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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,049 Subscribers Daily
May 27, 2015 #5,379  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2015- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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How often do you forego writing a prescription because it requires pre-authorization? |
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| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
SC Podiatrist Discusses Dangers of Flip-Flops
As comfortable as they are, flip-flops can be harmful to your feet. "Flip flops and sandals, to a degree, don't provide the same level of protection that a more robust shoe would,” Greenville Health System podiatric surgeon Dr. Ryan Fitzgerald said. Fitzgerald said flip-flops can lead to foot injuries and even skin cancer. "People have a tendency to disregard their feet generally speaking, but particularly in the summer time when it pertains to shoes and sunscreen,” Fitzgerald said. "But skin cancer in the foot is not an uncommon thing."
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Dr. Ryan Fitzgerald |
"Certain materials are more porous than others and have the capacity to maintain moisture. Certain environments can lead to fungal infection and ultimately bacterial infections," Fitzgerald said. Depending on the material, Fitzgerald recommends getting a new pair of flip flops every season.
Source: Charlisa Gordon, WMBF News [5/22/15]
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1 | |
Like Your Face, Feet Age Too: UK Podiatrist
“People always say to me: ‘My feet didn’t used to look like this!’” says podiatrist Margaret Dabbs. “Well, the fact is: they didn’t. Feet go through the aging process in exactly the same way the face does.”
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Margaret Dabbs |
According to Dabbs, as we age, the sweat glands in the feet are less active, causing drier skin, so the older we get, the more we need to pay attention to hydration levels. “To help prevent and treat common foot complaints, good home care is necessary,” continues Dabbs. “With the right products and tools, the feet can be transformed. Start by foot filing – always on dry skin – once a week, and follow with a decent foot-specific moisturizer. The results of good foot care are instant, and the feet not only look better but feel better too.”
Source: Alyson Walsh, The Guardian [5/26/15]
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2 | |
Feet Need the Same Preventive Care as Teeth: Jamaica Podiatrist
"Podiatry has a lot of similarities to dentistry. Years ago, people went to the dentist only when they had a bad toothache. By this time, the dentist could only extract the tooth as it was so badly damaged. It is the same with podiatry. People only tend to go when there is a severe problem which can lead to long, drawn-out rehabilitative care or amputation. Most amputations start out as an ingrown toenail, a blister, discoloration, a small cut or swelling in the feet or ankles. This can all look so innocuous," says Jamaica podiatrist Angela Davis.
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Angela Davis |
"Tackle these issues early on, and a lot of heartache can be avoided. Treat your feet like your hair or teeth. You have your teeth cleaned by a dentist or hygienist; if you damage a tooth, you have it repaired. Annual check-ups for your feet are exactly the same. Everyone should have some level of professional care when it comes to their feet. This is even more important when it comes to the vulnerable in our society, like the elderly and disabled," said Davis.
Source: Jamaica Observer [5/24/15]
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| IN THE COMMUNITY | |
WV Podiatrist Posthumously Inducted into Runners Hall of Fame
Three runners took their places among Wheeling's road racing greats Saturday as they were inducted into the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic Hall of Fame. This year's inductees included the late Dr. James Garrison of Wheeling. He was honored during a special awards ceremony at the conclusion of the 39th annual running of the race. Dr. Garrison, one of the race's early runners, practiced podiatry in Wheeling for 34 years. He, too, spent plenty of time tending to the needs of runners at the medical tent when he could no longer run the race himself.
"His generosity touched many over the years," race director R. "Scat" Scatterday said of Dr. Garrison, who also was a Navy veteran who served in Korea. Sue Garrison said the Ogden race was largely responsible for her husband's love of running. "He had never really heard of the sport until this race," she said. Dr. Garrison's daughter, Mindy Garrison Smith, said the Ogden race was something her father looked forward to every year until his death in April 2012. "He loved Wheeling," she said. "He loved the people and he loved the camaraderie."
