|
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 20,000 Subscribers Daily
May 21, 2021 #6,955  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 |
|
Last Chance to Vote
|
What is your policy on mask wearing in the office?
|
 |
|
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
NY Podiatrist Discusses Causes of Sweaty Feet
Summertime means sweaty foot time. It's just one of those things that comes with the season. But if you notice your feet are sweating a whole lot regardless of the weather, something else might be going on. "Feet, like hands, tend to get sweaty in the summer heat, especially if you're wearing shoes or sandals with non-breathable materials, such as leather," Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a podiatrist at Step Up Footcare in New York, tells LIVESTRONG.com.
 |
|
Dr. Nelya Lobkova |
When choosing shoes, she recommends buying those with a breathable air mesh upper or breathable rubber soles. Often, athletic shoes are a good option because they're designed to promote airflow. If your feet are especially sweaty, you'll want to focus on wearing socks made of moisture-wicking material. Good options include merino wool. Avoid going barefoot in shoes made of heat-trapping material (like leather), as you'll just sweat more, she says.
Source: Jessica Migala, Livestrong.com [5/19/21]
|
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
CA Podiatrist Joins Arrowhead Orthopaedics
Jibong Lei, DPM has joined Arrowhead Orthopaedics. Dr. Lei received his podiatric medical degree at Western University of Health Science in Pomona, California. He then went on to complete a podiatric medicine and surgery residency at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, Ohio before returning to Southern California for a sports medicine fellowship in Irvine.
 |
|
Drs. Jibong Lei and Kelly Parks |
Dr. Lei and his fiancé Kelly Parks, DPM, who is also a podiatric physician and surgeon, live in Rancho Cucamonga. “I am engaged, and we are planning on a wedding in a post-pandemic world. We were both born and raised in Southern California and are grateful to be able to settle down in our home after many years of moving for our medical education.
Source: Angela Yap, Mountain News [5/12/21]
|
|
| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN THE NEWS | |
Agilon® Moldable Grafting Product a Game Changer: TX Podiatrist
Biogennix, an osteobiologics company that develops, manufactures, and distributes proprietary bone graft products used for bone fusion procedures, has announced that its Agilon® Moldable grafting product is now available nationwide. The collagen-enhanced handling product has seen steady month-after-month growth in sales since its launch two years ago, with an exponential surge in popularity and usage in 2021, largely driven by its positive reception from the foot and ankle surgery community.
 |
|
Dr. Dan Bhakta |
“Agilon Moldable is a game changer for me in foot and ankle surgery,” said Dan Bhakta, DPM with Accent Podiatry in Arlington, TX. “I’ve been using the product for over a year now and have performed more than 90 cases. I love the handling - it mixes superbly well with the patient’s bone and stays in place when packed into a defect and irrigated. With the TrelCor technology, I know I’m going to get a good clinical outcome because of the advanced material properties.”
Source: Street Insider [5/19/21]
|
|
| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Why Social Media is Important to Your Practice - Part 5
Social media gives you insight into the needs of your patients. Don't ignore the opportunity to market your practice to specific patient populations.
5. Social media offers the most highly targeted marketing opportunities.
-
Previously, if you wanted customers, you might have to advertise on the radio, send out mailers, or advertise in the newspaper, which are targeted methods but not nearly as targeted as social media.
-
Today, reaching the specific prospective patient you are looking for is simple and cost effective with social media. You can drill down and target people by their age, gender, geography, buying habits, and interests and then you get real time feedback on how many saw your information and took action. With the old methods, you drop them all in the mailbox and then wonder if they made it in the trash or were opened.
Source: Audre Mclaughlin, RN, Logan Lutton, Physicians Practice [5/14/21]
|
|
| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Anthem Blue Cross of California and Modifiers
I have been in a “fight” with Anthem Blue Cross of California regarding a bunionectomy. I did get prior authorization. I billed a CPT 28296 -RT. The claim was denied as “inappropriate use of modifier.” When I contacted them, they would not tell me what the issue was with the modifier even though I explained to them the bunionectomy was done on the right foot.
