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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 20,000 Subscribers Daily
April 08, 2021 #6,924 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 |
Do you give ultrasound-guided injections?
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AT THE COLLEGES |
Scholarship Established in Honor of PA Podiatrist at TUSPM
In honor of her husband's milestone birthday and his outstanding career accomplishments and dedication to the podiatric profession, Mrs. Cheryl Schoenhaus has established the Harold D. Schoenhaus, DPM Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a third year student who excels in biomechanics and pathomechanics.
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Dr. and Mrs. Harold Schoenhaus |
Dr. Schoenhaus is Podiatric Director at the Penn Wound Care Center, and a member of the Department of Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgery at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. He has served on the board of directors and is the past president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He has also served as chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Temple University School of Medicine and at Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, where he was instrumental in developing the first Gait Study Center.
Source: Strides Alumni Newsletter [April 2021]
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1 |
Pressure-Based Ulcers More Common in Older Diabetics: NY Podiatrist
Foot ulcers are very common in those who have diabetes, says Bruce Pinker, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon who treats diabetic foot ulcers. According to Dr. Pinker, "Diabetes suppresses the immune system, reducing the body's response to stress, infection, and injury." This, in turn, makes it harder for those with diabetes to heal from a wound than those who do not have diabetes—which can lead to and exacerbate foot ulcers.
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Dr. Bruce Pinker |
"In many cases, diabetics develop a breakdown of the skin on the bottom of the feet, especially in pressure point areas, such as the ball of the foot or the heel," Dr. Pinker explains. "Older individuals are more inclined to develop these pressure-based foot ulcers as the repetitive motion of walking for several years leads to increased stress in the feet."
Source: Kali Coleman, Best Life [4/5/21]
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2 |
Supportive Shoes Can Prevent Plantar Fasciitis: AR Podiatrist
It's understandable if you want to get outside and exercise these days. Spring is in the air, but, is there a spring in your step? Yes, it is certainly a time to get out there and exercise. But if it has been a while, “I would say start walking before running; that way you can at least build up the stamina,” podiatrist Naval Patel, DPM said.
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Dr. Naval Patel |
With Dr. Patel, it's all about the shoes. “You want to make sure that the shoes that you get are not too flexible,” he said. “Something that has some good support from the hind foot to the mid foot.” In Dr. Patel's office, patients can get custom made insoles to prevent common foot injury that affects two million Americans each year. “Sometimes, people wait too long until they can't even walk at times, or they limp into my office,” he said.
Source: Craig O'Neill, thv11.com (CBS) [4/5/21]
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ABPM NEWS |
ABPM Announces New CAQ in Podiatric Sports Medicine
The American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) will be offering a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in podiatric sports medicine with the first exam in March 2022. The CAQ is for those podiatrists who are already board certified by a JCRSB-recognized board, who wish to demonstrate their knowledge, expertise, and experience in podiatric sports medicine beyond primary board certification. The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) will serve as the educational resource for the CAQ and current fellows of the Academy will be given the opportunity for advanced standing in the CAQ.
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Dr. Lee Rogers |
The exam committee consists of Drs. Joseph Agostinelli, Richard Bouche, Ana Cafengiu, Alicia Cataneze, Michael Donato, Timothy Dutra, Maggie Fournier, John Grady, Brian Hong, Paul Langer, Karen Langone, Howard Liebeskind, James Losito, Howard Osterman, Scott Spencer, Jay Spector, and Lee C. Rogers (interim chair).
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY |
Healthcare Compliance: Elements for an Effective Program - Part 4
By implementing a comprehensive compliance program, a practice can find and correct potential vulnerabilities while minimizing billing mistakes, reducing the chance of an audit, increasing payment of claims, reducing the chance of fraud and abuse, and promoting safe and quality care.
4. Commitment to conducting formal education and training programs for all levels of employees.
Source: Laurie Zabel, CHC, CPC, Logan Lutton, Physicians Practice [3/23/21]
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CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: BCBS Advantage Denials
We have a patient who has a BCBS Advantage Plan and is receiving routine foot care. The last seen date and rendering medical doctor’s name have been filled out on the claim and are within 6 months. The patient has Class B findings. I have Q8 appended. Is this not necessary? The claim is coded as: CPT 11721-59-Q8 B35.1, M79.672, M79.671. E11.51
CPT 11055-Q8 E11.51, L84, M79.672
The office note documentation is as follows: "Procedure Note: Calluses x1 on the feet are debrided with a scalpel blade without incident. The patient’s toenails ×6 were debrided mechanically and smoothened without incident. Exam: Bilateral Feet and Ankles, Skin: warm, dry, Toenails are thick, discolored with subungual debris: 3, 4, 5. Comments: Callus plantar first metatarsal head left foot. "
What am I missing or doing wrong that is causing this to be denied?
