![Spacer](images/spacer.gif)
![Spacer](images/spacer.gif)
![Spacer](images/spacer.gif)
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,640 Subscribers Daily
May 22, 2018 #6,192 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2018- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the written permission of Barry Block
|
|
PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
|
What is your medical billing net collection rate?
|
![](http://podiatrym.com/vote.jpg) |
|
|
PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE |
NY Podiatrist Discusses Treatment of Sore Arches in Dancers
Sore arches may be one of the peskiest pain spots dancers deal with. This small area on the bottom of your feet may seem minor, but it actually does a lot of work: Your arches are what allow your feet to support the weight of your entire body. Thomas Novella, DPM, a Manhattan-based podiatrist who specializes in dance injuries, notes that weak calves may get fatigued early in class, causing the muscles in your toes to pick up the slack. When this happens, you'll likely feel the after-effect in your arches.
|
Dr. Thomas Novella |
Dr. Novella recommends the foot doming exercise to keep your toes strong. "It's a difficult exercise to master, but one that I believe is necessary for all dancers," he says. You can also try barefoot single-leg relevés on a half foam roller (with the flat part on the floor) to strengthen your calves. Novella often advises dancers to rub a tennis, lacrosse, or spiky massage ball onto the bottom of the foot for a minute once or twice a day. "This causes some inflammation in the area that brings in mending scar tissue," he says. You can also apply a topical anti-inflammatory gel on the area, as long as it's used very sparingly.
Source: Chelsea Hamilton, Dance Magazine [5/18/18]
|
|
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 1 |
PA Podiatrist Ordained as Episcopal Deacon
Deacon Dr. Kurt K. Kovalovich wants to bring people together to heal them and sees his ordination on Saturday as a deacon in the Episcopal church as a way to do that. “Healing is my first ministry,” Kovalovich, 58, of North Manheim Township, said after the 90-minute ordination service at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity.
|
Dr. Kurt Kovalovich |
Kovalovich, who also is a podiatrist with an office in Pine Grove, said he will continue to work as a podiatrist.
Source: Peter E. Bortner, Republican Herald [5/20/18]
|
|
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 2 |
OH Podiatry Group to Sponsor 20th Annual Diabetes Golf Fundraiser
Ankle & Foot Care Centers will hold its 20th annual Diabetes Golf Benefit, a four-person scramble, Aug. 17 at the Pine Lakes Golf Club. Ankle & Foot Care Centers is the region’s largest podiatric care provider, with 17 physicians and surgeons serving patients at 20 local offices. The tournament raises money for the Diabetes Partnership of Mahoning Valley, which provides education, resources, and support for people and families living with diabetes.
|
Dr. Michelle Anania |
“This annual event always generates a great turnout and we’re hoping to raise $16,000 this year,” said Dr. Michelle Anania, partner at Ankle & Foot Care Centers and the event’s lead organizer. “It’s a great opportunity to come together to help raise awareness and support the fight against diabetes.” The event has been sponsored by Ankle & Foot Care Centers since 1999 and has raised more than $165,000 for services and education for diabetes patients.
Source: The Business Journal [5/18/18]
|
|
ON THE INTERNATIONAL LECTURE CIRCUIT |
4th Annual EU interactive Symposium Held in Hungary
The European Symposium on Extra-Osseous Subtalar Joint Stabilization was held in Budapest, Hungary on May 19, 2018. This is the 4th Annual EU interactive symposium that was sponsored by Graham Implant Institute. In attendance were 16 orthopaedic and podiatric surgeons. The orthopaedic surgeons were representing countries from eastern European, i.e.: Slvoakia, Slovenia, Poland, Romania, and Hungary.
|
Attendees at 4th Annual EU Interactive Symposium |
Podiatric surgeons from Canada (Robert Chelin DPM) and the U.S. (Michael Graham, DPM) providing lectures and case presentations. All the lectures and case presentations focused on the correction of subtalar joint instability using the only sinus tarsi implant currently available in Eastern Europe as well as other viable surgical options.