I appealed the claim and the appeal was denied again with that modifier. I sent a letter with a copy of the operative report and mentioned there are no other modifier options other than -RT -LT or -50 bilateral. The claims agent said it needed to be billed with an anatomic modifier “TA-T9.” I explained to them the TA-T9 codes are for digits and not the “foot or metatarsals.” The claims agent said she would send it to the next level or “operations expert team” for review. She mentioned she reviewed the AMA CPT Manual and the HCPCS Level II Manual. Am I missing something? Is Anthem messing with us?
Anthony Hoffman, DPM, Oakland, CA
Response: I thought the issue of Anthem Blue Cross asking for an appropriate toe modifier (TA or T5) must have been some form of a mistake until today. I received the same exact denial (H93 inappropriate use of a modifier) when I billed CPT 28296 LT, for a distal chevron 1st metatarsal osteotomy bunionectomy with internal fixation on an Anthem Blue Cross patient, date of surgery 04-27-2021, billed with an operative report attached to the claim. I am personally going to phone and ask for a supervisor and request the Anthem Blue Cross California policy. Let’s see what happens.
Keith Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) | |
RE: The Passing of Elba E. Chirel, DPM
PM News is sad to report the passing of Elba E. Chirel, DPM. Dr. Chirel was a graduate of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
 |
|
Dr. Elba Chirel |
Dr. Chirel was a past president of the Nassau Division of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association. She is survived by her husband Hiram Chirel, DPM.
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RELEVANT RESEARCH) | |
RE: Woman Diagnosed with Stage 1 Melanoma After a Biopsy on the Plantar of Her Left Foot
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
A case is reported of a woman diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma after a dermatologist performed a full body skin check and discovered a suspicious mole on the bottom of her left foot. Acral lentiginous melanoma, melanoma on the extremities, is the rarest subtype of the cancer, but is more common in “Black patients, Indians, Asians, and other people with darker skin,” according to Vishal Patel, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Melanoma on the extremities (i.e., nails, hands, and feet) is the rarest subtype of skin cancers, accounting for less than 5% of all melanomas, said Dr. Patel.
The American Academy of Dermatology urges people to remember the ABCDEs (Asymmetry, uneven outer Borders, Color that is dark or uneven, Diameter greater than 6mm of melanoma, Evolving size, shape, or color) and to perform self-checks for skin cancer. The Academy also warns that foot injuries may increase a person’s risk for melanoma, so people should pay attention to parts of their feet that have been injured before. This patient had to use a knee scooter for three months because she couldn't put any weight on her foot as it healed, and it is still on the mend almost six months after the surgery. While not needing immunotherapy drugs, she is being closely monitored by an oncologist. (Dermatology Daily, May 19, 2021)
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL ) | |
From: Gerald Peterson, DPM
I applaud you Dr. Bass. I know you from the HoD and am glad you have seen the light in the Capitol Hill visits. Your future participation will be nothing but fruitful. I hope everyone who reads PM News will get behind your words and get a clue on advocacy for their profession as they are actually advocating for THEMSELVES. I'm glad you had a productive result from your Advocacy Day. I did too. Now the rest of you out there... step up too and let’s start a wave that floods DC.
Gerald Peterson, DPM, West Linn, OR
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1 | |
From: Dennis Shavelson, DPM
Dr. Ellman, by leaving out underpinning, inherited biomechanical pathology as the number one trigger of foot pain, foot deformity, performance issues, and degenerative joint disease from his list, is missing a great public service opportunity to educate the public of the importance of lower extremity biomechanics.
If you are having foot pain living life on hard surfaces while comfortable living on carpet, that is pathognomonic of one's endogenous structural collapse in some part(s) of the foot that needs to be supported, stabilized, or balanced rather than be dampened.
Cushioned shoes, shock absorbing surfaces, and reduced pounding lifestyles mask and defer the predicable bunions, pedal collapse, muscle engine atrophy, and back pains that develop over time in most of us that can be diagnosed, treated, compensated, and controlled using modern biomechanical technology.
Dennis Shavelson, DPM, Tampa, FL
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 2 | |
From: Randall Brower, DPM
This article about flip-flops does a huge disservice to our profession. There is absolutely no "good" flip-flop on planet earth! Flip-flops require the foot to over-flex the toes, engage the Achilles too early during gait, and lead to neuromas, hammertoes, foot cramping, and Achilles tendinitis along with PT tendinitis among other over-use syndromes. Marketing gimmicks like "fit-flops" or arch-support flip-flops are terrible for our feet.
