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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,424 Subscribers Daily
May 28, 2020 #6,689  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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| PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC - PART 1 | |
CA Podiatrist's Company Donates Anti-Fatigue Insoles for COVID-19 Relief
MEGAComfort, a work-life wellness solutions company, has started the process of shipping thousands of pairs of insoles as part of its MEGACares Fatigue Relief Program. The program was a pledge to donate Anti-Fatigue Insoles worth $500,000 to medical and emergency front-line workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. "In our wildest dreams, we never thought we'd reach this goal in only a few days, and requests keep coming in," said Kevan Orvitz, DPM, Founder of MEGAComfort and Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
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Dr. Kevan Orvitz |
The campaign started with a simple post on Instagram asking doctors, nurses, hospital staff, EMTs, police, and paramedics to tell their stories and submit a short application. Before the MEGAComfort team knew it, the post quickly took on a new life of its own. Within 24 hours, the requests for insoles started coming in every two minutes, each person with a story more heartbreaking than the next. "Our inbox was full of stories of exhausted front-line medical workers," said Dr. Orvitz. "They are on their feet for over 12 hours, and by the end of the day their feet burn and their backs ache. This is the last thing we want them to think about now, and why we started the program in the first place."
Source: Financial Content [5/26/20]
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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What percentage of your normal patient load did you see last week?
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| PODIATRISTS AND THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC - PART 2 | |
OR Podiatrist Writes to Imprisoned Youths Affected by the Pandemic
While some Americans complain about the hardships of their locked-down lives, the nearly 43,000 youths who were already locked away in juvenile halls, adult prisons, and residential programs have become more isolated than ever. For most of them, that means no family visits. No special programs. No face-to-face meetings with teachers. But every week, compassion arrives in the hundreds of mostly handwritten letters enclosed in the homework packets they’ve been getting since classes were suspended.
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Dr. Frank Cobarrubia |
Frank Cobarrubia, DPM, a podiatrist in Bend, OR signed up with his two children, Pilar and Diego. “Our lockdown is laughable next to theirs,” Cobarrubia said in a telephone interview. “So I felt it would be selfish not to do it.” While his children have corresponded with the boy in Missouri, Dr. Cobarrubia has written to three other youths. His letters include snippets of his daily life since he has reduced his office hours. He offered a line from a poem famously quoted by Nelson Mandela: “I am the captain of my soul.”
Source: Katherine Ellison, Washington Post [5/25/20]
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| PUBLISHED PODIATRISTS | |
DE Podiatrist Writes Book About Leaving Podiatry to Care for Her Father
Katanga S. McCoy DPM’s book, I Quit a Six-Figure Job: The Best Decision I Ever Made, is an essential step-by-step guide designed to help readers be prepared when unforeseen events happen. Seeking to be a resource to prepare readers for difficult times, Dr. McCoy discusses how to properly gather documentation and prepare for an unexpected emergency, illness, and/or death of a family member and/or oneself. In addition to helping readers get their affairs in order, this book delivers uplifting testimony about faith and the importance of putting trust in God.
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I Quit a Six-Figure Job |
Dr. McCoy, who left her job as a podiatrist to help take care of her dying father, found herself overwhelmed by the amount of information that she had to collect before her father’s passing. Therefore, she developed this guide to help others prepare financially, physically, and spiritually for the passing of a family member.
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| MEETING NEWS | |
ACLES holds Annual Conference Virtually
The American College of Lower Extremity Surgeons (ACLES) held its annual conference virtually from April 30 – May 2, 2020. The conference was scheduled to be held live in Livonia Michigan, but due to the COVID pandemic it was moved to a virtual event. With over 25 speakers, over 100 attendees and over 35 credits, the event was a huge success.
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Dr. William Sarchino |
ACLES partnered with AMITA Health, St. Joseph Hospital, and CMEonline to present the online virtual conference. Speakers were able to present from their homes or offices and attendees were able to attend the conference using PCs, MACs, IPads, Android phones, and I-Phones. William Sarchino, DPM, served as academic chair for the conference. Attendees and speakers were able to ask and answer questions in real time, which was a strong positive.
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Denials for a Richie Brace
Can anyone provide claim guidance for bilateral Richie braces for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction? We are getting denials from United Health Advantage plan. I have submitted the claim with RT and LT. Then resubmitted also using KX modifier. The denials state that the documentation does not support the devices/need.
PM News Subscriber
Response: Unfortunately, there is an insufficient amount of information given to provide you with an exact answer.
Perhaps you have provided the wrong POS 11 (office) not 12 (home); or you forgot to list a referring (prescribing entity - you) on the claim. While these are all possible, it’s also possible that UHC may have elected to require prior authorization, or your contract may exclude you from reimbursement for these services. If you can provide more specific information, perhaps a more specific answer can be provided.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC) | |
RE: AAD COVID-19 Registry
From: Seth A. Rubenstein, DPM
APMA is working closely with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) on its established COVID-19 registry. APMA encourages its members to report cases of lesions on the feet associated with COVID-19 through this registry, which is HIPAA-compliant and has undergone Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.
