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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 10,900 Podiatrists Daily
May 12, 2008 #3,243 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2008- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
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Fungoid® Tincture
The Timeless Tincture, since 1925, is pleased to announce Walgreens and Rite Aid pharmacy chains have added Pedinol’s Fungoid Tincture to their Foot Care aisles. When recommending Fungoid Tincture to your patients, please refer them to the above retailers. If the patient does not have a local Walgreens and Rite Aid pharmacy, other ordering options are available. Their local pharmacies can order the product direct from their wholesaler or consumer purchases can be made online at Amazon or Foot America.
Samples for the doctor’s office are also available via fax request. Please fax over your request, with signature, address and DEA number to 631-293-7359. Additional information is available on our websites. Click here or here
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
IL Podiatrist Provides Advice for Plantar Fasciitis
Marlene Reid, DPM, a podiatrist in private practice in Westmont, IL, and past president of the American Association for Women Podiatrists, tells WebMD that plantar fasciitis can best be prevented by walking in sturdy shoes, with good stability and arch support, rather than flimsy sandals or flip-flops. Once it starts, the disorder -- which usually hurts worst right after taking the first steps in the morning -- can go on for months, gradually getting worse rather than better.
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Dr. Marlene Reid |
If the pain lasts more than two months, Reid recommends seeing a doctor. "You could stretch gently in the morning before walking," she says. "There also are different types of heel cups you can buy. "The doctor might also recommend physical therapy or night splints," Reid says. "Cortisone can be injected, and there are shockwave and cryogenic treatments available to destroy the inflamed tissue and promote normal healing."
Source: Star Lawrence, WebMD [5/9/08]
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You wear New Balance shoes. Why not your patients?
As a podiatrist you wear and recommend your patients to wear New Balance shoes everyday in your practice. Did you know that many models of New Balance shoes are SADMERC Approved for your Diabetic patients? Dia-Foot offers the 608, 811, 816,844, 901, 926, 965, 992 models plus shoes from their sister lines Dunham and Aravon. Pricing on these premium built shoes start at just $75 with 3 pairs of pre-fab inserts and shipping.
Dia-Foot also offers quality shoes from Rockport, Orthofeet, Soft Spots, PG Lites, Hush Puppies and Aetrex. Dia-Foot’s lab is always coming out with new improved Diabetic inserts to satisfy their client’s needs.
For further information on Dia-Foot and our product line please visit us our website or contact Gary at 877-405-3668.
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PODIATRISTS AND PUBLISHING |
TN Podiatrist Publishes Self-Help Foot Care Book
Michael A. Perrone, D.P.M., OCPM class of 1958, recently wrote a book for the consumer market, The Foot Care at Home Book. Although the main focus of this self-help book is for those who live far from podiatric professionals, the book is also seen as a value to LPNs, RNs, and podiatric assistants. In addition, the book can serve as an introductory text for those beginning their studies in the field of podiatric medicine.
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Dr. Michael A. Perrone |
Since his graduation, Dr. Perrone has served as the President of the Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association, as a member of the Tennessee Podiatric Examining Board, and on state committees which aided in establishing medical and surgical privileges for podiatrists in all Tennessee hospitals. While practicing podiatry, Dr. Perrone also served as a teacher/clinician. He was honored with the Stickel Award for his work in research, and became a pioneer in the application of the rotary surgical instruments and minimal invasive procedures. In 1972, he wrote the book, Podiatric Nail and Bone Surgery with a Rotary Airmotor. After 37 years, Dr. Perrone retired from a very successful private practice in Nashville.
Source: OCPM
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For samples and rebate cards, contact JWoldenberg@Quinnova.com To learn more, call 877-660-6263 or visit our website
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HEALTHCARE NEWS |
NPI Deadline: Insurers Won't Pay Claims with Old IDs After May 23
Starting May 23, physicians must use only their National Provider Identifiers in place of any other IDs when filing all electronic claims and some paper claims with Medicare and other payers. The Bush administration already has extended this deadline by a year, but organizations representing doctors and others warn that even more time is needed before they will be ready to make the final transition.
Near the end of April, about 20% of all Medicare claims were being submitted with NPIs only, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS will continue to monitor physicians' progress on the identifier in the days leading up to May 23 and will evaluate if any administrative action on its part is necessary.
CMS is urging all physicians to work to file the NPI-only test claims right away, and the agency expects the roughly 20% figure to rise rapidly over the last few weeks leading up to the deadline. On May 7, participating clearinghouses held a "Legacy Free" day by stripping all old ID numbers from claims processed with dual identifiers. Physicians who still needed to fix their information in the new NPI system or Medicare enrollment files would see those claims rejected but would have some time to set the record straight before the deadline.