I thought I would be preaching to the choir, but I guess not in this case. It's frustrating that podiatrists have been suckered in to marketing gurus who couldn't care less about feet. There are no biomechanical reasons we should be advocating for flip-flop usage. We, as foot health specialists, should only advocate footgear that is healthy for our feet.
Randall Brower, DPM, Avondale, AZ
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CODINGLINE CORNER) | |
From: Donald R Blum, DPM, JD
I have found for the last three to four years that insurances, specifically BXBS and the Medicares/Medicaids, are not paying for a procedure on the same day as an E/M visit - this includes: New Patient 99202-25/99203-25 + ingrown toenail or injection or removal of wart, etc.
When I have not seen a patient for maybe 33 months and I want to charge an E/M established patient visit with the"-25" modifier, it's the same issue. I think this would be a good survey item for Health Policy and/or PIAC committees to address.
Donald R Blum, DPM, JD, Dallas, TX
|
|
| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
 |
|
This shoe is a real mesh! |
Source: Kira Goodey via Virtual Shoe Museum
|
|
MEETING NOTICES AND WEBINARS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CHICAGO
Available immediately. Home visits/ some facilities/ some office hours. Illinois license is required. Salary plus bonus, or independent contractor agreement. Existing patients’ base. Net $250-325K. logistics are provided. Full- and part-time are available. Contact vadim.goshko@gmail.com
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 POSITIONS – NEW JERSEY
2 P/T podiatrists needed for New Jersey nursing homes, assisted living facilities. Must have active NJ Podiatry license, NJ Medicare provider number, own malpractice policy, CDS/DEA licenses. Also needed for Long Island Podiatry practice, office, house calls, senior centers, assisted living facilities. Surgical skills a plus. Email CV jaypurvin@gmail.com before calling 516-375-9224.
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
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH CAROLINA
Seeking full-time associate. Both strong clinical and surgical skills required. Training with diabetes and limb salvage a plus. Hospital and surgical center privileges. Compensation with base and bonus structure. Benefits include: medical insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, paid CME, malpractice. Position available 9/1/21. NC license not required. Please send cv to RussAllen25@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.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - CONNECTICUT and RHODE ISLAND
Looking for reliable and ethical podiatrists to service Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities in CT and RI. Send inquiries and CV to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY, NY
Moving out of a city after the pandemic? The Hudson valley area is thriving. And with a well-established podiatry practice for almost 50 years, our reputation and practice has grown… even after Covid. With multiple up to date offices and podiatrists, our busy practice takes on wound care, diabetic limb salvage, sports medicine, routine care, and all surgical aspects of podiatry We offer a very competitive salary, health benefits, 401K, malpractice insurance, PTO, pension, and CME allowance. But more importantly we provide a great culture to work in and a wonderful place to live and raise a family for years to come. simspodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH FLORIDA
Busy practice looking to hire a full-time podiatrist to join our medical team. Diverse practice with a balance of office, wound care, hospital and elective/trauma surgical cases. Multiple office and hospital locations, Looking for a board certified/qualified applicant who is motivated and a team player. Please send CV to dhansen@lamedicalpb.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
FULLTIME PODIATRIST - DC METRO AREA (NORTHERN VA, WAHSINGTON, DC)
We are a fast-growing podiatry practice in Northern Virginia with two locations (Capitol Hill, DC and Leesburg, VA). We are currently looking for a full-time motivated and caring Doctor to join our busy practice. Must be self-starting and willing to build own patient base. Some benefits include: competitive salary, guaranteed bonus structure, health insurance, paid malpractice insurance. Great prospects for 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 lansdownepodiatry@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH FLORIDA
Practice with sports medicine, digital x-rays, laser, surgery and wound care. Compensation is salary plus benefits and bonus. Email for details floridafootdoctor1@gmail.com
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 - 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 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
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 |
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 - 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 - 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.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CURAMEDIX ESWT SHOCKWAVE MACHINE
Barely used (less than 5 day’s usage). Model - Duolith SD1 TT. Purchased Nov 2018. All manuals, 2 heads, brochures, rolling cart/basket. Price - Asking $39,000. Local pick up/transport arranged by buyer. Contact: breirycruz@drschoene.com / 847-263-6073.
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
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
|
| |
|
|
|