|
|
PODIATRISTS AND TE LAW |
NY Podiatrist Sentenced for Healthcare Fraud
A Kinderhook podiatrist was sentenced in Albany federal court on Friday to one year of probation, 50 hours of community service, and a $5,000 fine for committing healthcare fraud. As part of his guilty plea, Perrin Edwards admitted that he operated a podiatry practice with offices in Hudson and Albany and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and private insurance companies for podiatric medical services that he had not performed or that he knew would not be covered by insurance. In connection with a related false claims act civil settlement, Edward has paid $410,000 to the U.S. Government and admitted that he submitted false claims for payment to Medicare.
|
|
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY |
7 Financial Reports Your Practice Needs to Run - Part 5
Most physicians readily admit that classes on how to run a successful medical practice were not part of the curriculum in medical school. While "financial reporting," might not have been a class at your medical school, experts say you need to at least become familiar with understanding some of the basic reports. Here are seven to track.
5. Provider Productivity - "A provider performance and productivity report measures what each physician is contributing to the practice. From this report, you can spot areas of weakness or strength and increase revenue-producing activity, while holding down costs." - John Bender, Board of Directors, AAFP
Source: Angela Watkins, Physicians Practice
|
|
CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Q Codes
Recently, we were instructed to not use the Q modifiers for routine nail care. This is specifically when we are using the Q modifier for callus care on the same claim. Is this an issue with the Q modifier or with the combination of these two procedures?
Gary Raymond, DPM, Altoona, PA
Response: I assume you are referring to the Q7-Q8-Q9 modifiers and Medicare billing? These modifiers are to be appended to RFC CPT codes when you are using vascular based ICD-10 codes only. The Q codes are used to further clarify the vascular condition. There has been confusion in the past that some carriers required these Q modifiers for even neurologic based ICD-10 codes – which is impossible. When billing combination nail and callus care CPT codes, the Q modifiers do not separate/unbundle these codes. The -59 modifier is required for this. Q codes would be used on all billing lines (for nail and callus care).
You may want to run this source of this information past your state association and have them investigate this further.
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) |
From: Keith L. Gurnick, DPM
Alas, Dr. Shea, you are not alone. I too have seen an increase in the number of patients I am diagnosing, specifically with either plantar fasciitis, and/or associated peroneal tendinitis in non-athletic patients who either walk for exercise, walk their dogs, walk the grandchildren, or just do their activities of daily living, wearing the shoes you are alluding to.
It seems to be almost always women in my practice who purchase these types of shoes and have these specific issues. However, I relate the issues more to the "non-structured" outer soles of the shoes, rather than...
Editor's Note: Dr. Gurnick's extended-length letter can be read here.
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1 |
From: Dennis Shavelson, DPM
While I agree that well cast, well prescribed, well fabricated, and well dispensed custom foot orthotics are beneficial to foot and postural sufferers (i.e., they can reduce heel pain, metatarsalgia, and flat foot suffering), Caroline Leverett sums up what I see involving mainstream $300-600 podiatry custom cast, scanned, and prescribed foot orthotics marketing on websites and media postings and interviews.
She uses her soapbox to claim that her custom orthotics: align feet, prevent foot deformities, improve foot function, and correct biomechanical causes of pain. 95% of all custom cast foot orthotics I see and work with (backed by scientific and engineering facts and the existing evidence), cannot fulfill these promises. Unless she can produce x-rays, photos, videos, and clinical success stories implying that she is dispensing orthotics that can do what she claims, I suggest she is promoting fake news and owes us an apology.
Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NY, NY
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) |
From: Richard A. Simmons, DPM
Once again, Dr. Beaton has quoted the Florida statute and stated: “Routine Footcare Services defined by the Florida Podiatry Practice Act and performed by anyone other than a licensed podiatrist constitutes practicing podiatry without a license. Anyone who allows a non-licensed assistant to practice podiatry, is in violation of the Florida podiatry practice act.” And once again, the unified response from Florida podiatrists is “crickets” (nothing). Where is the voice of the FPMA on this? Will no one challenge Dr. Beaton?
The performance of routine foot care by non-licensed assistants is pervasive in Florida. No one dares to state that it is legal, or to show where in any practice act, that a podiatrist can oversee routine foot care; yet the performance of routine foot care by non-licensed assistants is pretty much standard throughout the state. Thirty-five years ago, I sat in a podiatrist’s office (while he was on vacation), where the unlicensed staff did everything. When a staff member was finished, she would bring me in to inspect. We saw about 20 patients an hour. He was a past president of the FPMA. I guess it is one of those things that happens and no one talks about it.
