|
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 20,000 Subscribers Daily
May 17, 2021 #6,951  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
|
| PM NEWS QUICK POLL RESULTS |
 |
|
Results of last week's poll |
|
|
| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
|
Have you revised your policy on mask wearing in the office?
|
 |
|
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
OTC Foot Peels Can Be Risky: NY Podiatrist
While you can buy foot peel masks over the counter, William Spielfogel, DPM warns that anyone with underlying medical issues, such as diabetes or poor circulation, should consult their podiatrist or primary care practitioner before attempting any type of peel. Another reason to skip acid peels: you have foot problems like wounds or sores. "The acid can seep into those areas and not only cause pain but possible infection," he says.
 |
|
Dr. William Spielfogel |
If you are prone to eczema or have sensitive skin, you might find foot peel masks too harsh for you. "The acid can be very irritating on the skin, possibly causing swelling and inflammation," says Dr. Spielfogel. "When choosing the appropriate treatment for your skin type, no matter if it's at home or a doctor's office, it is important to research the risks and benefits thoroughly prior to committing."
Source: Jenn Sinrich, The Healthy [5/12/21]
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
NY Podiatrist Joins Ellis Medicine
Scott Pickett, DPM has joined Ellis Medicine in Schenectady, NY. Dr. Pickett received his podiatric medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM).
 |
|
Dr. Scott Pickett |
He completed his podiatric residency at NYCPM and United Health Services Hospitals/Wilson Memorial Regional Hospitals in Johnson City, NY. He is board certified by the American Academy of Wound Management.
|
|
| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Why Social Media is Important to Your Practice - Part 1
Social media gives you insight into the needs of your patients. Don't ignore the opportunity to market your practice to specific patient populations.
1. Social media isn't going anywhere.
-
Some studies report one minute out of five minutes in a given day is spent on social media.
-
Don't miss the opportunity to be there, in front of people, curating conversations about the parts of your practice you are passionate about.
Source: Audre Mclaughlin, RN, Logan Lutton
|
|
| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: LCD for Strapping in Florida
Can anyone tell me if the strapping LCD has been retired? I am no longer seeing it on the APMA coding site. My biller is saying it has been retired and I am no longer held to the specifics. I tried billing a strapping CPT 28450 to off-load a Charcot foot with an ulcer (M14.672) and my billing company (not my biller) is saying it is an invalid code according to the LCD. Is the LCD still in effect and if it is, where can I find it?
Dawn Miles, DPM, Palatka, FL
Response: Yes, it is true. The First Coast Service Options LCD for Strapping, L34023 and the associated Local Coverage Article for Billing and Coding, A57129 have been retired. However, the retired LCD(s) can still be accessed by going on the link “LCDs By State” and following the prompts. When the retired Billing and Coding article is accessed, it is important to look at the following: ICD-10 Codes that Support Medical Necessity
Group 1 Paragraph: The following ICD-10-CM codes support medical necessity and provide limited coverage for CPT codes: 29540 and 29550.
It is the provider’s responsibility to select codes carried out to the highest level of specificity and selected from the ICD-10-CM code book appropriate to the year in which the service is rendered for the claim(s) submitted. When these ICD-CM-10 codes are accessed, it is apparent that M14.672 (Charcot joint, left ankle and hip) was not an ICD-10-CM code that supported medical necessity or qualified CPT code 29540 for reimbursement even when this LCD was active.
Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC, Lady Lake, FL
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RELEVANT RESEARCH) | |
RE: Epidemiological and Genetic Association and Characterization of FSTL5 in Clubfoot
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
The podiatric medical literature is replete with information implicating clubfoot or talipes equinovarus (TEV) with the details of its potential genetic etiology. TEV is a congenital rotational foot deformity occurring in 1 per 1,000 births with an increased prevalence in males compared with females. An article by Khanshour AM, et al. describes the genetic association of TEV. The genetic etiology of clubfoot (TEV) remains unclear. Using a genome-wide association study, a locus was identified within FSTL5 (encoding follistatin-like 5), significantly associated with TEV. FSTL5 is an uncharacterized gene whose potential role in embryonic and post-natal development was previously unstudied.
It is suggested that lineage-specific expression of the FSLT genes correlates with their divergent roles as modulators of transforming growth factor beta and bone morphogenetic protein signaling. Results from the study associate FSTL5 with TEV and suggest a potential sexually dimorphic role for FSTL5 in vivo (Human Molecular Genetics.2021 January; 29 (22):3717-3728).
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME) - PART 1A | |
From: Lawrence Rubin, DPM
I understand that optometrists are also having a supply chain issue getting timely delivery of custom eyeglass frames and lenses. It appears that the worldwide impact of COVID-19 is resulting in delays due to fewer employees on the production end in the factories, and also fewer workers on the job in the other links of the supply chain.
Lawrence Rubin, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME) - PART 1B | |
From: Josh White, DPM
As the director of OrthoFeet’s medical division, I can share that we have not had a price increase on diabetic shoes nor pre-fabricated/custom inserts in over a year. While the cost of shipping containers from China has increased substantially, we have not passed this on. The cost of FedEx, UPS shipping has increased but these charges have also not been passed on as we negotiated better volume discounts.