Source: Ian Hicks, Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register [5/24/15]
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| PM JURY VERDICT REPORTER | |
Alleged Surgical Malpractice: MI
Facts: A 57-year-old female reportedly sustained a non-union of her first metatarsal-phalangeal joint resulting in an unstable joint, and later developed a MRSA infection after remedial surgery, after defendant podiatrist allegedly performed two surgeries to fuse the joint. The plaintiff claimed defendant, acting as an agent of defendant 2, violated the standard of care by failing to properly prepare the articular surfaces of the joint, failing to completely denude the joint articular surfaces of all soft tissue strictures, failing to sculpt the articular surfaces to ensure that the two bone surfaces could be placed in contact with each other, failing to attach a fixation plate to the joint to ensure contact between the articular surfaces, removing too much bone resulting in shortening of the toe, and ignoring the plaintiff's complaints of movement in the joint during the post-operative period.
The defendants denied violating the standard of care, and claimed that the plaintiff contributed to her injury and damages by being non-compliant with activity restrictions after the surgeries. The jury found that the defendant was not negligent.
Result: Defense Verdict ($0)
Plaintiff's expert witness: David Berlin, DPM, Detroit, MI
Defendant's expert witness: Michael Gerber, DPM, Framington Hills, MI
Source: Jury Verdict Research
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| FROM PM's CURRENT ISSUE | |
Twice a week, PM News posts an entire article from a recent issue of our partner, Podiatry Management Magazine. Please note that the views expressed in Podiatry Management Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of PM News or Barry Block.
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Today's Featured Article |
Click here to read article
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| HEALTHCARE NEWS | |
Medical Debt Remains, Even As Obamacare Picks Up The Tab
The Affordable Care Act, which is five years old and in its second year of providing subsidized private coverage on government marketplaces, is making it easier for Americans to pay their medical bills. But when it comes to eliminating their debts to healthcare providers and paying their share of co-payments and deductibles, Americans still have problems, several different studies out in the last week show.
The Urban Institute issued briefs showing the health law has taken a load off of family budgets with 9.4 million fewer families “having problems paying medical bills,” the report shows. However, the institute also reported that nearly one in four adults between the ages of 18 and 64 have tallied medical debt they are still paying off.
Source: Bruce Japsen, Forbes [5/24/15]
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| MEDICAL ECONOMICS | |
Some Physicians Plagued by Student Debt, Bad Investments
A survey of physician debt and net worth — part of Medscape's Physician Compensation Report 2015 — shows that rising medical student debt is taking a long time to pay off for many doctors, and bad investments are also taking a toll on some physicians. As part of the debt-to-net worth ratio, patient-care compensation for employed physicians in the survey included salary, bonus, and profit-sharing contributions.
Net worth tended to increase with the age of respondents. More than 90% of those aged younger than 28 years had a net worth of less than $500,000. By age 50, more than half (55%) had a net worth of at least $1 million; by age 65, 49% of physicians had accumulated more than $2 million.
Source: Troy Brown, Medscape News [5/19/15]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF OF THE DAY | |
Tips to Collect More from Patients - Part 7
7. Set Up Payment Plans
Help your patients who are struggling financially by offering to set up payment plans. If they stick to their payment plans, at least your practice will be making progress towards reducing your overall accounts receivable. Rebecca Fox, MD
Source: Aubrey Westgate, Physicians Practice
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Medicare and House Calls
Can a podiatrist get paid by Medicare for a house call even if the patient visits other doctors' offices?
Allan Hetelson, DPM, Bensalem, PA
Response: Your patient typically needs to be housebound, not necessarily bedridden to qualify for a house call. There needs to be a medical necessity for the home visit versus a convenience for the patient. Check with your Medicare contractor to see if they have any specific written rules about patients qualifying for house calls.