Source: David Glendinning, AMNews [5/12/08]
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MEETING NOTICES
The Maine Foot & Ankle Society is pleased to announce their annual summer "Seminar by the Sea" in South Portland, Maine.
July 10-12, 2008
Marriott Portland at Sable Oaks & Golf Course
National Speakers, local flavors, lobster bake on the ocean! 18 CME hours pending. A variety of non surgical and surgical topics. Contact Dr. Jim Whipple at k1jnw@yahoo.com or call 207-688-8990.
'For a list of all meetings go to: www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf
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QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) |
Query: Medical Crocs
At some of the major seminars the company that makes Crocs is offering a line of "medical Crocs." They are especially designed and only available through doctors. Has anyone had experience with selling CrocRX in their offices? If so, what have your experiences been?
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS (CLINICAL) ACTIVE |
RE: Traumeel for Capsulitis/Plantar Plate Injuries (Neil Levin, DPM) From: Multiple Respondents
I have started using Traumeel in my practice as an alternative to steroid injections particularly in areas where a steroid might be contraindicated such as Achilles tendonitis and for the same reason in the case Dr. Levin mentioned. Traumeel is a combination of 14 homeopathic medicines. Its benefits according to company literature are no GI side- effects, no platelet aggregation inhibition, no known adverse drug interactions and no sodium and fluid retention. It is listed in the PDR (page 1664, 2007 edition.)
Based solely on my own clinical experience, I do not find it to be very successful. When I compare cases of equal magnitude (pain, severity of injury) people do not respond as well as say, if I gave a steroid injection. In cases where I would not give a steroid injection, it appears to me immobilization and an oral anti-inflammatory gave me a better result than immobilization and a Traumeel injection.
In plantar plate injuries, I find immobilizing and stabilizing the MPJ by padding the second mpj area with a "u" pad and strapping the toe in a plantar-flexed direction to be the single most important part of the treatment. Supplementation with an oral NSAID works for me. I encourage Dr. Levin to experiment and find what works for him, and I do not feel there is any contraindication of using the Traumeel in his case.
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY, Jeffckass@aol.com
One Monday morning, the acupuncturist who practiced next door to me came in my office and handed me a tuberculin syringe and said, "Would you please inject this into my 1st met-cuneiform joint"? I asked what was in the syringe and he told me it was .5 cc. of Traumeel and .5 cc. of 2% lidocaine. I was very skeptical, but went ahead and injected it. He convinced me to use it on my patients, which I did, for trigger points, MPJ pain, plantar fasciitis. As I recall, the results were every bit as good as with steroids and without the side-effects. Some 3 years later, I asked if he had any further M-C joint pain and he told me that the single dose took care of it. Actually, Steve Subotnick, DPM is the most experienced with the use of Traumeel.
Mitchell R. Mosher, DPM, Belmont, NC, bowenfootdoc@yahoo.com
The use of Traumeel injections for any non-degenerative inflammatory process is something I have been doing for over twenty years. It is important to understand the mechanism of action so that you understand why you should not inject it intra-articularly. Traumeel is an upstream kinase modulator. It has an effect on cell signaling and facilitates a conversion of inflammatory pathways from chronic to primary. As such, if you inject it into a joint, two things may happen.
First, you will lose efficacy because it functions best in the extracellular matrix. Second, if you inject a "therapeutic dose" into the joint, you may foster an acute inflammation in the area, instead of a therapeutic primary inflammation. When used properly (and in this case peri-articularly), you will enliven the pathway of detoxification and cellular repair. One must also note that there are other things that are helpful systemically when promoting a more efficient inflammatory response. This comes under the realm of functional medicine and is an integral part of these protocols.
Bob Kornfeld, DPM, Lake Success, NY, Holfoot153@aol.com
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Are You Worried About DMEPOS Facility Accreditation?
Do you want the easiest way to bring your practice into compliance, not only with Facility Accreditation standards, but also with OSHA and CMS/OIG standards? Do you want to spend time with patients and not on accreditation? Podchamp.com is the most comprehensive podiatry-specific policy manual on the market that complies with both ABC and BOC guidelines. Our easy implementation checklist and 200+ page manual includes all of the policies and procedures that you will need to become accredited and to run your practice more efficiently and effectively. (Don’t be fooled by other manuals that are not complete.) Podchamp also offers you a number of money-saving partnerships on office supplies, credit card processing, etc. that will increase your profitability, too. The savings from these partnerships could even exceed your accreditation costs.
To learn more about Podchamp and the services we offer, please visit our website today. Please note a $200 savings for purchases made before June 30, 2008.
