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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,043 Subscribers Daily
May 29, 2015 #5,381 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 |
FINAL CHANCE TO VOTE
Quick Poll
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How often do you forego writing a prescription because it requires pre-authorization? |
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AT THE COLLEGES |
WesternU Graduates 30 Podiatrists
WesternU’s 34th Annual Commencement got off to a fast start, as the keynote speaker for the first ceremony on May 20 – for the colleges of Allied Health and Podiatric Medicine – was not only a high-profile political figure, but a visionary speaker. California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a former San Francisco mayor and likely 2018 gubernatorial candidate, told the 211 graduates (30 from CPM, 181 from CAHP) that they have an advantage over those from other universities: WesternU is the largest and most diverse graduate health sciences university in the nation, situated in the most diverse county in the most diverse state in the most diverse country in the world.
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(L-R) Founding President Dr. Philip Pumerantz, Aisha Ahmed, DPM '15, , and CPM Dean Dr. Lawrence Harkless (Photo: Jeff Malet) |
Michael Demian, father of College of Podiatric Medicine graduate Jeffrey Demian, DPM ’15, said his son first became interested in medicine as a 16-year-old while volunteering at a local hospital. His son will begin his residency at Chino Valley Medical Center in June. “I’m so excited. It's the best moment in my life,” said Michael Demian, adding that his son will be caring and loving to his patients. “He doesn’t care about money. He cares about being merciful and helpful to people.”
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GBS|CIDP FOUNDATION NEWS |
PA Podiatrist Elected To GBS|CIDP Foundation International Board
Jeffrey S. Gerland, DPM of Narberth, PA was recently elected to the Guillain-Barre Syndrome/Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Foundation International Board of Directors (GBS|CIDP). These disorders are characterized by the rapid onset of weakness, and often paralysis of the legs, feet, toes, arms, breathing muscles, and face.
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Dr. Jeffrey Gerland |
The GBS|CIDP Foundation International exists to support and improve the quality of life for those affected by it. Through more than 140 chapters, the group provides public and professional educational programs worldwide designed to improve and heighten the understanding of GBS, CIDP and its variants. The Foundation sponsors worldwide research programs and engages in patient advocacy.
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 1 |
IL Podiatrist Installed as General Trustee of Lincoln Academy
Dr. Roger Herrin was in Springfield on May 9 to receive his regalia as he was installed as General Trustee of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
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Dr. Roger Herrin |
The medical, business, and civic leader from Harrisburg, who was appointed earlier this year, traveled to the state capital to participate in this year’s ceremonial awarding of the Order of Lincoln, which is the state’s highest honor for professional achievement and public service.
Source: Harrisburg Daily Register [5/27/15]
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 2 |
TX Podiatrist Speaks to Community Safety Group
Dr. Raul Hidalgo, a podiatrist who serves with Atascosa Health Care, spoke to Safer Texas One STEP Closer (STEPS) attendees about foot care. He attended podiatry school at Barry University, where he received his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Hidalgo then completed two residencies at the Doctors Hospital, one in primary podiatric medicine and the other in podiatric surgery.
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Dr. Raul Hidalgo |
Dr. Hidalgo is affiliated with other area hospitals, including Southwest General Hospital and the Baptist Medical Center. He is also a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the Texas Podiatric Medical Association.
Source: Leon Zabava, Pleasanton Express [5/27/15]
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MEETING NEWS |
AAFAS and GIII Hold Joint Symposium in NYC
The Academy of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery (AAFAS) and the Graham International Implant Institute (GIII) held a joint symposium in NYC on May 14-16, 2015. Twenty-five podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons from the United States, Canada, and Africa learned about the latest minimally invasive foot surgical procedures and technologies, including the pedCAT scanner and the extra-osseous talotarsal stabilization HyProCure implant. These were presented through lectures, videos, live surgical observations at the Podiatric OR of Midtown Manhattan, as well as hands-on cadaver workshops.
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Attendees at NYC MIS Joint Symposium |
Attendees learned that the HyProCure may increase the efficacy of minimally invasive surgical procedures for the treatment of bunions, hammertoes, heal pain, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and metatarsal problems by reducing rearfoot pathology. Surgical indications for amniotic stem cells were also discussed. The Academy's forty-year anniversary and awards banquet and minimally invasive surgery meeting with cadavers will be held at the Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans June 11-13, 2015.
