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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 20,000 Subscribers Daily
May 11, 2021 #6,947  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 |
Are you in favor of the proposed AMA Resolution allowing podiatric students and residents to take the USMLE exams?
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Tailor Bunion Surgery Can Be Avoided With Proper Off-Loading: CA Podiatrist
"When you have a tailor's bunion, you can have undue pressure in that area and need to be concerned about excessive pressure," says Ami Sheth, DPM, a podiatric physician and surgeon at Foot and Ankle Associates in Los Gatos, California. "You need to be especially careful since you may not recognize when a shoe is too tight or rubbing on that area." That's a problem because scrapes or sores that go unnoticed and untreated can worsen. And foot wounds are harder to heal in people with diabetes, which means they can spiral out of control.
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Dr. Ami Sheth |
Surgical removal of a tailor's bunion is rarely necessary when you stabilize the outer side of the foot and take weight off the toe joint, Dr. Sheth says. Bunion surgery is typically only necessary when pain is unbearable or to correct the deformity to improve bone alignment.
Source: Lisa Marie Conklin, The Healthy [5/6/21]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
GA Podiatrists are Readers' Choice Award Winners
Bret Hintze, DPM and Andrea Cass, DPM of Foot & Ankle Reconstruction of North Georgia have been named a Readers' Choice Award winner by Around Woodstock magazine. Dr. Hintze received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency training at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami FL.
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Drs. Bret Hintze and Andrea Cass |
Dr. Cass received her podiatric medical degree from the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine and completed her podiatric residency at DeKalb Medical in Decatur, Georgia. She is a medical author, writing multiple chapters of McGlamry's Comprehensive Textbook of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 4th and 5th editions.
Source: Around Woodstock [5/1/21]
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| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
IL Podiatrist Discusses What to Look For in a Walking Shoe
Not in the mood to run? No problem. Walking is actually a great form of exercise and burns way more calories than you think (about 100 cals per mile). But in order to walk the walk and still be comfortable, you need an A+ pair of walking shoes. "You want to make sure you have a sneaker with a stiff midsole,” says Melissa Lockwood, DPM, ABPM-certified podiatrist and founder of Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates.
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Dr. Melissa Lockwood |
“When you try to twist the shoe back and forth, it should be stiff. There can be flexibility in the toe box, though.” A mesh upper will give you that space for your feet to breathe and move around. Meanwhile, opt for a rubber outsole. “Man created concrete, so we need something that supports us on pavement,” Lockwood says.
Source: Mallory Creveling, Women's Health [5/7/21]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Technologies Practices are Leveraging to Deliver Better Patient Care - Part 6
Here are technologies and their importance for practices in today's care delivery system.
6. Telephony
Better communications tend to translate to healthier patients and stronger finances. That's why practices are increasingly switching from hardwired phone landlines to voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services. In simple terms, VoIP is a way to place and receive phone calls via the Internet, but it is doing so much more for practices. With VoIP, practices are gaining access to communications solutions that deliver tangible patient care improvements, including improved satisfaction and decreased cancellations.
Among VoIP's features, depending upon the solution and services selected, are: routing of calls to smartphones; more efficient management of patient calls; custom, scheduled messages and greetings; voicemails translated to text; and videoconferencing. VoIP does all of this while improving security and privacy of a practice's communications.
Source: Nelson Gomes, Physicians Practice [4/29/21]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Residual Foreign Bodies
I’m questioning if CPT 20103 is only used for gunshot or knife wounds and residual fragments being left in the foot. We have a patient who has had a piece of glass in her foot for about 5 years and we have not performed any advanced imaging. Is advanced imaging needed for documentation before proceeding with surgery? And would we bill CPT 20103? Or if the glass is found and removed, would just CPT 10120 or CPT 10121 be most appropriate?
Miranda Hook, Wichita, KS
Response: CPT 10120 and CPT 10121 are for skin tissues, but if the foreign body extraction is below this level, look at 3 potential options for CPT 28190 - Removal of foreign body, foot; subcutaneous; CPT 28192 - Removal of foreign body, foot; deep, CPT 28193 - Removal of foreign body, foot; complicated. Pick one of these but not CPT 20103 – Exploration of penetrating wound (separate procedure); extremity. This is just like you said; it is typically used for gunshot or knife wounds.