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) ACTIVE PART 1 |
RE: Total Contact Casting with Wound Care From: Eric Jaakola DPM, Rober Wunderlich, DPM
My office used 1030 total contact casts last year without a reimbursement denial. We use them for post-Apligraf aplication as well as post-operative treatment such as partial amputations and Charcot surgeries. We apply them on a weekly basis or sometimes twice weekly, if need be, without reimbursement issues. For more specific coding questions you could contact MedEfficiency who produces a Total Contact Casting Kit. They can address issues on a state-by-state basis.
Eric Jaakola DPM, Denver, CO, ejaakola@yahoo.com
If you apply a total contact cast (CPT 29445) on the same date of service as a debridement or other procedure, they will bundle the cast in with that other procedure (i.e., you won't get paid for the cast). However, you can apply the cast any time thereafter (including the next day, if you want) and you will be paid for the cast application and materials. My experience has been that casting is separately reimbursable within ANY global period (whether it be for offloading an ulcer, immobilizing a fracture, or for immobilizing an osteotomy), and the only modifiers I use are either -RT or -LT.
P.S. - Don't forget to bill for your casting supplies! (Q4037 for plaster and/or Q4038 for fiberglass)
Rober Wunderlich, DPM, San Antonio, TX, rwunder@gmail.com
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FREE SAMPLES! -- click here “FungaSoap has dramatically reduced our infection and amputation rate.” --José Concha, DPM, FACFS Works for: Tinea • Onychomycosis • Keratotic Debris. Also excellent for post P&A soaks and post nail avulsion All-Natural Tea Tree Ultimates® FungaSoap® and Soaking Crystals™ feature the power of tea tree oil to help fight fungus, bacteria, itching and odor. Liquid FungaSoap cleansing wash can be used as often as desired in the bath, shower or soaking tub. Soaking Crystals can be used as a foot bath or as a full body soak. Both also help to prevent reinfection. Get your patients started with Tea Tree Ultimates TODAY...It’s compliance made easy. Contact an authorized distributor or PediFix at 800-424-5561or info@pedifix.com. Visit us on the web by clicking here Don’t forget to click the link at the top to request your free samples! Enter: “PM News TTU Samples” in the subject field
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) ACTIVE PART 2 |
Re: PR-96 Denials for Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes From: Paul Kesselman, DPM Woodside NY
In the 4th quarter of 2007, the National Government Services, Jurisdiction B Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractor (DME MAC) Appeals unit received an increase in the number of redetermination requests for therapeutic shoe claims originally denied with ANSI code PR-96 (Non-covered charge.) This specific denial for therapeutic shoes often indicates that the supplier filed the claim without the required KX modifier.
Modifier KX is required on claims for therapeutic shoes when the supplier has secured the appropriate documentation within their files as outlined within the documentation section of the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes.
Close review of the re-determination requests received for therapeutic shoes during the 4th quarter of 2007 reveal a 59.0% reversal rate. In most cases, suppliers are requesting a re-determination due to the omission of the KX modifier. In cases where claims for therapeutic shoes are submitted without the KX modifier in error and the claim is denied as a non-covered charge (PR-96), suppliers are encouraged to resubmit the claim appending the appropriate KX modifier rather than requesting an appeal.
In addition, to avoid multiple re-determination/reopening request and the cost to resubmit a claim, suppliers should thoroughly review the Documentation section of the LCD for Therapeutic Shoes for People with Diabetes to determine whether modifier KX is required on the claim. Suppliers are also encouraged to review their claim(s) prior to submission to the DME MACs to ensure that the HCPCS and all applicable modifiers are appended to the claim correctly.
The local coverage determinations can be located on the National Government Services website
Paul Kesselman DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net
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Neuropathy?
Think Neuremedy !!
Your First Option in the Management of Peripheral Neuropathy
Join the scores of podiatric practitioners who are having significant success in managing their patients with peripheral neuropathy. The active ingredient in Neuremedy™, benfotiamine, has been shown in multiple, double-blind, placebo studies to be safe and effective with no significant adverse effects. Help your patients suffering from neuropathy while you increase your practice revenue. Click here or call 866-634-2745 to learn how to make Neuremedy your first option in the management of peripheral neuropathy.
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Don’t Believe Everything I Write
One of the attendings was leading Board Review for MD/DO Family Medicine Residents at UTSW/ Parkland in Dallas. This attending is one of the most prolific authors in our department. She disagreed with an answer given in a journal-sponsored CME-type exam. We then looked up the journal's reference which cited the source for the answer as an article written by this same physician.