Richard A. Simmons, DPM Rockledge, FL
|
|
YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
|
Pretty in pink poodle pilots? |
Source: Jeremy Scott via Virtual Shoe Museum
|
|
MEETING NOTICES
|
|
|
PM PODIATRY HALL OF FAME CEREMONY & RECEPTION
July 12, 2018 – Gaylord National Resort - Washington, DC
Honoring Brad Wenstrup, DPM and Dan Vickers
Sponsored by Bako Diagnostics (Bronze), PICA (Bronze), and Sammy Systems (Bronze)
PM News subscribers are invited to see Dr. Wenstrup and Mr. Vickers inducted in the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame, including roasts by special guests.
All ticket proceeds go to the APMA Educational Foundation Student Endowment Fund. Reserve your tickets now by sending $100 per ticket to: APMA Educational Foundation Student Scholarship Fund, 9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 or via the APMA Meeting registration form.
|
|
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 $219 (less than $15 per CECH)
(Only $15 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, DE, HI, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, VT, WV, WI, & WY
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, ID, IA, 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
|
|
CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 2 ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA
Busy practice looking for a full-time associate. PSR-36 Board qualified/certified foot and ankle surgeon. My practice has state-of-the-art equipment with the latest technologies and cutting edge procedures. Candidate must be personable, outgoing and motivated with excellent clinical and surgical skills. Ability to be busy from day one. Partnership opportunity. Must be competent in all areas conservative and surgical treatments of the foot and ankle. Competitive salary and benefits. Email CV to drfootwound@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK
Full time associate position with busy expanding multiple office full scope group on Long Island. Ideal for July 2018 residency/ fellowship graduate or someone with 1-3 years experience looking for future partnership. Board Qualification/ Certification required. Affiliated with NYU/ Winthrop, Northwell and Brookhaven hospitals. Generous package includes salary, bonus, health/ malpractice insurance, paid holidays and vacations. Send CV to drleeb@countryfootcare.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – RENTON-KIRKLAND-EVERETT, WASHINGTON
This is an immediate opening for associate position. He/she must be highly motivated, hard-working podiatrist who is proficient in forefoot and rearfoot surgery. We have 3 office locations and multiple nursing home facilities. Prefer someone personable and a team player. Please email CV to seattlefootdoctor@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST GRANBY, CT
Well-established, busy podiatric practice seeking a candidate who is dedicated, hardworking, motivated with an excellent bedside manner. The practice sees all age groups and all aspects of podiatry from simple to complex. Seeking a long-term team player dedicated to patient care and has the ability to work independently. Send CV: ctfootspecialists@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PANHANDLE OF FLORIDA
This two office practice serves as the premier provider of foot and ankle services in a three county area. A full service practice with opportunity to expand services. One of the most desirable areas of FL. Competitive salary and benefits. Contact: Mcrosby518@gmail.com FL24
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND
Associate position open for a highly motivated, hard-working podiatrist who is proficient in forefoot and rearfoot surgery. Candidate must have excellent professional and communication skills. We have 2 office locations and are looking to grow our practice. Prefer someone personable and a team player. Podiatrist/s just entering practice or with experience. Please email CV and salary requirements to asmith@footandankle-usa.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Looking for an eager podiatrist to join our growing protocol-based practice. We have 2 offices with certified EMR, fully trained staff, full-time marketer, shoe store in each location and digital x-ray machines. Hospital privileges available near each location. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and will be busy from the moment they are hired! We are looking for a well-rounded personable podiatrist. Please send your CV and cover page to footdocs17@gmail.com.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - MINNESOTA
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities throughout Minnesota. Great opportunity for part-time income or full-time income. Positions available immediately! Send inquiries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
MOBILE PODIATRIST NEEDED - NEW JERSEY
ASSOCIATE POSITION - OCALA, FL
Family Foot and Ankle has an immediate opening for a board qualified/certified surgical podiatrist. Pleasant work environment with state-of-the-art facility and highly skilled staff. High-end compensation and bonus potential. Excellent benefits and relocation reimbursement. Great public schools and community colleges, excellent healthcare facilities, and an hour or two from the U of FL, airports, beaches, Orlando attractions, a national forest and outdoor recreation opportunities. Respond with CV to email: medstaffhr@gmail.com
