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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 21,117 Subscribers Daily
May 29, 2026 #8,280  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management® https://podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2026- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
Last Day to Vote
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How much time do you schedule for a new patient? |
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| APMA NEWS | |
APMA Participates in Congressional Briefing for Gout Awareness Day
APMA joined healthcare advocates and patient organizations on Capitol Hill for "Improving Chronic Disease Care: A Gout Awareness Day Briefing," focused on increasing awareness of gout and improving access to care for patients living with the chronic disease. APMA Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Medical Director Dyane Tower, DPM, MPH, MS educated congressional staff about gout and the importance of proper treatment.
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Dr. Dyane Tower |
The briefing also featured representatives from the Alliance for Gout Awareness, the Alliance for Patient Access, and the Gout Support Group of America, who shared patient perspectives and highlighted barriers to care, including prior authorization and step therapy requirements imposed by payers. As part of our other efforts to honor Gout Awareness Day, APMA also released a new educational poster about the debilitating chronic condition, which members and the public can freely print and use as a resource.
Source: APMA Weekly Focus [5/26/26]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
GA Podiatrist Discusses Peroneal Tendinopathy
“Peroneal tendinopathy is typically caused by overuse and repetitive strain on the tendons along the outside of the ankle,” says podiatrist Gregory Alvarez, DPM, adding that uneven terrain, downhill hiking, ankle instability, heavy packs, and unsupportive footwear can all increase stress on the tendons. Similar to other moderate foot ailments, treatment for peroneal tendinopathy usually includes rest, icing, supportive footwear, and temporarily lowering mileage.
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Dr. Gregory Alvarez |
However, Dr. Alvarez cautions that persistent pain should be evaluated to help prevent worsening inflammation or tendon damage. People prone to this type of tendinopathy should choose stability-oriented hiking shoes with good lateral support, which will help reduce strain on the tendons. Stability training, ankle strengthening, and avoiding sudden increases in mileage are also important.
Source: Maggie Slepian, Backpacker [5/27/26]
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| RELEVANT RSEARCH | |
JAMA Study Highlights the Impact of Podiatrists on Amputation Prevention
A recently published study in JAMA, which includes Aksone Nouvong, DPM, FACFAS as one of the authors, highlights the critical role foot and ankle specialists play in reducing lower extremity amputations and improving patient outcomes. The study found that in low-supply markets, every additional DPM per 10,000 Medicare beneficiaries was associated with a 19.1% reduction in the odds of amputation. At a time when the profession faces projected workforce shortages, the findings underscore the importance of expanding access to specialized foot and ankle care and strengthening the pipeline of future podiatric surgeons and physicians.
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Dr. Aksone Nouvong |
Published in one of medicine’s leading journals, the study further reinforces the growing recognition of the specialty’s impact on limb preservation and public health outcomes.
Source: This Week@ACFAS [5/27/26]
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| PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW | |
PA Podiatrist Pleads Guilty to Overprescribing Opioids
A doctor pleaded guilty to overprescribing opioids and abusing patients in multiple local counties. Dr. Matthew Sabo, 52, pleaded guilty to violating the Controlled Substance Drug Device and Cosmetic Act, illegally accessing patients’ medical information, and simple assault, Attorney General Dave Sunday said on Wednesday. Sabo was sentenced in Armstrong County. He was ordered to serve one to two years of incarceration, with the option of house arrest. He will also be on probation for six years.
Source: WPXI [5/27/26]
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| SOLE PURPOSE BY SAVANNAH SANTIAGO, DPM | |
Stress Fractures
Here are some valuable tips that have aided Savannah Santiago, DPM in navigating her experiences as a student and a resident:
3. Are they doing any strength training?
Weightlifting is one of the most effective tools we have for preventing stress fractures. It improves bone mineral density, strengthens surrounding musculature to better absorb impact, and helps correct biomechanical imbalances. But what’s even more compelling is that its protective effect goes beyond just bone density.
In a 2025 study of 492 female athletes examining resistance training, bone mineral density, and stress fracture risk, athletes with a longer history of consistent resistance training—especially those who started as early as junior high—had significantly lower rates of stress fractures. Interestingly, higher bone mineral density alone didn’t fully account for this reduced risk, suggesting that early and consistent loading builds a more resilient system overall. In other words, it’s not just if you strength train—it’s when you start and how consistently you commit to it over time.
