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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,476 Subscribers Daily
April 24, 2019 #6403  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
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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Do you allow patients to videotape treatments or surgical procedures?
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| PODIATRISTS AND HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS | |
RI Podiatrist and RIPMA Support Foot Health Center of West Africa
Known for his medical missionary work and as the founder of Clinics of Hope, Thomas Mancini, DPM has been dividing his time between his Rhode Island practice and West Africa for more than 15 years. Dr. Mancini, a podiatrist, was recently presented with the 2019 American Podiatric Medical Association Humanitarian Award for his work in Togo. He, along with Debbie Motta, a nurse and colleague, founded Clinics of Hope in 2004. A Clinics of Hope Foot Health Center is set to be opened in Togo’s capital in the fall of 2020 to focus on diabetic foot care, limb salvage and tropical ulcers.
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Dr. Thomas Mancini |
"The Rhode Island Podiatric Medical Association (RIPMA) has been instrumental in providing finances, equipment, supplies, and assistance in marketing and promoting our clinics. We are actively working with the RIPMA to develop a Foot Health Center of West Africa in Lome, the capital of Togo. Residents from Kent Hospital and Roger Williams [Medical Center] have expressed interest in providing state-of-the-art foot and ankle medicine and surgery there once this center is open," said Mancini.
Source: Elizabeth Graham, Providence Business News [4/21/19]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
It’s Time for a Spring Foot Checkup: IL Podiatrist
Spring is a great time to talk with your doctor about foot issues. While foot issues frequently are a complication of diabetes, that's not always the case. "Painful feet aren't normal," said Marc Leonard, DPM, an OSF HealthCare podiatrist. A foot problem left untreated could lead to a stress fracture, sore in the foot, or an injury that takes longer to heal.
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Dr. Marc Leonard |
Dr. Leonard recommends that people take care of their feet by checking them for red spots, cuts, swelling, blisters, or sores; washing and drying them daily; trimming your toenails as needed; wearing properly fitting shoes and socks; never walking barefoot; and boosting physical activity to increase circulation in your feet.
Source: Paul Swiech, The Pantagraph [4/20/19]
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| PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE | |
NY Podiatrist Stresses the Importance of Stretching
“As we age, our bodies start to contract and our muscles get tight. Whether you have a desk job or you are standing all day, your muscles adapt to a certain position, which contract more in one direction, leaving you feeling unbalanced. Therefore, you must stretch every day. Practicing yoga is a good way to stretch and lengthen your body,” says podiatrist E. Giannin Perez, DPM.
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Dr. Elynor Giannin Perez |
"When it comes to running, don’t forget to stretch your Achilles tendon. It is important to stretch it daily, because when tight, the Achilles can lead to many injuries, including plantar fasciitis - inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue in the feet, which is a common cause of heel pain - and pain on the ball of the foot," says Dr. Perez.
Source: Times-Herald Record [4/16/19]
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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 | |
Get Paid for Procedures Insurance Won’t Cover - Part 3
Getting paid for procedures continues to become more complicated. Many doctors are adding new procedures to their offerings that patients want and can benefit from, such as Botox to treat migraine headaches, dermal fillers for aesthetic purposes, laser therapies for scar reduction, stem cell and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections for musculoskeletal disorders, genetic testing, and many more. But insurance companies often won’t pay for them. Here are some ways to get paid.
3. Ask for payment up front. The simplest way to get paid is to ask for it before the service is provided. If a patient wants Botox, for example, they should pay for it prior to the injections. It is always harder to collect after the procedure is done. You can’t get that vial of Botox back even though you’ve already paid for it. That is just lost revenue.
Source: Linda Girgis, MD, Physicians Practice [4/17/19]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Coding for Arthroereisis Procedure
S2117 is the listed HCPCS code for an arthroereisis implant. If an insurance company reimburses the ambulatory surgery center for the invoice cost of implants, but does not recognize this HCPCS code (and does approve the CPT code for the surgery), which alternate code would you advise? Or is there an “other” or “miscellaneous” implant code that would be appropriate?
Jeff Bean, DPM, Carson City, NV
Response: Strictly speaking, this procedure is considered “investigational”, which means the surgeon will not get payment nor will the surgery center get a facility fee, nor will the anesthesiologist get a fee. I’d be very surprised if the implant would be covered either. This would be an out-of-pocket expense for the patient.
Should you think that a particular insurance company would reimburse some or all of the fees, I strongly suggest a pre-determination letter be sent to the carrier and written confirmation be obtained BEFORE going forward with this plan.