OrthoFeet has NO backorder issues; we receive thousands of shoes a day from China. The biggest supply chain problem regarding diabetic shoes is the difficulty DPMs encounter in obtaining certification that the patient is under the care of an MD/DO for their diabetes and have been to this physician no more than 6 months prior to being fit with shoes. The APMA and the new LEAP Alliance have been working for years to remove this obstacle. With approximately 50% recurrence of foot wounds within a year of healing, the need for patients to be expertly fit with quality shoes has never been greater.
My suggestion is for practices to assign the task of documentation procurement to someone and incentivize them to do the necessary follow-up to obtain the required forms. Make sure your patients understand the importance of shoes in enabling their mobility and independence and that the MD/DO understands their responsibility in the team approach to care. Once patients are fit, the process should be repeated annually. With over $225 profit possible per pair of shoes and inserts, there is plenty of opportunity for everyone involved to benefit.
Josh White, DPM, CPed, VP, OrthoFeet
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1 | |
RE: The Passing of Joseph L. Assini, DPM
It is with great sadness that I am announcing the passing of Joe Assini DPM on 5/14/21. He was a great friend and colleague of mine for approximately 40 years. We were close friends and associates who shared each other’s office space and I’m still located at his Staten Island (SI) office. Joe was also a close friend of Dr. Ron Soave whom he went to high school, college, and NYCPM with. I’m sure Ron agrees with me that Joe was a wonderful person who just about everyone that knew him loved. He was a great husband, father, and granddad as well as a podiatrist. Joe graduated NYCPM in 1983 and completed a preceptorship at Lutheran Medical Center. He was board certified by the ACFAS and ABPM. Besides practicing in Bay Ridge and SI, he was the assistant podiatry residency director at NorthWell Health SIUH. Joe decided to change location and moved to Mississippi and was employed by Greenwood Leflore Hospital 9 years ago and until his death.
 |
|
Dr. Joseph Assini |
Let’s say a prayer for Joe and his family in this time of great sorrow. May God give him wings in heaven so he can be our guardian angel. Miss you my forever friend and thank you for all you taught me. With sincere sympathy,
Susan Amico, DPM, President, Kings Division, NYSPMA
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2A | |
From: Jonathan Labovitz, DPM
Dr. David Shofler’s unexpected passing has greatly affected the CPM faculty, staff, and administration. Dr. Shofler was an essential member of the faculty and served as the college Director of Research, Director of Assessment, and chair of the admissions committee.
Most of all, however, his passing impacts our students. Dr. Shofler took pride in mentoring students and often inspired them to engage in research. His mentorship gave many students an opportunity to present posters and publish their work. Dr. Shofler had an uncanny way of relating to the students and inspiring them to share his passion for research.
The students have created a memorial outside of his office, which includes notes of gratitude for his guidance and dedication to their education. The CPM faculty and staff established an endowed scholarship in his memory to help students who have a passion for research. Dr. Shofler will be missed, and our hearts go out to his wife Sarah and their three children. If you wish to contribute to the endowment to help preserve Dr. Shofler’s legacy, please contact the college for details.
Jonathan Labovitz, DPM, Associate Dean, Clinical Education and Graduate Placement, Pomona, CA
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2B | |
From: Lester J. Jones, DPM
A sudden and apparent hidden illness has taken away yet another kind and gentle colleague; a fellow faculty member; researcher with tremendous talent; and especially a husband to a lovely lady; father to three sweet little children; and a son to proud parents. It seems unreal to hear of such a passing, and yet it happens again and again in our midst. As a retired administrator and faculty member of WesternU CPM, I offer the family of Dr. Shofler my most sincere condolences on this untimely loss. R. I. P. David.
Lester J. Jones, DPM, Oakland, CA
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA NEWS) - PART 1A | |
From: Bob Sage, DPM
I just had the opportunity to watch our current APMA President Jeff DeSantis talk about the resolution coming from the Joint Task Force that is up for discussion at the AMA House of Delegates.
This video really hit home for me as I remember the APMA House of Delegates and all the discussions leading to the formation of the concept of VISION 2015 to achieve parity with our MD and DO colleagues... not just parity because we said so, but true parity with our colleagues that we work shoulder to shoulder with every day. I remember the decision to go to the 2-year standardized residencies away from the multitude of different residency types that were in place when I graduated. Then there was the decision to go to the 3-year standardized surgical residencies, and the changes that took place in our colleges of podiatric medicine and the changes that took place in our residency programs as well.
I am proud of the changes that we have accomplished and that the rest of the medical community is taking note. I look forward to finding out what happens at the AMA HOD. I know that whatever the outcome, we will continue on the path that will lead to true parity and that someday in the not so distant future, our podiatric medical students will not be able to fathom the fact that we were not always able to take the USMLE and didn’t always have a 3-year surgical residency.