Source: This series is adapted from and courtesy of PRESENT eLearning Systems.
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| CODING & BILLING Q&As FROM CODINGHELPLINE.COM | |
Query: Use of the GC Modifier? I recently performed a surgical case at the hospital with the assistance of a resident for a patient with a commercial UHC policy. The claim denied. They reviewed the claim and op report and stated that because the resident was assisting on the case, I needed to add the -GC modifier. Can you comment on this?
Response from Codinghelpline.com: Per UnitedHealthcare (UHC) policy, the -GC modifier (“service performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician”) must be appended to surgical procedures when a resident participates and the teaching physician is present for the key or critical portions. This link for this policy for UHC Commercial is here:
The operative report must have a statement at the end: "As the teaching physician, I was present during those key/critical portions of the procedure."
David Freedman, DPM, Silver Spring, MD
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| QUERIES (HIPAA) | |
Query: Have self-pay practitioners been deemed a “non-covered entity” under the HIPAA laws?
While reviewing the HIPAA Act on the CMS site, I filled out their "Covered Entity Decision Tool: Providers". It seems that as long as a provider is NOT transmitting HPI electronically, that provider is NOT a covered entity. The determining question in this decision tool is, "Does the person, business, or agency transmit (send) any covered transactions electronically?" The answer to that question [yes or no] is also the answer to the question of "is this provider a covered entity."
This, to me, is another strength in favor of the 'pay to play' providers. Thoughts to consider.
H. David Gottlieb, DPM, Baltimore, MD
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME) | |
RE: $15 Billion Dollar DME Fraud
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
Becker’s ASC Review recently posted that the DOJ has settled a fraud case against 8 physicians involved in DME fraud, to the tune of $1.5B. One of the physicians was an OB-GYN who signed numerous prescriptions for DME items for Medicare beneficiaries who were not her patients. She agreed to pay Medicare back $507,000 to resolve False Claim Act allegations. She and another physician who agreed to pay back about $62,000 were the low folks on the totem pole. There was one individual who was captured after being a fugitive who was sentenced to 150 months in prison for leading and organizing a $61.5M healthcare fraud scheme. This involved orthotic braces, foot baths, and genetic testing for patients who did not need any of these DMEPOS.
The list goes on and on. I again ask Medicare why DME fraud is so rampant in the Medicare Fee for Service world, yet you don’t hear much of it going on in the private sector or Medicare Part C plans. The reason is simple. There are much...
Editor's note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter appears here.
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| OBITUARIES | |
RE: The Passing of David M. Ellis, DPM
David M. Ellis, DPM, age 75, died on Monday, May 25, 2026 at his home of more than 40 years in Zanesville, Ohio from complications of Parkinson's disease dementia. Dave was a graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland. Dave eventually returned to Zanesville and established his own practice, serving the communities of both his hometown and Cambridge for over 35 years until illness forced his retirement.
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Dr. David Ellis |
Dave served on the boards of the Zanesville Concert Association and the Zanesville Museum of Art, and also as president of the Zanesville Country Club. The ZCC golf course became his second home, a place where he found solace, friendship and three club championships. He had three holes in one during his playing days and in 2022 was inducted into the ZDGA Hall of Fame.