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF OF THE DAY |
Tips to Collect More from Patients - Part 9
9. Train and (Retrain) Your Front-Desk Staff
Make sure that your front-desk staff knows how to look at patient balances in the practice management system, and make sure that they are reminding patients about unpaid bills before they receice services on the day of service. Since patients want to be seen, they will usually pay part of their entire bill in order to stay in the good graces of the doctors. - Rebecca Fox, MD
Source: Aubrey Westgate, Physicians Practice
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QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL) |
Query: Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program Denial
A recent pre-payment audit denied shoes ONLY on the basis that the PCP office note that showed the patient being followed and managed for diabetes was signed off by a nurse practitioner. The certifying shoe forms were signed by the PCP and all other paperwork was acceptable. In my opinion, I have a very good reason to appeal under the guidelines that the NP is presumed to be working "under" the MD (under CA law). Any thoughts, or has anyone run into this before. Overall, this is a pretty lame excuse from the reviewer for denial.
David Kahan, DPM, Sacramento, CA
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CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Denial for *-25* Modifier Use
We recently had a denial of a claim coded as: CPT 99212-25, with linked diagnosis codes of ICD-9 735.4 (hammertoe) and ICD-9 250.60 (diabetes with neuropathy). The second line on the claims was CPT 11721, with linked diagnosis codes of ICD-9 110.1 (onychomycosis) and ICD-9 729.5 (pain). The debridement was paid, but the E/M was not, with reason for denial given as "97" - use of "-25" modifier was unnecessary. Has anyone else had a similar denial, or might they offer any explanation?
Pamela Eernisse, DPM, Chicago, IL
Response: I would appeal this, as the use of the modifier is correct. Make sure that the documentation in your chart supports the E/M service as significant and separately identifiable service from the nail care. Simply documenting that there is neuropathy is not enough. That said, if this patient is truly neuropathic, it might come across as strange that the patient also has "pain." Payment for pain in most Medicare LCDs relates to pain with ambulation caused by the nail, which may not necessarily be the case in a neuropathic patient. I would use neuropathy as the qualified nail diagnosis code.
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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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EMR) |
From: Dusky Farmer, DPM
In regard to security risk analysis, we use Eagle Associates. We pay a reasonable annual fee and receive self-help tools for the security risk analysis that you perform at your office. We have experienced a pre-pay audit by Figliozzi & Company and passed the security risk analysis portion without question.
Dusky Farmer, DPM, Evansville, IN
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) |
From: Steven Selby Blanken, DPM
I was reading Bret's report about his accident, and I am glad to see he lived through this experience. Bret has given a lot to our profession, and he is a very good person. Bret has always helped those who asked for help. He was always good to me going all the way back to PCPM days in school. I hope that the local DPMs in Florida are reaching out to him to cover his practice over the next several months. I know people in the DC/MD area who would also like to help in some capacity.
I was recently at the ASPD conference, and Bret and I chatted for hours as we sat across from each other at dinner. Bret, I wish you all the best in your recovery and look forward to seeing you again in the near future. I am sure you are already writing up an article about how "8 hours of surgery is not fun at all, fungus is where the money is..." I look forward to his statistical analysis of how a good 8-hour work day treating fungus makes more money in the end than all that surgery in 8 hours...Somehow, I feel Bret will prove that and we will all get a good laugh. Take care Bret, please post more notes about your recovery.
Steven Selby Blanken, DPM, Silver Springs, MD
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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What an armadillo might wear? |
Source: trendymag.net
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MEETING NOTICES
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CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN DELAWARE
Progressive nine doctor group looking for associate. Multiple state of the art offices and hospital options. There is a current PM&S 36 program in one facility. All types of podiatric care available; office based, wound care and surgery. Send CV to Savage6026@comcast.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION – EL PASO, TX
Busy practice seeking a full-time, self-motivated and hard-working podiatry associate to help with second office. Competitive salary offered. Please email CV to: buffdlr1@gmail.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 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 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
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA (REDDING)
Busy, well established podiatry practice seeking a fulltime, California licensed Podiatrist. Must have good patient skills, motivated and hardworking. All phases of podiatry, hospital and surgery center. Email letter of interest to tjsong01@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – PART-TIME CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
Part time associate podiatrist wanted for two well established offices in Central New Jersey three days a week. Candidate must be on tract to be board certified. Please e mail CVs to zuklie@hotmail.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
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
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 |
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.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NASSAU COUNTY, NY
Ideally located, busy location. Solo 13yo practice grossing 375K on 3.5 days/ week. This is a Sports Podiatry/Orthotic practice (70%) with concentration on 3 camera angle gait analysis, custom orthoses, AFO's and DME. No surgery, no wound care, no Medicare, no Medicaid. Keep it as a sports podiatry practice or expand to include other aspects of podiatric medicine. Serious inquires only. email to poneyboyabb@gmail.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
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
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.
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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- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
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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.
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