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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,469 Subscribers Daily
May 09, 2017 #5,922 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2017- 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 think your practice's data system is strong enough to protect patient information against an attempted hacking or breach?
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| PODIATRISTS AND DIABETES | |
Diabetic Ulcers, When Caught Early, Can Be Healed: FL Podiatrist
Podiatrist Dr. Alissa Zdancewicz — her patients mostly call her “Dr. Z” — says diabetics make up a growing share of her practice. She meets some of them for the first time in the ER. “What I will see most likely is a diabetic, poorly controlled, admitting glucose over 500,” she says. “They may not have a fever, because of their immune response. They will put off going to the emergency room because they don’t feel so bad. So now their foot is red, swollen, and they are not only learning they’re diabetic, but they’re going to lose a portion of their toe or their foot, and they’re in the hospital. It can be an overwhelming experience.”
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Dr. Alissa Zdancewicz |
The cause is a callus that becomes ulcerated, explains Zdancewicz, who is president of the ManaSota Podiatric Medical Association. At worst, the wound can develop gangrene or sepsis, both potentially fatal. “The callus breaks down the skin, as if you’re walking on a rock, and then instead of draining out as a normal wound would, it drains in — into your foot,” she says. “If that happens, it can degrade the inner tissue, and it can become a festering infection already affecting the bone. That’s when you’re looking at an amputation. When it’s caught early, it can be cleared up.”
Source: Barbara Peteres Smith, Herald Tribune [5/6/17]
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| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
Shoes Alone Aren't to Blame for Foot Problems: NY Podiatrist
Dr. Joseph Carbone, a podiatrist with Rochester Foot Care, says shoes alone aren’t to blame for the condition our feet are in. “Most musculoskeletal problems of the foot are genetic or inherited and cause an imbalance in the foot,” he said. The wrong shoes just exacerbate the problem.
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Dr. Joseph Carbone |
“You could say that a large percentage of people have a foot deformity, but not a lot are symptomatic,” he said. “A lot of men, for instance, have bunions but never seek treatment. They just wear wider shoes to accommodate the bunion.” Not so for many women, since “fashionable footwear” for women rarely includes the word “wide.”
Source: Anne Schule, Democrat & Chronicle [5/5/17]
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS | |
Malta Podiatrists Still Unemployed, Months After Graduating
Podiatrists who completed their course just under a year ago have still not been employed in the public service, months after graduating. Speaking to this newspaper on the condition of anonymity, one of the 10 podiatrists said that while they had completed their course at the University of Malta in May last year, they were still in the dark as to whether they would be employed in the public service or not. “We completed our course in May and had our graduation ceremony in November. We were only called in for an interview last month after having received no feedback,” the podiatrist said.
She insisted that during the interview, the candidates were told that they would be informed whether they had been selected or not in two weeks’ time, yet, they have not been contacted still. “We cannot wait around twiddling our thumbs until we get the call. Some of the podiatrists have even had to resort to seeking employment in different sectors,” the podiatrist said, adding that the group had been in touch with the UM Voice of the Workers in an attempt to resolve the issue but this, too, proved in vain.
Source: Claire Caruana, Times of Malta [5/5/17]
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| FROM PM's CURRENT ISSUE | |
Twice 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 | |
Healthcare Fraud 101: Under False Claims Act - Part 8
8. It is best to hire outside counsel for this investigation who are different from the lawyers who advised you initially on how to comply with the law. The reason is simple: there may come a time when your defense to the FCA case is that you relied on the advice of your lawyers when you undertook the conduct. That can be an awkward (or impossible) defense if those lawyers who advised you that the conduct was legal are the same ones defending you in court.
Your counsel should also be experienced in criminal investigations or have a colleague who is. That's because the government often engages in what are called "parallel investigations"—that is, the government will conduct a simultaneous criminal investigation and civil FCA investigation. A parallel criminal investigation creates a higher level of risk to mitigate.
Source: Sara Kropf, Physicians Practice [4/14/17]
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Source for Cantharone
Can anyone provide information on a vendor who distributes Cantharone to California? I have been finding it more and more difficult to access. For the treatment of warts, I use a number of different modalities including Cryoprobe, Candida injections, 5-FU, laser, S.A., Adapalene, and duct tape, but have found that Cantharone is still one of the most effective treatments.