Caty Donner, Marion, WI
Response: You describe this patient as having Class B findings but you also include pain as a diagnosis. It appears on the surface that you are mixing up 2 LCDs; one for at-risk foot care and one for painful mycotic toenails (which would not cover the painful callus).
If this patient has at risk findings, which you indicated with the Q8 modifier, I would remove the ICD-10 codes for pain (the M codes) and only use the ICD-10 codes that document the patient to be at risk.
Alan Bass, DPM, CPC,Manalapan, NJ
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) |
Query: Recommendation for Transcription Company
I am nearing retirement and do not use an EMR. My current transcriptionist is retiring. I need a reasonably priced replacement company, preferably with podiatry dictation. I currently use an encrypted voice recorder that we download and receive encrypted notes back. Any recommendations?
Ian Klein, DPM, St. Petersburg, FL
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) |
From: Steven Finer, DPM, Michael L. Rahn, DPM
Medicare provides the guidelines which are available online. They want to know which nails, length, color, crumbling, odor, etc. are being treatment. The medical conditions such as diabetes and PVD are also listed. I used a checklist paper of my own design and never had a problem.
Steven Finer, DPM, Philadelphia, PA
Is this man wearing a shoe or slipper? Does he sleep on his side with that portion of his toe against the bed? Along with the vascular consult, if he is wearing any shoe that covers the toe, cut out that part of the shoe, or at least make about 4 inch-long parallel slits in the upper of the shoe which should allow the shoe to spread in response to pressure from the toe.
This is often a useful approach for lesser toe ulcerations when surgery is not being considered. A surgical sandal in a patient of that age could be a tripping hazard. If he were in my family, that would be my thought before any tendon release or other invasive local procedure.
Michael L. Rahn, DPM, McLean, VA
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A |
From: Gene Spector, DPM, Lester J. Jones, DPM, MS
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ron Valmassy. Ron was a bright, caring physician who always put students first. He will be missed.
Gene Spector, DPM
It’s with profound sadness to hear of the passing of a real special man. Anyone who knew Dr. Ronald L. Valmassy, revered him for not only his complete professionalism but also for his humanity. We were friends for over 50 years. There was never a sullen word spoken between us. Whether or not one communicated with Ron daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or after decades, each conversation was as if it were yesterday. I encourage all of my colleagues who read this note to reach out to one another and do not wait for tomorrow! RIP my old friend. Your life was well lived and we all should follow your humanist path!
Lester J. Jones, DPM, MS
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B |
From: Ross E. Taubman, DPM, Gary Lepow, DPM
Thanks Dr. Kirby for your apt and poignant comments regarding Dr. Valmassy. For all of us who had the privilege of being one of Dr. Valmassy’s students, you accurately described this remarkable teacher, mentor, and professional. His kindness extended well beyond the classroom. The phrase “paying it forward” could have been written about him. My sincerest sympathies to his wife Helen and the entire Valmassy family.
Ross E. Taubman, DPM, Franklin, TN
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ron. We were classmates. Ron was a native of San Francisco and I was newly arrived from Houston. He was very helpful in getting me to know the Bay Area. More than that, he became a friend and confidant. He was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. One of the smartest decision's CCPM made in 1974 was to develop a GME program in biomechanics and choose Ron to be the first graduate to receive the program. Our profession became immensely improved as a result of his dedication to the science of biomechanics. Ron loved his family, students, and CCPM.
Thank you, Ron for being a friend and for your academic contributions.
Gary Lepow, DPM
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C |
From: Joshua Gerbert, DPM
On March 31st, the podiatry profession lost a colleague who was one of the great pioneers of making biomechanics an integral part of our practice, especially pediatric biomechanics of the lower extremity. I worked with Ron for many decades as a faculty member at the California College of Podiatric Medicine. His calmness and patience made him very suited to the management of pediatric podiatric problems. He was always available to work with me on patients and I could rely on his expertise in making certain my patients were obtaining the best treatment available. Even though his expertise was biomechanics, he was very aware of when surgical intervention was necessary and then followed with biomechanical therapy. He was a dedicated medical educator who always made the students and residents assigned to him believe that they were the most important individuals.