David J. Freedman, DPM, CPC, Silver Spring, MD
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| QUERIES (APMA NEWS) | |
Query: Will All DPMs be Able to Take USMLE Exams per the AMA Resolution?
If the AMA Resolution passes as written, will the USMLE Exams be open to all DPMs or only recent graduates?
Mak Yousefpour, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
Editor's comment: Yes, included in the Resolution is "Whereas, the decision as to whether DPM students and graduates [emphasis added] would be permitted to take the USMLE rests with the NBME and would be based in part on whether the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) accreditation standards are comparable to Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) standards and sufficient to meet NBME requirements..."
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Lawrence Rubin, DPM
Podiatrists whom I work with on Medicare and Medicaid compliance issues in Nevada have had problems with Centene. I caution those who contract with the company to pay impeccable attention to your documentation. Be sure your documentation supports the medical necessity of every code billed.
Centene also does overpayment recovery work for insurance payers, and one can expect their viewpoint to be, "If it isn't documented, it never happened." Their website clearly states, "(Our)... intent is to protect consumers in the delivery of healthcare services through timely detection, investigation and prosecution of potential fraud."
Lawrence Rubin, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA NEWS) - PART 1A | |
From: Allen Sherman, DPM
I read the announcement by the APMA and reporting by PM News with great interest regarding the joint effort of the APMA, ACFAS, AOFAS, and the AAOS (Joint Task Force of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Podiatric Surgeons) to petition the American Medical Association and the National Board of Medical Examiners to allow podiatrists to prove that they ”demonstrate(s) the core competencies to practice medicine” by taking and passing the USMLE exam. I have long felt that merely stating that our education was equivalent and demanding an MD degree was a pointless, sophomoric exercise. Power and exclusivity are never ceded voluntarily. Rights to so valuable a commodity as a professional degree is always only achieved by proof, and that proof is testing by our peers.
If we are asking for an MD degree, it’s always been a foregone conclusion that we must pass our...
Editor's note: Dr. Sherman's extended-length letter can be read here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA NEWS) - PART 1B | |
From: John Lanthier, DPM
In response to Dr. Ribotsky's observation of "why are we trying to keep the DPM degree if the USMLE proposal is approved?", I'm in full agreement with this statement. As gold is seen as a "barbarous relic" of the past in the age of Bitcoin, so the analogy can be extended to the DPM degree as a barbarous relic from the past that should be upgraded to MD.
I see how advanced the training is now for the new graduates and their level of skill and knowledge and I appreciate that I stand on the shoulders of giants, but even I am selling some gold to buy Bitcoin now.
John Lanthier, DPM, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1A | |
From: Don Peacock, DPM, MS
This post is of interest to me because I know both parties involved. I rotated through Dr. Kominsky’s program as a podiatry student. I was impressed by his surgical talent and his willingness to teach. Likewise, I know Thomas Bembynista, DPM and I met him at minimally invasive academy seminars. He is a superbly trained foot surgeon with stellar surgical skills.
Like Dr. Kominsky, I shy away from claims of better when it comes to techniques. There are too many variables. One of these is who does the surgery. The post reminds me of one of the best foot surgeons I have ever known who practiced in NC for years. He did not have hospital privileges for most of his career. He performed large foot surgeries in the office under local with perfectly skilled outcomes. He often used K-wires for large rearfoot fusion cases performed under local anesthetic in his office. His name was Barry Johnson, DPM and his surgical skills were amazing. There was something almost magical with his abilities.
The truth is some surgeons are just good at what they do. Drs. Kominsky and Bembynista would fall in this category. Whatever technique they do, it's likely to have good results. It ain’t the car (technique), it’s the driver (surgeon).
