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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,442 Subscribers Daily
May 20, 2020 #6,683 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management https://podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2020- 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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Do you require staff and/or patients to wear face masks?
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PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC |
CA Podiatrist Uses Medical Maggots to Treat Patient Via Telemedicine
David G. Armstrong, DPM, PhD, co-director of Keck Medicine of USC’s limb salvage program, had a patient with a problem. Post-surgery, the patient had developed necrotic tissue at the site of the wound—according to an AI algorithm, the wound was 46% necrotic. The patient was at an extremely high risk for sepsis, which meant his life was in danger. Normally, such a patient would be sent to a nearby emergency department with all due speed, but the coronavirus pandemic complicated that. Patients with slow-healing wounds often have co-morbidities that increase the likelihood that a COVID-19 infection will become fatal; in this case, the patient had diabetes.
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Dr. David Armstrong and the use of medical maggots |
Dr. Armstrong, who is also professor of clinical surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, needed to debride the dead tissue, and he needed to do so without bringing the patient into a hospital setting. For the debridement, he turned to “nature’s microsurgeons,” otherwise known as lucilia sericata, the larvae of the common green bottle fly. “They do a great job, you don’t have to tell them what to do, and they work 24/7,” he remarked. The team believes this is the first time telemedicine has ever been used for such a procedure. Armstrong expects that this is just the start of what will soon be an explosion of innovative telemedicine use.”
Source: Lex Davis, Keck Medicine of USC
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PODIATRIC RESIDENCY NEWS |
Grant Medical Center & St. Joseph's Medical Center Hold Cross-Residency Debate
On Wednesday April 29th, residents of Grant Medical Center hosted an inaugural Point-Counterpoint discussion with residents of St. Joseph's Medical Center. Program directors Gary Lepow, DPM and Christopher Hyer, DPM along with their PGY-2 residents went head to head as they debated over the topic of 1st MPJ arthroplasty vs 1st MPJ arthrodesis.
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(L-R) Drs. Gary Leoow and Christopher Hyer |
The event was hosted via Cisco WebEx. The one hour-long debate consisted of presenting high level, evidence-based journal articles, surgical experiences, and technique pearls in 1st MPJ arthrodesis and 1st MPJ arthroplasty. Surgical experiences were shared between faculty members in each of their respective medical communities.
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PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR |
Supportive Sandals are Best to Wear Around the House: CA Podiatrist
Today, given that many are spending more time at home, we wanted to zero in on the best shoes to wear around the house. We turned to Benjamin Tehrani, DPM of Kings Point Foot & Ankle in Los Angeles for expert tips on the best styles for your overall foot health.
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Dr. Benjamin Tehrani |
"Supportive sandals are preferred. I am impressed with styles like those from Birkenstock that have the ability to remain in style while also providing the best support in the arches that I've seen to date. They have a soft foot bed that has an integrated latex foam cushion that molds to your feet the more you walk in them. The insole is leather lined so it helps to keep the feet dry and makes it durable, which is why they're typically more expensive than the typical sandal," says Dr. Tehrani.
Source: Bobby Schuessler, Who What Wear [5/17/20]
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ABPM NEWS |
Applications Re-Launch for 2020 ABPM Board Examinations
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the ABPM Qualification Exam on May 19, 2020 has been cancelled. Instead, the Qualification Exam will be converted into a Qualification/Certification Hybrid Exam that will be administered on October 16, 2020. The hybrid exam will consist of 125 multiple choice questions (100 scored questions) and 9 clinical case scenarios (8 scored cases). Upon passing the hybrid exam, candidates will become Board Certified by the ABPM. All applications are available on the Board's website and must be submitted by July 31, 2020.
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY |
The Return of In-person Visits - Part 1
Everyone has been through a lot. Besides your fear for people, your work took a strange turn in the irony that your business— helping with health issues—had a downturn because of a health issue. Let’s face it: the everyday in-person appointment can win the day—and, potentially, save the life. Still, patients are skittish about possibly losing their life from the coronavirus. Patients are scared. Here we gain insight in making them feel comfortable when they’re finally ready to come to your office.
You want to make sure patients are wearing masks and, if not, that you have one at the ready. Papers filled out before patients arrive means less time at the office. “As we send them confirmation which identifies their level of comfort, we also ask them if they have a fever, any other symptoms, and also take them through the steps we expect them to do,” says Tom Sullivan, MD. But Sullivan says the visual of the office is also a key— they don’t see a crowd in the waiting room and there’s awareness of hand sanitizers and a wiping down of places that will be touched. Sullivan, who is a specialist in cardiology and internal medicine and chief strategy officer with health tech company DrFirst, says that as in a grocery store, social distance still matters. People feel uneasy in those places if those guidelines aren’t met and they won’t feel any less so just because there are doctors around and it’s a medical facility.
Source: Eric Butterman, Physicians Practice [5/15/20]
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QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) |
Query: Swift Microwave for Plantar Warts
Are PM News readers satisfied with the purchase or lease of the Swift microwave for plantar warts? Is it working better and with less pain than other modalities? Has the device been simple to use? How many applications does it generally require to see results?
David E Gurvis, DPM, Avon, IN
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) |
From: Charles Morelli, DPM
I could not agree with Dr. Kass more as it pertains to not sending patients to the E.D., if/when they have a “toe problem”. We need to continue being the patient’s doctor, especially their foot doctor and not their referral service or their “chiropodist”. If you are going to refer them anywhere, I respectfully suggest you refer them to a colleague who is comfortable handling more than basic podiatry, and I mean no disrespect when I say this.