I never once heard him make a disparaging remark against another member of the faculty or the profession. He was always willing to provide after hour lectures for any of the residents and would always agree to lecture at continuing medical education meetings nationally and internationally. His devotion to podiatric medical education and research greatly assisted in the overall academic elevation of our profession over many decades. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be his colleague and friend over our podiatric careers. My deepest condolences to Helen and their family.
Joshua Gerbert, DPM, Kamuela, HI
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Shoes of the Day
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Another use for duct tape? |
Source: Submitted by Dr. Al Musella
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MEETING NOTICES AND WEBINARS
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LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE? GTEF NO NONSENSE MEETING GOES TO ASHEVILLE NC!
October 7-13, 2021 Up to 21 CECH* offered
Unique and Informal Meeting Format with plenty of sightseeing time!
Enjoy Fall foliage, Blue Ridge Mountains, a stay at the Biltmore Inn, & plenty of OPEN SPACE!
Offered in 2 parts. Reserve your spot now!
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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 POSITION - CENTRAL COAST OF CALIFORNIA
Well-established, respected, fast-paced, and growing medical and surgical office seeking one podiatric surgeon and one non-surgical podiatrist to join our group on the Central Coast of California. If personable, motivated, well-trained, and driven to succeed, we would be happy to discuss an associate position with you. Applicants must submit a CV and Cover Letter in PDF format. Professional references must be provided at the time of submission. Please submit to: podiatrycentralcoast2017@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
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
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MASSACHUSETTS
Well-established, well-rounded hospital-based group practice located just North of Boston seeking full-time DPM. Applicant must be ABFAS Board Qualified/Certified, well-trained with interest in wound care and limb salvage. We are well integrated within the medical community and are active in both hospital in-patient care and out-patient clinic. Excellent referral base and high volume of new patients. Competitive compensation and benefits package. Excellent opportunity for qualified candidate. Please email CV to footdocsma@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
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MICHIGAN
Associate position for well-known Southeastern Michigan 5-doctor practice. Looking for full time/ part time forefoot and rear foot trained surgeon. Must have outgoing personality. Guaranteed salary with great bonus structure, healthcare, malpractice, vacation, CME, etc. Must be Board Qualified/ Certified in Surgery. State-of-the-art office and staff. Every doctor has a scribe.Contact Dr. Vicki Anton Athens. vathens@mac.com with CV. Athens Podiatry Group.
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
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 - 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 – WESTERN PA
Well-established podiatry practice in Western, PA looking for a full-time podiatrist to join their team. Position will involve seeing patients at multiple hospitals, wound care centers and satellite offices. Basic qualification: Graduation from an accredited medical school and completed accredited residency program. Board Certified/Qualified in surgery. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to our team members. email CV to: dysteindpm@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 - PENSACOLA FLORIDA
Pensacola Podiatry, PA is fast growing, multi-location practice in Northwest Florida looking for a motivated, driven upcoming or recent residency graduate or experienced practitioner to join our practice. We average 180 new patient visits per month for two providers. If personable, motivated, well-trained, and driven to succeed, we would be delighted to discuss an associate position with you. We offer growth opportunities, a strong compensation package. Please send a cover letter and cv to: info@pensacolapodiatry.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
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
ASSOCIATE POSITION – BERGEN COUNTY, NJ
Looking for a full-time podiatrist in a very busy, fast-paced practice. Offering competitive salary and bonuses. Lots of sports medicine, excellent support staff, and positive environment. Immediate start date. Please e-mail CV to cma@njfootpain.com, should you have any further questions you may call Gerry 201-523-9489 ext 101.
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 - WEST COAST/TAMPA FLORIDA SUBURB
World class beaches, top rated communities, water sports, golf, reasonably priced real estate, active lifestyle and “Champa Bay” pro sports await you. Unique opportunity to own a reputable, profitable practice. Control rental overhead as this medical condo is also available for purchase. Practice in a well-integrated foot & ankle environment, including hospital privileges. Serious inquiries only please email Sunpodiatry5@gmail.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA
Office building and 40 year practice and equipment for sale in Northeast Philadelphia. On staff at major Philadelphia hospital and Wound Care Center. On most insurance panels. Will stay to introduce patients. Contact Dr. John Pron johnprondpm@comcast.net
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.
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
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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