Don Peacock, DPM, MS, Whiteville, NC
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1B | |
From: Patrick J Nunan, DPM
I want to add to Dr. Kominsky’s comments on cost. Many hospitals are contracted with maybe 2-3 suppliers of surgical hardware. Before getting approval, you have to submit a request and possibly present before a hospital committee on why and how the new equipment is better than what they have negotiated already with other companies. The new technology must be usable to most of the podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons on staff. It must be the same cost or less expensive than what is already on the shelf. The equipment needs to be unique and there is NO other way to fixate the procedure. The days of getting any equipment we want is over!
Patrick J Nunan, DPM, Beaufort, SC
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRIST IN THE COMMUNITY) | |
From: Martin Thomas Girling, DPM
If I recall correctly, Dave Alper did food reviews at local Cleveland restaurants in the early mid-'8Os. I enjoyed his blurbs.
Martin Thomas Girling, DPM, St Pete Beach, FL
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Does this shoe provide "spinal support"? |
Source: pinterest.com
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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 3/2/20-1/1/22 may take all credits online
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, CA
Part-time or full-time positions available for immediate consideration. Must have completed 3-year residency and board qualification or certification. Email CV and bio to podiatryoc@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST - PENNSYLVANIA
Seeking Full Time Surgical Physician. Immediate Opening, Top Salary. Immediate or delayed buy-in option available Established high-end surgical practice since 1990's State College, PA FAX CV to 814-231-1817
ASSOCIATE POSITION/PRACTICE FOR SALE – NASSAU COUNTY, LONG ISLAND
Part time associate to work needed, or part time associate willing to work one day steady per week. Will sell 500k gross practice for 200k with sale of home/ office. North shore, Nassau county, Long Island. Contact: bombbustr7@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC
Fast growing, multi-location practice in Manhattan, NY is looking for a motivated, driven practitioner to join our surgical, sports-medicine based practice. Our full-time associates average $200k+ per year. If personable, motivated, well-trained, and driven to succeed, we would be delighted to discuss a position with you. We offer a strong compensation package including health benefits and a healthy pension. Please send a cover letter and cv to: footdocnyc@outlook.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MARYLAND
Superstar podiatrist needed for busy offices in suburban Maryland. Great opportunity. All the tools to succeed are ready for you: x-ray, ultrasound, marketing, surgery, fully trained staff, state-of-the-art technology. Strong compensation package including health benefits, excellent bonus structure, retirement investment, partnership opportunity. Please email CV to jot5389@hotmail.com
PODIATRIC SURGEON – SOUTH CAROLINA
Physicians Footcare, SC largest provider of podiatric services, is seeking a highly skilled and personable physician to join our TEAM. If you are ready to live, work, and play comfortably; send letter of interest and CV to: scdpmjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS- AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY- TEXAS, KENTUCKY, FLORIDA, ARKANSAS
A growing practice is seeking motivated podiatrists to treat patients in nursing facilities in Texas, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Florida. Excellent opportunity for an energetic, ethical, and personable individual. Please send your CV and cover letter to office@easternpodiatrypllc.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - CONNECTICUT, KENTUCKY, MISSOURI, RHODE ISLAND
Looking for reliable and ethical podiatrists to service Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities in CT, KY, MO AND RI. Send inquiries and CV to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico has an exciting position open for a board qualified or board-certified foot and ankle surgeon to start in the fall of 2021. You can view our website at footanklenm.com. Spanish speaking and Fellowship is a plus but not a requirement. Billing/coding experience is preferred. Compensation is a competitive salary plus a percentage bonus structure to start. Please email CV and cover letter to sswrege@yahoo.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
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 - 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.
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 - SO CAL
Upscale surgical practice close to hospital. Practice including all podiatric disciplines, serving PPO, HMO, and WC injuries. Fully equipped, digital x-ray, laser, EMR and trained staff. Lease or purchase of fully equipped facility. Retiring physician will stay through transition. Contact repro@earthlink.net.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHERN MASSACHUSETTS
Est. practice with optimum visibility and referrals. 3.5 days/week; increase growth by adding hours. Great income potential for a foot surgeon. Hospital privileges available. Gross approx. $300,000. Priced at $170,000 includes equipment, turn-key. Email at dpmassist@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
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 cscjrlaw@gmail.com or 972-978-6691.
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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