Dwight L. Bates, DPM, Dallas, TX
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CODINGLINE CORNER
CURRENT TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON CODINGLINE'S LISTSERV INCLUDE:
o *Incident To" Update from Medicare o CMS Names NHIC MAC for 4 NW States o Arthroscopy vs. Open Procedure Coding o Check Going to the Wrong Office o Professional Courtesy
Codingline subscription information can be found here
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CLASSIFIED ADS |
CASE CONSULTING
Dennis Shavelson, DPM is now accepting referrals of difficult cases involving biomechanics, surgical complications, non-healing wounds diagnostic and treatment dilemma’s and subtalar stenting from DPM’S. Full reporting with second opinion only, rapid return after care and assumption of care options. Medicare and Out-of-Network Only. (212) 288-3668 or drsha@lifestylepodiatry.com
PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO --NORTHWEST INDIANA
Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Full and part time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website
SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA-PM&S 36 ASSOCIATE WANTED
Large, busy podiatry group looking for associate interested in future partnership. Practice facilities and technologies include: Surgical Center, Physical Therapy Department, 6 appointment locations, EMR, MRI, Clinical Trials and Digital X-ray. Full compensation and benefit package offered. Mail CV to Martin Foot and Ankle, 1203 S. Queen St. York, PA 17403 or email johnreitzelmfa@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN & QUEENS
Seeking new Residency graduate for growing three-office practice in Manhattan and Queens, start 07/08/08. Must be PSR-24 trained minimum. Must be ethical, well-trained, vibrant personality and ambitious. Willing to work hard and be a team player. Good base salary plus bonus incentive plan. Guaranteed partnership after one year. No long term employee. Apply only if interested in partnership and if you meet the outlined criteria. Please e-mail resume and cover letter to: hansfeet@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ
Great opportunity to join diverse practice featuring surgery, advanced wound care with vascular diagnostics, sports medicine/heel pain center with in-house PT. Outstanding support staff and referral base located across the street from hospital. Partnership potential, including SurgiCenter. Great area to live for ethical, motivated, personable, well-trained podiatrist. Part-time position also available. Email CV to pat_caputo@alumni.rutgers.edu
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NW INDIANA (1 HR FROM CHICAGO)
Great opportunity for financial and personal success. Start at $150K plus incentive compensation, good benefits, and ownership potential. Must be highly motivated, have a great bedside manner and excellent surgical skills (forefoot and rearfoot). E-mail resume to friendlyfootcare@comcast.net or fax resume to (219)662-7290. Learn about us here
ASSOCIATE WANTED - KNOXVILLE, TN AREA
Busy multi-doctor, multi office practice heavily weighted in surgery. PSR-24 + experience preferred. Part-time also available. Area consistently ranked in top five areas of country to live, work or retire. Ranked third in country 2008 Boaters magazine for boating destination. First year guarantee $150,000 plus bonuses and benefits. Send cover letter an c.v. to davidphawk@adelphia.net
SEEKING RESIDENT FOR PSR-24 - BALTIMORE, MD (MERCY MC)
Position for a highly motivated individual with completed non-surgical residency or one desiring additional surgical training in well-established Podiatric Residency Program. Busy metropolitan hospital with high surgical numbers and inpatient care. Resident is integral member of multidisciplinary team. Begins mid June 2008. Includes competitive salary/benefits. Send inquiries to rsher18@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA
Well-known practice in Coral Gables,FL for over 20 years. Excellent location on Coral Way with heavy traffic, great visibility and plenty of parking. Busy, fully equipped, full-time office with established patients. Grossing over 300K with tremendous growth potential. Office is currently open and ready to take over immediately. For additional information contact QVAN@aol.com or 305-975-5516.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - CORAL GABLES, MIAMI AREA (FLORIDA)
Beautiful location in the heart of Miracle Mile. Excellent opportunity for a starting practitioner. Most insurances accepted. Good mixture of surgical and general podiatry. Fully equipped with low overhead. Located in a professional building, with referrals from other doctors in the same building. Contact zoesar@aol.com or call 786-877-5149.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Seeking three-year trained resident for associateship, hopefully leading to partnership. Competent in all phases of podiatry particularly reconstructive rearfoot surgery. Outstanding opportunity for the right individual. Reply to Richard Pollak at 210-692-0279, or fax resume to 210-692-0028 or e-mail drpllk@hotmail.com
LOCUM TENUM COVERAGE - CENTRAL FLORIDA
The Orlando Foot & Ankle Clinic (OFAC) is seeking locum tenum coverage. OFAC has offices in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Brevard counties. A covering doctor is needed whenever one of the 13 OFAC doctors is on vacation or attending an educational seminar. If interested, please contact Greg Renton, CEO at 407-423-1234.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS
Check out San Antonio, Wonderful place to live. Full or part-time podiatrist with current Texas license. Better pay. Unique mobile podiatry practice and mobile wound care clinics, in addition to office locations. Check out our website Fine working conditions with excellent support staff. E-mail Response to footcenter1@sbcglobal.net or fax to 210-495-6484.
WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (5x) for only $85
PM Classified Ads Reach over 10,900 DPM's and Students
Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 10,900 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 Ext 110.
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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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