MULTI-LOCATION GROUP - CHICAGO/NEAR WEST SUBURBS
Seeking an ABFAS Board Certified/Eligible associate. MINIMUM 2 year private practice experience required. Surgical/ortho patient load. Great staff. DME, Rx, Minimal Incision Sx, EMR, digital x-ray, laser, ultrasound, PRP, shockwave & MRI. Top pay, associateship & practice equity available for experienced candidates. Send CV drtsatsos@anklenfoot.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – DAYTON, OH
Group practice seeking PSR-36 board certified/qualified foot and ankle surgeon. Must have excellent clinical and surgical skills and provide quality patient care. Practice equipped with EMR, digital x-ray, PAD, Cutera Laser, ultrasound guided injections, PRP all aspects of DME. Hospital privileges, no nursing homes. Highly trained staff. Send CV, to ohiosurgeons@gmail.com Base salary $120,000 and generous bonus plan, 401k, medical insurance, malpractice, paid vacation, holidays, CME, signing bonus. Partnership opportunity
ASSOCIATE POSITION – BERGEN COUNTY, NJ
Looking for a full-time podiatrist in a very busy, fast-paced practice. Offering competitive salary and bonuses. Lots of sports medicine, excellent support staff, and positive environment. Immediate start date. Please e-mail CV to cma@njfootpain.com , should you have any further questions you may call Gerry 201-523-9489.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SARASOTA FLORIDA
KG Health Partners, the largest podiatric practice in Florida, is revolutionizing the continuum of care for seniors living in more than 200 long-term facilities in Central Florida. We currently have an opening in the Sarasota, FL area. If you are committed to helping seniors live healthy lives, this mobile-based position could be your perfect fit. Our physicians work Monday thru Friday and must maintain active Medicare and Florida licenses. We cover malpractice insurance, medical supplies, travel allowance, etc. Exceptional benefits include paid holidays, vacation, health insurance, and 401K retirement plan. Salary and RVU Bonus Structure. Email CV kgadmin@kghealthpartners.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – JERSEY SHORE, NEW JERSEY
Busy Jersey Shore practice looking for an associate podiatrist who is proficient in Routine Foot Care, Medicare Patients, Primary Podiatric Medicine including Wart Treatment and Nail Surgeries. Please email CV, and salary requirements to lakewoodjobs999@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - NORTHERN MASSACHUSETTS
Looking for well trained, personable physician willing to be a part of the team. Must have completed surgical residency and board qualified/certified. We have 2 busy clinics. No nursing homes. Affiliated with multiple local hospitals. Salary and benefits available. Please send resume to cfdalrymple@yahoo.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,500 DPMs AND STUDENTS
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 18,500 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at davidekagan@gmail.com or call (215) 808-0770.
|
CLASSIFIED ADS PART 2 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICES WANTED
Buying podiatry practices in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, NYC, New Jersey, Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina. Looking to buy podiatry practices large, small, rural or urban. Podiatrists who are looking to retire soon or in the near future, or wanting to join a larger group to handle business operations can contact us at podiatrymanagementinc@gmail.com. Competitive compensation and benefits package for those who would like to sell and work within the larger company.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY
Established practice for sale. Located in a professional office building, the office has consistent cash flow and an established patient based. Practice owner transitioning to retirement. Priced to sell. Contact MCrosby518@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - CONNECTICUT
Well-established part-time practice for sale in a beautiful section of Connecticut. We see all aspects of foot and ankle care and accept most insurance. Owner is looking to be closer to home. Great opportunity with turnkey office including equipment. Transition period, office training and finance options available. Interested please email: ctfootspecialists@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SAN FRANCISCO AREA, CALIFORNIA
Established practice in the East Bay in highly visible medical building across from major hospital. All aspects of foot and ankle care including: digital x-ray, Pinpointe laser, MLS laser, Traknet EMR. Turn-key office. Excellent opportunity, Gross $500K+, EastBaypodiatrypractice@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,500 DPMs AND STUDENTS
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 18,500 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@prodigy.net or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at davidekagan@gmail.com or call (215) 808-0770.
|
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
|
|
|
|
|