Howard Zlotoff, DPM, Camp Hill, PA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL) | |
Query: HIPAA-Compliant App?
I’ve attended lectures discussing being HIPAA-compliant with patient photos being stored on physicians' smart phones. A close friend has a client who is a world renowned surgeon and uses an app called “Secret Calculator Photo Album” to store his patient photos in his phone. He states this app is HIPAA-compliant. I cannot confirm the validity of being compliant with HIPAA regulations but it would be worth looking into. If anyone can verify this, it would be helpful to many.
Jack Ressler, DPM, Delray Beach, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From Paul Kesselman. DPM
From a purely utilization standpoint, those who dispense bilateral AFOs on the same date of service, stand out on the right end of the bell curve. Now mind you, being on the right side of the bell curve or being an "outlier" is not necessarily a bad thing. But if you are going to be a "pioneer", be prepared for lots of potential negative push back from carriers, simply because you are not in step with your peers. And by your peers, I mean all providers of AFOs, not just podiatrists. Currently, the data simply is not in line with bilateral dispensing of AFOs.
As for the time period mentioned by Dr. Shavelson, I believe he was referring to the Same or Similar issue, which somewhat precludes a new AFO within a 5 year (not 3-5 as mentioned in his LTE) period. While the Same or Similar period can be overcome through appealing to your DMEMAC and meeting the requirements stipulated in the LCD (new diagnosis, change in anatomy, physiology, etc.), it's no slam dunk to a successful appeal. If your appeal fails, you may...
Editor's note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: James DeWitt, DPM
I have been prescribing balance AFOs for patients at risk for falls since 2011 and have found them to be an important and effective component of my comprehensive fall prevention program. I conduct a fall risk assessment with any patient who has admitted to falls/unsteadiness or whom my staff and I observed demonstrating a balance deficit as they ambulate about the office.
I refer you to the randomized controlled trial by Bijan Najafi, et al. from November 2018 published in Gerontology entitled "Effectiveness of Daily Use of Bilateral Custom-Made Ankle-Foot Orthoses on Balance, Fear of Falling, and Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial". I feel that podiatry has a tremendous opportunity and is very well positioned to make a difference in this rapidly developing medical issue. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
James DeWitt, DPM, Wyoming, MI
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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This heel is inspired by the mechanics that go into the making of merry-go-rounds. |
Source: Jackie Janowski via Virtual Shoe Museum
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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 $229 (less than $16 per CECH)
(Only $15 per credit) http://www.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
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS, OKLAHOMA CITY, MADISON, WI
If your passion is to enhance people's independence and quality of life through helping them improve their mobility, then a career as a Preferred Podiatry Group podiatrist could be for you. Flexibility, autonomy, resources - they're all yours! Oh, and did we mention that there's very high earning potential based on patient volume? Please send an email to recruiting@PPGpc.com if you're interested in learning more about PPG podiatric care for residents in long-term care homes.
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST WANTED – CALIFORNIA/SF EAST BAY
Join our growing multi-office practice, immediate opening. Must have great people skills, bedside manner, and positive demeanor. Must work well with staff and local medical community. Prefer private practice experience. California license required. Full or Part Time. Send CV and cover letter to: ebpod2008@gmail.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.
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 – HOUSTON, TX
Established Houston practice seeking motivated, hard-working recent graduate for associate position in all aspects of podiatry. Long-term plan includes partnership. Send CV to dpm2docs@gmail.com.
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
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
SALES POSITION - CUSTOM ORTHOTIC PRODUCTS
Sales Representatives needed to call on podiatrists and chiropractors to introduce our High-Quality Line of Custom Orthotic products. Repeat monthly commission on new accounts. Call (800) 275-1842
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
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - LOS ANGELES - SUBURB
Dynamic and long standing, busy 5 Star practice for sale in an updated medical building in the San Fernando Valley. Strong referral base. Seller retiring. Active participation in managed care.Priced to sell. Contact: MCrosby518@gmail.com.
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
SPACE AVAILABLE - MANHATTAN
Dr Sha’s Downtown Manhattan Podiatry Workplace available. Satellite-Part Time, Maiden Lane corner Broadway High Tech Upscale, 4 treatment room podiatry practice of Dennis Shavelson, DPM immediately available two days a week. Fitness-biomechanics-dermatology oriented. Access via Path, ferry, and mass transit. 10,000 pass by my LED signs an hour. Custom terms to be mutually determined. Perfect for Downtown satellite location, Surgical DPMs, in-network practices. Established parties only. Email drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com with interest.
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.
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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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- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
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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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