY. One of the top public school systems. Please e-mail CV and 2 letters of recommendation to docmerk@mac.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Immediate position leading to imminent partnership/ownership. Single location multi-physician group. Senior doctor has run the practice 32 years. Large balanced patient base, large diabetic population and diabetic shoe store. Office has great location, EMR, digital x-ray, PADnet. Surgical and admitting privileges with 2 local residencies. samuel10530@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Multi Physician Practice – Multi Practice Locations Competitive Salary and Benefits. Experienced support staff. Excellent opportunity for a promising future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SW FLORIDA
Immediate position available in SW Florida. Podiatrist to join a small group. Must be Florida licensed, surgical privileges pending experience. Board Certification or Qualified preferred but not necessary. Some nursing home care and limited travel. Excellent pay and lifestyle. Send CV to:1foot.ankle@GMail.com
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 15,500 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 15,500 DPMs. for details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451
|
| 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
Your name, DPM City/State
- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
| |
|
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
|
| |
|
|
|