Source: Zanesville Times Recorder [5/27/26]
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoes of the Day
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From a display window in Milan, Italy |
Source: Submitted by Dr. Paul Shapiro
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MEETINGS & WEBINARS
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can earn over 43 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) Online
Earn 15 CECH only $299 (NOTE: TOKENS EXPIRE 12/31/2027)
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, MS, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, PA, 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, PR, TN, TX, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE AND FACULTY POSITIONS, AND FELLOWSHIPS |
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@podiatricnews.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MARYLAND
Thriving podiatry practice with 3 office locations seeking highly motivated and reliable full-time associate. Candidate must be board eligible, residency with RRA preferred. Great work environment with strong support staff. Competitive compensation, benefits package, and generous sign-on bonus offered. Please email CV to: careers@mynewfeet.com
MOBILE PODIATRIST PART TIME OHIO-COLUMBUS/ DAYTON AREA
Onyx health group is looking to hire a podiatrist for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Set your own hours, clinical support, excellent commission/ pay. New grads as well as those with experience are welcome to apply. Info@onyxhealthgrp.com
IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN – FULL-TIME | GREATER BALTIMORE AREA
Established 3-office practice seeks a motivated, board-certified/eligible podiatric physician with strong forefoot and rearfoot/ankle surgical skills. Focus areas include surgery, biomechanics, wound care and general foot care. Competitive salary, production bonus, malpractice coverage, and CME allowance. Submit CV, cover letter, and two references to baltrtpodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS
Come Move to The Woodlands! Become one of the Best in one of the Best Communities to live and work in The United States. We are seeking the immediate hire of a personable, well-rounded physician and surgeon to join our practice. Excellent compensation and benefits package offered. Please send your resume to: alexandra@nevillefeet.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS - FL, WA, TEXAS, VIRGINIA, NEW JERSEY, WASHINGTON DC, NORTH CAROLNA
Podiatry positions available for immediate hire in Nursing Facilities in Tampa Florida, Spokane Washington, Central and Northwestern Virginia, Houston and South of Austin Texas, New Jersey, and Washington DC. Send CV and Cover letter to office@easternpodiatrypllc.com
PODIATRIST (NON-SURGICAL) | FLEXIBLE · REMOTE + FIELD VISITS · FULL TIME OR PART TIME
POD Health is seeking an entrepreneurial Podiatrist for a flexible hybrid role (home visits, clinic, events, telehealth). Choose full-time or part-time (2–3 days/week) with a schedule tailored to you. Join a fast-growing organization entering a new market, deliver exceptional patient-centered care, and shape an innovative service line. Learn more and apply now: https://podhealth.bamboohr.com/careers/430
IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE POSITION - FOOT HILLS OF NORTH CAROLINA
Position is available for a provider who currently holds or is in the process of acquiring an NC license. Our practice covers forefoot, rearfoot, ankle, and wound care. Hospital privileges at two local hospitals and an ambulatory center, as well as access to an in-office OR. We offer a competitive package including: Salary with a bonus structure - Malpractice and health insurance - 401K - Paid holidays and vacation. Enjoy small-town living conveniently located just 40 miles from Charlotte, NC. If you are interested, please contact me at mauney.jeff@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – AL, AZ, CO, GA, IA, KS, MO, NE, OK & TN
Aria Care Partners is seeking Mobile Podiatrists to work 1-2 days/week in skilled nursing facilities. You will have autonomy and focus on clinical care while we take care of all scheduling and billing. Guaranteed daily base rate plus competitive compensation. Electronic charting and all equipment provided. Make a true difference in an under-served population. New graduates or experienced practitioners are welcome! Email CV to: kcampbell@aria.care
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Seeking full time associate podiatrist San Francisco Bay Area. East Bay location with 2 offices. Established, multi-office practice seeks full-time DPM to join a growing practice. Seeking highly motivated doctor with excellent patient skills. Must be board qualified / certified. Practice has a strong mix of office based minimally invasive surgery, surgery center, hospital. Competitive base salary + percentage, with large upside potential. 401k + benefits. Partnership track potential. Beautiful Bay Area locations. New grads welcome. Email CV to office@bayareapod.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – GOODYEAR, AZ (PHOENIX METRO)
Busy, modern podiatry practice seeking associate to join our growing team. Goodyear offers 350+ days of sunshine and excellent quality of life for families. Strong clinical volume with multiple ancillaries: EPAT/shockwave, MLS laser, DPMX, UltraMIST wound therapy, SWIFT, vascular/neuro testing, and on-site OR. Traditional MIS-trained surgeon strongly preferred. Interest in regenerative medicine a plus. Partnership opportunity available. Owner plans on retiring in 4-5 years. Email CV to: azpodiatrist@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALIFORNIA
Largest group in the Central Valley is seeking associate in Visalia/Hanford. Must be highly motivated with good patient skills and personality. Must be board qualified or certified salary excellent with all paid benefits/incentives including malpractice/401k and profit sharing, and will help with student loan repayment. Compassionate and well-trained for immediate position. Office based, Surgery Center and hospital-based with no rest homes. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Offering a permanent position in a multi-million dollar hi-tech practice. Please e-mail CV and short bio to acampos@wetreatyourfeet.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – HUDSON VALLEY, NY
Busy podiatry office seeking full or part-time surgically-trained podiatrist. Office and wound care-based practice with hospital in and outpatient settings and surgery center affiliation. Located in the Hudson Valley, 50 minutes north of NYC near major highways. Competitive salary depending on experience. Please forward resume to Office@cappapodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, CA
Seeking associate position as part of a multi-location practice providing care in Orange County, CA. Must be motivated, honest and hard working. The practice is well rounded with all aspects of foot and ankle care. Base salary with bonus structure. Send CV to rjspencer11@gmail.com
OPPORTUNITY FOR SURGEONS – ILLINOIS
Join an established, highly successful ambulatory surgery center specializing in podiatry procedures with available OR block time in Illinois. Credentialed physicians have the unique opportunity to grow their practice in a proven, efficient surgical environment — with the potential to become a part-owner. Benefit from an efficient, patient-focused setting designed for clinical excellence, operational efficiency, and physician partnership. If interested, please contact me at jkazygarey@algonquinsurgerycenter.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LAS VEGAS, NV
Full-time Podiatrist position with well-established practice in Las Vegas. Any experience level is welcome. Guaranteed $150k with benefits and a bonus structure. No mandatory call required. Text (847) 830-7378. E-mail CV to: citadeljones@gmail.com
PT AND FT MOBILE POSITIONS - ORLANDO, TAMPA, FT. MYERS, JACKSONVILLE, PANHANDLE
Responsible DPM/NP/PA team players. Home visits, ILF/ALF/Rehab. Paid travel. No call. No ER. Half days or 9-5. Weekends optional. Autonomy. Potential commission up to $230K+/yr based on availability and performance. Serious FL licensed applicants email contact@PodiatristAtHome.com
PODIATRY ASSOCIATE – ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Mexico has an exciting, immediate full-time position open for a board qualified or board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. You can view our website at footanklenm.com. Spanish speaking and Fellowship are a plus but not a requirement. Billing/coding experience is preferred. Compensation is a competitive salary plus a percentage bonus structure to start. 10k sign-on bonus for provider that starts before by September 1, 2026. Please email CV and cover letter to ACharlie@footanklenm.com
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE | |
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@podiatricnews.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Podiatry practice available in the Atlanta area. Excellent opportunity for expansion, satellite growth, or independent ownership. Office features 4 exam rooms, digital imaging, and modern equipment in a strong location with significant potential. Serious inquiries only. Contact ryan@summitfootankle.com for additional details and pricing information regarding this opportunity.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - PRICE, UTAH
Podiatry practice available in Carbon County. Excellent opportunity for expansion or independent ownership. Practice offers a broad variety of patient pathologies including sports medicine, diabetic care, wound care, routine foot care, and surgery. Office includes modern equipment, digital imaging, and multiple 3 exam rooms. Serious inquiries only. Contact ryan@summitfootankle.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - PROVO, UTAH
Podiatry practice available in Provo, Utah, located in one of Utah’s fastest-growing communities with close access to hiking, skiing, biking, and outdoor recreation. Excellent opportunity for expansion or independent ownership. Practice includes modern equipment, digital imaging, and 3 exam rooms. Serious inquiries only. Contact ryan@summitfootankle.com for additional details.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Busy, modern and successful. 80 new patients/ month and totaling 6500K visits/year. 2150 ft2. Established 1985. Near hospitals, surgery and wound care center. Digital x-ray, certified EHR, laser. DMEs, in-house billing. Accepting all insurances. Great opportunity and growth potential. Owner is willing to stay as long as necessary. Contact drwaw54@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - ATHENS, GEORGIA
A very busy, well -established practice for sale. Well known in the community. 40 year-old practice. Referral from all the surrounding physicians and the hospital. Owner is retiring. Email musse53@yahoo.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
A power MTI 526 Podiatry Chair, Ritter Midmark 204 Treatment table - drawers, reclines flat, plug in to outlet. Ritter by Midmark M9 UltraClave: Steam autoclave. Will help facilitate shipping from FL. All in EXCELLENT condition. Phuxctf@gmail.com or text 646-267-1075.
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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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