Charles Baik, DPM, Tustin, CA
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Coding Amputations Due to Osteomyelitis
I performed a 4th left toe amputation and a partial metatarsal amputation due to osteomyelitis. Which is best to code and bill for maximum payment?:
CPT 28820 toe amputation
CPT 28122 excision of metatarsal bone
or
CPT 28005 incision, bone cortex (eg, osteomyelitis or bone abscess), foot
Peter Luthringer, DPM, Naples, FL
Response: I suggest an alternate coding scenario:
CPT 28122-LT
CPT 28820-59
The first code represents the partial amputation of the metatarsal for osteomyelitis and the second represents amputation of toe at the metatarsal-phalangeal joint. CPT 28005 has no coding relationship to your procedure performance.
Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Cerritos, CA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1A | |
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM
I find Dr. Wenstrup's comments to be disingenuous. As a member of the Tea Party, Dr. Wenstrup helped the GOP undercut the PPACA from the very beginning, and it is they who are causing the most problems with the PPACA, today. This has always been a deliberate attack on the PPACA to deny President Obama his signature piece of legislation.
There is only one reason to separate out one group of people (pre-existing), from the whole, and it's not to be nicer to them.
Robert S. Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1B | |
From: Joel Lang, DPM
It is shameful that our only podiatrist representative in Congress has totally “drunk the Kool Aid” and voted for our narcissist president’s tax cut for the rich, cleverly camouflaged as a healthcare bill. I don’t believe that the president or Rep. Wenstrup actually read the bill – there was not enough time. The bill was passed without COB rating and will likely allow 24 million to lose health insurance. His comments in yesterday’s post indicating the availability of treatment of pre-existing conditions is false and misleading, and sadly, Rep. Wenstrup knows it.
Obamacare is not “crumbling” and is not “job killing” as the president asserts. It is more popular than ever and most Americans appreciate the life-saving provisions it provides. Yes, it needs some improvement, but everything that has never been done before needs some improvement after years of use. Flaws show up with time and use. This cynical blind lemur-like behavior on the part of the Republican Congress is totally contrary to the benefit of the working middle class America.
Joel Lang, DPM (retired), Cheverly, MD
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 2 | |
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
On June 30, 2017, Lawrence Harkless, DPM, one of the giants in podiatric medical education, is retiring from the deanship of the podiatric medical school of Western University of the Health Sciences. It seems like just yesterday, when as dean of the then California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1970, I interviewed him for admission. I knew even then that he was destined to become a podiatric physician and a leader and mentor in the profession and indeed he did. It is hard to describe how it makes me feel when someone who was my former student achieved at the level he did.
I saw in a relatively few years after he acquired a DPM, his becoming an outstanding clinician and then at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Chair and Program Director of its podiatric surgical residency, becoming one of the role models for other residencies in the profession, producing some of the leaders in both the clinical and educational arena. This led him to be selected as founding dean of Western’s College of Podiatric Medicine. The profession is so fortunate to have someone like Dr. Harkless in its midst.
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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These floatable shoes were created by a 3-D printer. |
Source: United Nude via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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PM PODIATRY HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON
July 29, 2017 – Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center- Nashville, TN
Honoring G. "Dock" Dockery, DPM and Benjamin J. Wallner
Sponsored by Bako Integrated Physician Services (Silver), PICA (Bronze), and Sammy Systems (Bronze)
PM News subscribers are invited to see Dr. Dockery and Mr. Wallner inducted in 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 sending $75 per ticket to: APMA Educational Foundation Student Scholarship Fund, 9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 or via the APMA Meeting registration form.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK
Well rounded, hospital based, podiatry practice includes general podiatric pathology, sports medicine, surgery, and wound care/ limb salvage. Currently 4 DPMS and 3 offices. Large number of new patients monthly, digital x-rays, and EMR. Offices located 75 miles north of New York City, in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Must be willing to relocate to immediate area. Excellent opportunity as 2 senior DPMs continue to cut down. Seeking an associate leading to potential partnership. Must have PM & S- 36 training. Please email CV to eriksims@hotmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE SC
Three doctor practice seeks PSR-24/36 associate. New office. Hospital and surgical center nearby. EMR in place. Located near lake and mountains between Charlotte and Atlanta. Must have SC license or sitting for June exam. Please send letter of interest and CV to docrose@bellsouth.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW JERSEY
Seeking a full-time and part-time associate position in a growing multi location podiatry practice in Burlington County, NJ. PSR 24/36, ABPS certified/qualified preferred. Send inquiry and CV to sjpodiatrist@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND, NY
Looking for an experienced, board certified/qualified podiatrist for busy practice, must be personable, energetic and highly motivated. Well rounded practice incorporating all phases of podiatry including general podiatry, surgery, wound care, orthopedics. P/T, F/T position available, excellent salary. Please email CV to: jbmbcw@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS, MO
Multi-location group seeking DPM to run their own clinic (one DPM per clinic, no travel or assisted facility work). Clinical work is substantive with good surgical balance. Utilize leading EMR, digital x-ray in clinic, and Cutera laser. Excellent comp plan that allows for unlimited earnings growth, plus malpractice, health, and 401K plan. Please send CV to stlouispodiatrists@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ILLINOIS
Part time podiatrist wanted one day per week for Medinah and Franklin Park office to begin June 28, 2017. Please contact Dr. Ballard by text 630-307-7463.
EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY! – LOS ANGELES, CA
Home Foot Care, Inc. is looking for qualified podiatrists to visit home patients in the greater Los Angeles area: full/part time, independence, excellent compensation, dedicated support staff, electronic billing/medical records. email cv to: homefootcare@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NAPLES, FL
Associate podiatrist Naples, Florida. PSR 24/36, ABFAS certified/qualified for surgical practice. Must have FL license. Hospital privileges available. No HMOs, no nursing homes. Naples is upscale area and wonderful place to work and live. Prefer someone personable, hard-working and team player. Email CV draustin@gulfcoastfootcare.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - TENNESSEE, WEST TEXAS, OKLAHOMA, KANSAS CITY
Preferred Podiatry Group is seeking providers to join our growing practice servicing long term care facilities in several areas. We offer a competitive commission based income as well as a benefits packaged to our employed podiatrists. Full-time and part-time positions are available. Contact Dr. Chris Kestner at ckestner@ppgpc.com for details.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND
State-of-the-art group practice seeks a well-trained and personable Podiatrist to join our group. Our practice has all of the bells and whistles you can imagine including scribes, EMR, Shoe store, DME and an in office surgery center. Hospital Emergency Room call is required. Must be confident in Trauma, Ankle Fractures and Diabetic Limb Salvage. We offer a very competitive salary, bonus structure and excellent benefits package. Please forward your CV and letter of intent with headline: Podiatrist Seeking Great Job Opportunity. mynewposition75@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT
Wonderful opportunity for a dynamic, personable, and well-trained podiatrist for full-time or part-time position. Two-location practice for over 45 years. Unlimited growth potential with incentive. Need motivated and dedicated physician. Hospital privileges, available ER call, with podiatric residency. Send CV and cover letter vpappasdpm@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Seeking full-time associate in a multi-doctor podiatry group. Excellent opportunity to grow with our practice, with an opportunity for buy-in/partnership. Competitive salary with bonus structure, health insurance, 401k, and CME allowance provided. Please send CV and letter of intent to: PApodiatrygroup@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 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 PART 2 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE/ PARADISE VALLEY, AZ
A well established, successful solo practice in a prestigious medical center. Office suite recently built. All aspects of podiatric medical care for adults and children. Excellent opportunity for referrals and continued practice expansion. Doctor willing to stay and help with transition. Call 602-740-1686 for details.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – LONG ISLAND
Unusual opportunity – You can lease storefront office from existing podiatrist in location for 30 year. Busy location Western Nassau County. Office is set up ready to practice. Great for expanding podiatrist. No money down. Rent for $2,700/ month. Favorable lease terms. No charts/records. Email rrranch7@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Grossing 300k only 2.5 days/week, room for expansion. Digital x-ray, EMR, all aspects of podiatry with good payer mix. Located in medical center/hospital complex. If interested, email: nathanterri@hotmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - CALIFORNIA: NORTHERN
Retiring. The practice comes with a ready patient base in an area of unlimited potential. Awesome locale with lakes, mountains and rivers in every direction. $230,000 buys the building and a well established practice. Seller will partially finance and stay as needed during transition. This is a great opportunity!! Email reddingpodiatry@sbcglobal.net
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 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.
| | Guidelines |
- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
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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.
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