If someone has a foot infection, we do not refer them to infectious disease, nor do we send a patient with a skin condition to a local dermatologist. We should also be treating patients with gout and prescribe colchicine and allopurinol without hesitation, repeat bloods and titrate...
Editor's note: Dr. Morelli's extended-length letter can be read here.
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 |
From: Paul Busman DPM, RN
For me, the point is moot since I'm no longer in practice but it seems to me that charging a fee to recover the extra cost is reasonable. A podiatry practice is different from a dental practice in that due to the nature of a dental practice, the dentist is literally and figuratively in the patient's face. Drills and water spray can aerosolize contaminated droplets, raising the danger of cross-infection. This also means that they probably need more time and labor to disinfect the entire treatment room and all of its equipment between cases. That said, I'm getting a new crown placed next week and I'll gladly pay the extra $15.
For podiatry, may I suggest charging a fee to cover the actual cost of masks, face shields, and other disposables? Let the patients know that you are just charging what those items cost you and that you're not trying to profit from a bad situation.
Paul Busman DPM, RN, Frederick MD
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 |
From: Paul M Taylor, DPM
Thank you Sam Bell for your note regarding the PCPM class of 1970. I have been retired for a few years but still follow what is happening in podiatry. The changes over the last 5 years, including scope of practice, surgical procedures, electronic records, new medications, public recognition, group and mega-practices, and now COVID-19 exceed what happened over the previous 45 years.
Congratulations to this year’s class; you have an exciting and challenging time ahead of you.
Paul M Taylor, DPM, Silver Spring, MD
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CODINGLINE CORNER) |
From: Dennis Shavelson DPM
I agree with Dr. Lehrman to use ICD-10 U07.1 for COVID-19 if diagnosed but I suggest using Code Z20.828: Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other viral communicable diseases which is a billable code. That would be underpinning the Covid toes findings such as chilblains, Raynauds, or acrocyanosis (I73.8).
Dennis Shavelson, DPM, NY, NY
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Would you name this shoe Acey Lacey? |
Source: Janine van den Bosch via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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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
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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 Licensees whose registrations are from 3/20-9/1/20 can take unlimited online credits
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CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY
Full-time position available in a busy, well-established practice. Competitive salary as well as percentage of revenue collections, family insurance benefits, paid holidays and vacation days, Partnership opportunity available Please send CV to john@tipton-unroe.com
FULL TIME PODIATRIST - NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
We are a fast-growing Podiatry practice in North 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 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.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - RHODE ISLAND/SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Multi-office Rhode Island/Southeastern Massachusetts Podiatry practice with an immediate opening for a FT surgical BQ/BC DPM. Salary with production based bonus, benefits package and medical insurance included. Please send CV to druggiero@rifootcare.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN PA/NY
Multi-office practice looking for full time podiatrist to join our team. Guaranteed base salary with bonus, 401K, CME, and Medical insurance. E-mail CV to NWPA.Podiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN, NJ
Wanted Part-time associate for busy Northern NJ practice. Flexible days. Full scope of podiatric practice performed. E-mail CV to MHDPM1@gmail.com.
PRACTICE WANTED – NORTH NEW JERSEY
Looking for immediate purchase of an established practice in the North Jersey in one of the following areas: Hudson county, Bergen county, eastern Passaic county, eastern Essex county. I would like the doctor to be available to help with transition. Contact: nnjpod@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,000 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 18,000 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
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CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - ANCHORAGE, AK
Health issues force immediate closing of well over 30 year podiatry practice in Anchorage, AK. Set up for three treatment rooms. Very flexible terms and price. Please email drmarkrindi@yahoo.com if you are interested.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – CHICAGO SUBURBS
Highly respected successful, solo podiatry practice for sale in upper middle class northern suburbs of Chicago. Affiliated with 2 major hospital physician programs with a surgical center available in office complex. Must be board eligible or board-certified. If you are a people person without a doctor’s complex, this turnkey practice is for you. With added social media, practice revenues could go up 10-20%. $ 900,000 Gross last several years working 4 half days a week. Traknet EMR, digital x-ray, computerized orthotics, with in-house PT. No Medicaid and no nursing homes. Will sacrifice for $500,000. Only serious inquiries contact k.peeler@comcast.net
PRACTICE FOR SALE – REDDING, CA
33 year-old practice in Redding, CA. Beautiful area, mild winters. Snow ski and water ski in the same day. Smaller town feel than large urban area. Has a unique charm. If you love the outdoors, this is a great place to be. Thorough valuation report available. Price $176,000 just.bob@hotmail.com.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHEASTERN, NC (ROANOKE RAPIDS)
I am retiring from a 32 year old solo practice on the hospital campus of a small town. Low overhead. Currently the office is open M-Th, with Fridays at rest or nursing homes. Region has 3 beautiful, large lakes. Please contact pedalpod@embarqmail.com or phone 252-535-2004 if interested.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – QUEENS, NY
Lucrative 40 year old Queens practice with 2 locations for immediate sale on busy streets in great neighborhoods. Easily accessible by car, bus or train. Great potential for office based and/or surgically trained Podiatrist. Turn-key operation in modern building with strong patient base. Digital X- ray. Please inquire at drlschwartz@hotmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,000 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 18,000 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.
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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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