The emergence of so-called COVID Toes is an opportunity for our profession to both contribute meaningful data as well as assist with research, publish papers, and collaborate with another medical specialty in education and research opportunities. Developing peer to peer relationships with the house of medicine can also open other doors for advocacy and education. The Principal Investigator of the AAD Registry, Esther Freeman, MD, PhD, shares, “we have seen a broad range of cutaneous manifestations in COVID-19, many of which involve the extremities and acral surfaces. We look forward to collaborating with our colleagues from the APMA."
APMA requests that you support the AAD COVID-19 Registry as it could have both immediate and long-term strategic benefits for our profession.
Seth A. Rubenstein, DPM, President, APMA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
RE: NY Podiatrist Authors a Light-Hearted Novel from a Glorious Era Long Gone
From: Steven Kravitz, DPM
I recently read a novel by Dr. Elliot Udell titled Monticello: A Borscht Belt Catskills Tale. During the 60s, 70s, and into the 80s, the New York Catskills mountains was a vacation haven for a large Jewish resorts, with 2,000 rooms and more, top headliner evening entertainment, endless amounts of kosher foods and activities for the entire family. Along with this were small bungalows, less expensive hotels and motels to fit anyone's budget so they could enjoy the winter and summer away from the city.
The novel uses the metaphor of a simple childhood story to share with the reader a brief moment of going back in time and getting the feeling of this innocent time and place. There's a good bit of subtle humor in a number of the passages that make it an enjoyable diversion without having to take a plane or travel to spend a lot of money to destinations unknown. Sit down in your favorite chair to take a quick voyage and get away from it all.
Steven Kravitz, DPM, Winston-Salem, NC
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY) | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
For sure, many patients and many physicians love telehealth and we can be certain that there will be attempts to keep it popular long after the COVID-19 pandemic becomes history. From the patient perspective, there are no waits at offices, no need to travel to the doctor, and no fears during flu season about catching anyone else's illness. From doctors' perspectives, the visits are short, payable by insurance companies, and the doctor can do the telehealth call from the privacy of his or bedroom and not have to worry about going to an office. But is telehealth quality medicine? If we say yes, who are we kidding? If you evaluated an infected toe by visually examining the patient over the phone, you might make the correct guess and choose the right antibiotic but can you take a culture? What if you see a pigmented lesion on a patient's foot, can you use your dermoscope to better evaluate it and, if need be, do a biopsy?
As a patient, I most often want my doctor to listen to my chest with his or her stethoscope, palpate by belly, listen to my heart, or look into my ears with an otoscope. None of this is available to him or her via my smartphone. Yes, telehealth will be around for the duration, but it can never replace quality in-person patient care.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A | |
RE: The Passing of Orlando Arloch Mercado, DPM
Harry Mercado’s passing is a disappointing moment for our profession. Never have I witnessed such a gifted and patient teacher and enthusiastic advocate for the podiatric profession. His warm and welcoming personality immediately put you at ease when he was in a “teaching moment”….which was most of the time actually. He made things seem easy in the operating room (mainly because he was such a skilled operator).
His unguarded and practical teaching style allowed everyone to learn, regardless of their ability. He made such an impression on me as a young student at ICPM in the early '70s and beyond. He was a pure pleasure to be around at conferences or privately and always had an uplifting story to tell. Rare moments in “podiatric time” produce such unique and gifted men. Rest in peace my friend - you are deeply missed.
Harold W. Vogler, DPM, Sarasota, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B | |
RE: The Passing of Orlando Arloch Mercado, DPM
I never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Mercado, but I was influenced profoundly by him. I bought his VHS surgical videos about 20+ years ago. I watched them over and over and learned so much from these videos. Obviously, he was a great guy as well as a fantastic surgeon and teacher. His contributions have been very significant to our field.
Don Peacock DPM, MS, Whiteville, NC
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C | |
I bought his books and all his educational videos entitled, The Art of Surgery. I have always admired his kind words, grace, and style. He evidently loved our profession and patients. I wish all podiatrists would be like him. He was sort of my hero while I was in practice. He was the kind of podiatrist that I always believe all podiatrists should be exactly like. I started with his two kids at OCPM around 1985, and I too moved from OCPM back to my home in Florida and Barry University. He was my champion while in practice and while studying his works and teaching the art. I felt very well prepared while at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital externship with his textbooks.
Steven J. Kaniadakis, DPM, Saint Petersburg, FL
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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What a harpist wears? |
Source: Breno Cintra Pugliesi via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
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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 |
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 - 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.
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 – NASSAU COUNTY NY
Well established part time 16 year old solo practice located in a great suburban neighborhood 1 mile from Mt Sinai South Nassau Hospital. Low overhead non-surgical turn-key practice with potential for expansion. Email: mfrisciadpm@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SANTA BARBARA, CA
Well known 50 year old general, orthopedic and limited surgical podiatric practice. Revenues would increase with surgical expansion. Most desirable for one interested in the quality of life offered in Santa Barbara. $149,000. Contact santabarbarafootclinic@yahoo.com or call (805) 689-2084
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 - SOUTHWEST PA
Yes, practices are still selling. This office is now operating on a full schedule with patient process protocols in place. Patients are begging to be seen due to the "stay at home" orders being lifted. You can benefit from a motivated seller. Contact: MCrosby518@gmail.com
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
PRACTICE WANTED – NORTH NEW JERSEY
Looking for immediate purchase of an established practice in 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
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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.
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ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS
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If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an
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