Some things to consider: You can bill for a house call (E/M) service when medically necessary and reasonable, and when it is a significant and separately identifiable evaluation and management service not included as part of the procedure allowance. This is identical to the E/M requirement you need to meet if you saw the patient in your office. You do not get to bill for a "house call" charge simply for driving out to the home. In addition, for routine foot care, patients need to meet the "risk" criteria that your Medicare carrier has in their LCD. If you are doing routine foot care on a regular basis, then all you would be eligible to bill for would be the routine foot care services. This may mean only getting paid $20 or less for a qualified routine foot care service, even if it takes you 30 minutes (or more) to get to their house. Of course, if the patient presents a new unrelated condition that requires a work-up, you might be eligible to bill for an E/M service, too. If the patient does not meet "risk" criteria (statutorily non-covered), you can bill what you want and you are not tied to the Medicare fee schedule. Documentation here is key.
Lastly, if they can go to see other doctors in their offices, why can't the patient come to see you in your office? An auditor may want to know the answer to that. You are not allowed to bill for home call services simply for patient convenience. This is a nice service to do for our elderly patients, but you also have to look at this from an affordability standpoint. Can you economically sustain doing home visits that take a significant amount of time, but may be limited to almost the same amount of reimbursement had you seen the patient in your office.
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription.
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Origami anyone? |
Source: Pinterest
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MEETING NOTICES
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PM PODIATRY HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON
July 24, 2015 – Orlando Marriott World Center
Honoring Joshua Gerbert, DPM and Justin Wernick, DPM
Richard Bloch and Rita Yates
Sponsored by Bako Integrated Physician Services (Gold), PICA (Bronze), and Sammy Systems (Bronze)
PM News subscribers are invited to see Drs. Gerbert and Wernick and Mr. Bloch and Ms. Yates 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 $75 per ticket to: APMA Educational Foundation, 9312 Old Georgetown Road or via the APMA Meeting registration form.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW JERSEY
Looking for a Korean speaking podiatrist for an established office in northern NJ, part time. Patient base is available immediately. Good mix of general podiatry and surgery. Hospital privileges and trauma call (if desired) available. Please call 7185015037 for more details.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Very busy practice seeking a full-time, self-motivated and hard-working podiatry associate. Competitive salary offered. Please email CV to: podiatrists@icloud.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY
You're not looking for a typical podiatry practice. We're not looking for the typical podiatrist. We need another doctor who understands the importance of creating an amazing patient experience as much as providing great medical care. You will be working with doctors who are committed to your success. If you are an entrepreneurial-minded doctor who wants to grow and eventually own part of an already successful practice, go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE- NORTH GEORGIA/CHATTANOOGA AREA
Busy group practice located in Chattanooga/North Georgia area seeking a growth-oriented individual with a strong work ethic to join our expanding 5 physician TEAM. Must have PMS 36. Can be out or residency or just looking for a change in practice environment. Established patient base with tremendous growth opportunity. Associate with partnership potential. Chattanooga offers a strong music and arts culture, unrivaled outdoor amenities, and a government/populace committed to sustainable development. Competitive Salary and benefits. Bilingual (Spanish) an asset. Email cover letter and CV to hr@advfootcare.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION FT/PT - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
Available Immediately -Upscale private practice, coastal community in Atlantic County looking for a FT/PT associate. Buy in/Buy option. Modern facility, EMR, digital x-ray, supportive professional staff. Hospital privileges, no nursing homes, treating patients of all ages/conditions. Not just another routine practice! Email Shoredpm@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – JACKSONVILLE, FL
Looking for an idyllic lifestyle? Join a full service, group podiatry practice in Jacksonville, FL. It’s a fabulous place to live and raise a family. Access beautiful beaches and neighborhoods with low cost of living. Compensation: 30% of net collections with guarantee against net collections. Benefits: office overhead, health and medical malpractice insurance, paid vacation, clerical and clinical support staff, and billing service. Partnership opportunity within 5 years. Contact: padler@adlerpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALIFORNIA
The Foot Doctors of Santa Cruz County is a multi-office podiatric group looking for a self-motivated, committed podiatrist with a CA license. Offices are up-to-date with EMR and digital x-ray. Duties include all aspects of podiatry including wound care, surgical cases and nursing homes. There is great surgical growth potential. Must intend to reside locally. Send CV to: srfctysc@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED IMMEDIATELY – OHIO
Associate needed to join well-established podiatry group in West Central Ohio. Must be motivated and able to practice independently. Email cover letter, CV, and references to footdoc@bright.com
PART-TIME POSITION AVAILABLE BRONX NY
NYNJ Foot & Ankle Associates is now hiring a part-time DPM FAX CV and Cover Letter to 718-547-9232 or email nynjfootandankle@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN/CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
Large Podiatric Practice with offices In Northern/Central New Jersey Looking for Part Time/ Full Time Podiatrists Must be Available to start July 1 Must Have NJ License Competitive Salary Please Email Resume to: njpodiatrists@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ALBERTA/CANADA - CALGARY
Seeking new/experienced full-time podiatrist to take over associate position in busy, well established (>20 years), surgical and non-surgical practice. New office space with in-office operating room. Send CV and cover letter to: afsc@associatefootspecialists.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 subscribers. For details, click here or write to:bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS PART 2 - PRACTICE FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
EQUIPMENT WANTED- LOOKING FOR ESWT MACHINE
We are looking for a used Extracorporeal shockwave therapy machine for our podiatry office. We currently have an older Storz machine and are looking to upgrade. Please contact Rich at rmattsson@flfootandankle.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE- ARIZONA
Central Arizona - between Phoenix and Tucson. Well established and very busy 35 year old solo-practice. High volume surgery and general practice with good cross-section of patients from pediatric to geriatric. Hospital, surgicenter and in-office surgery. Located in professional center. Contact E-mail: pmmpod@gmail.com
IMMEDIATE BUYING OPPORTUNITY IN CHICAGO
Well-rounded medical/surgical practice; turn-key operation with ongoing schedule. Great opportunity to run your own practice - full- or part - time for recent graduate or experienced physician. Will consider partnership for right person. Please respond to: chipod12@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL
Multilocation (will separate) multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NEW YORK METRO AREA
30 year old diversified practice fully equipped. High Gross High net revenue, reliable staff,low overhead, good leases. Dr. will stay on as long as requested to assure smooth transition great opportunity for podiatrist surgeon. Email rrranch7@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE- HUDSON VALLEY, NY
Approximately 30 miles south of Albany. Well established 30 year podiatry practice. Doctor retiring. Includes all equipment. Owner will stay for easy transition. Grossing 500K+ Consistently. The practice primarily routine and diabetic foot care. Income less than 5% surgical. Reasonably priced. For additional info contact: footdoctor2015@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NEW YORK, MANHATTAN
Established Manhattan practice for sale. Office has been in same location for more than 25 years. Wide range of services in office and surgically. Hospital and surgery center privileges available. Strong patient volume. Prime location. Medicare less than 15%. EHR and Digital X-ray. Contact: MCrosby518@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - STAMFORD, CT
30-year old Fairfield County podiatric practice for sale. At present, practice is grossing $370k on a part-time basis with historical annual gross of $450k and a consistent, long-standing referral base. Additionally, office is equipped with modern technology and furniture while maintaining low overhead. DPM is on staff at a major local hospital and affiliated surgical center as well as a major New York City hospital – all producing an excellent reputation in the community and top ratings on Health Grades, Google, etc. All interested parties please contact DPM at CTPodiatrist1985@gmail.com.
LOOKING TO PURCHASE A PRACTICE IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL
Obamacare!? Looking to get out...or stay? I am looking to purchase a practice in Palm Beach County, FL. Contact Ian S. Goldbaum, DPM at (561) 702-5637
DESIRABLE LOCATIONS TO SUBLET AND SHARE - NEW YORK
Midtown, Gramercy, Financial District and Plainview (North shore of Long Island) turn-key. Extremity MRI, Extremity CT scanner, diagnostic ultrasound, digital xray in selected offices. Fair Lawn ASC,LLC a dedicated certified ambulatory surgical center for foot and ankle surgery accepting applications for staff privileges 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.
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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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- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
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