Bob Sage, DPM, Beloit, WI
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA NEWS) - PART 1B | |
From: Clifford Wolf, DPM
American Medical Association House of Delegates Resolution Resolution: 303 (JUN-21) Introduced by: American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Subject: Improving the Standardization Process for Assessment of Podiatric Medical Students and Residents by Initiating a Process Enabling Them to Take the USMLE Referred to: Reference Committee C.
I talked with all concerned parties and confirmed our CPME was never involved in the Joint Task Force and did not have any part in the white paper or resolution. I was very concerned that this paper, generated over the last two years by the ACFAS and APMA, was without input from CPME, AACPM, NBPME and other stakeholders. I recommend withdrawing the Resolution, pull back, rethink this strategy, and formulate a resolution (or not), more representative of our profession.
Clifford Wolf, DPM, Oceanside, CA
Editor's note: Having allowed a balanced debate on this issue, we are temporarily closing this topic.
|
|
| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
 |
|
Finally, a protective sandal |
Source: Submitted by Dr. Gary Small
|
|
MEETING NOTICES AND WEBINARS
|
|
|
|
|
PM PODIATRY HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON
July 31, 2021 – Gaylord Rockies Convention Center- Denver, CA
Honoring Bryan Markinson, Jason Kraus
Stephanie Wu, DPM, and Cindy Pezza
Sponsored by Bako Diagnostics, 20/20 Imaging, PRESENT Podiatry, and Talar Medical
PM News subscribers are invited to see Drs. Markinson and Wu and Mr. Kraus and Ms. Pezza inducted into 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 by writing to Kenna Barrett.
|
|
|
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
|
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
PODIATRIST POSITION – ORLANDO/DAYTONA FLORIDA TERRITORY
Join a podiatric team whose work positively impacts the lives of seniors every day! KG Health Partners, the largest podiatric practice in Florida, is seeking full and part-time podiatrists who will provide mobile-based foot, ankle, and lower leg care to residents living in long-term facilities in the Orlando/Daytona Florida territory. Achieve work-life balance with a Monday through Friday schedule, competitive wages, malpractice insurance, and exceptional benefits for full-time employees (health, paid time off, 401K retirement plan with company match). You must maintain active Medicare and Florida licenses. Email CV to kgadmin@kghealthpartners.com
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 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 - MIDWEST UNITED STATES
ONCE IN LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY to join a thriving practice with instant patient volume. State of the art practice with advanced derm, limb, salvage, sports med, pediatrics and in-office-lasers. Seeking an ambitious DPM with surgical and patient management skills. Early board-certification with ability to outpace your peers economically. Buy-in anticipated after initial contract. Starting six figure salary with generous bonuses. No nursing homes. Perks include: Paid Med-Mal, Vacation, Hospital Dues, Medical Organizational Dues, Health & Disability Insurance, Phone & Car Allowances, 401k Accessible/5K Signing Bonus. DPMPROFESSIONAL2021@GMAIL.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 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 - UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
Well established practice is looking to expand and have eventual partner and possible even transition to possible buyout. Compensation along with retirement, health insurance, malpractice, vacation, etc. Look for pleasant person, preferably a doctor to become Rearfoot and Ankle certified, along with skills in wound care and general foot-care. We have a large referral base and newer office, digital x-ray, lasers, EMR, etc. Please send CV to scfootdoc@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH CAROLINA
Established group practice seeking full time associate. Both strong clinical and strong surgical skills required. Training with diabetes and limb salvage a plus. Hospital and surgical center privileges. No nursing homes! Compensation with base and bonus structure. Benefits include: medical insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, paid CME, malpractice. Please send cv to RussAllen25@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION NEEDED - TX/AR
Very busy podiatry practice with multiple locations in Texas and Arkansas with high patient volume is seeking motivated, surgically trained podiatrist. Fellowship trained, billing/coding experience preferred but not required. Guaranteed salary plus strong bonus structure. Included is 2 week vacation per year, malpractice insurance, and CMEs. Current full time associate averages approximately $210,000 per year with partnership opportunity available. If interested, please send letter of intent and CV to advancedfootandanklecare@yahoo.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
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
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
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES WANTED
I’m in the process of opening Colorado Foot & Ankle Wellness, a fee-for-service practice in western Colorado. Still in the process of acquiring supplies/materials, including items gently used and in good working order. Any materials/supplies that may prove useful, in addition to any advice/suggestions, is much appreciated. Jdahlindpm@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - MINNESOTA
Podiatry practice for sale. Doctor and staff retiring; currently working 24 hours a week. C&C practice. No surgery, no x-rays, no electronic records. Equipment is more than 35 years old. Office building space may not be available to new buyer. Make an offer. DPM4Sale80@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 - NORTHERN UTAH
Part time office practice for sale in northern Utah. Perfect for new grad to build with surgical and DME offerings. Perfect for DPM downsizing for two days a week. Utah is the fastest growing state over the past decade with every recreational venue imaginable. Make it yours! 801-888-0146.
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.
|
| 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
other publications or listservs without our express written
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
Your name, DPM City/State
- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
| |
|
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
|
| |
|
|
|
