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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 22,187 Subscribers Daily
June 01, 2022 #7,218  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management https://podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2022- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
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How do you most commonly treat acute gout?
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| NEW CME ARTICLE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE |
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June 2022 CME |
You can earn up to 50 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) Online
Earn 15 CECH only $279 (less than $19 per CECH)
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Patient Education Can Reduce Opioid Abuse: FL Podiatrist
According to Robert G. Smith, DPM, "Healthcare providers play a prominent role in minimizing opioid misuse. Cautious prescribing habits with limits enforced on the quantity of opioids prescribed, close follow-up, and consistent and frequent provision of opioid education are musts."
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Dr. Robert Smith |
"Evidence points to the powerful positive impact of patient education in promoting safety around opioid use. Most people who misuse prescription opioids obtain them from family or friends. Storing opioids in the open or not disposing of unused opioids increases the availability of these opioids for misuse by others," says Dr. Smith.
Source: Veteran Voice [5/5/22]
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| RELEVANT RESEARCH | |
Medicaid Expansion Improves DFU-Related Amputation in Underrepresented Groups
The diabetes-related major amputation rate improved among adults in underrepresented groups in states with early expansion of Medicaid compared with non-expansion states, according to published results.
“Our cohort study demonstrated reduction in diabetic foot ulcer-related hospitalizations and leg amputation for non-white patients in early Medicaid expansion states compared to non-expansion states following the Affordable Care Act,” Tze-Woei Tan, MD, MPH, FACS, told Healio. “The study highlights the benefit of expanding insurance coverage for low-income populations at disproportionately elevated risks of diabetes related amputation.”
Source: Casey Tingle, Orthopedicstoday via Healio [5/26/22]
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| FROM PM's CURRENT ISSUE | |
Several times 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 |
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
How to Boost Your Practice’s Online Reputation
Reputation management is a crucial component for independent practices to thrive. An effective reputation management strategy will drive new patient acquisition and patient retention and strengthen patient-doctor relationships. It should be no surprise to learn that healthcare practices already using technology to engage with current and prospective patients are well-positioned to build connections and provide better care.
2. Leverage word-of-mouth marketing and use online reviews
The best marketing will always be word-of-mouth because consumers trust each other over what businesses say about themselves. Online reviews are the digital version of word-of-mouth marketing and improve your business reputation because positive reviews signal your practice is relevant and a real place. Moz says that, of the 83 factors that affect search, two of the top 20 are related to the volume of reviews your practice receives. So the more reviews your practice has, the better position, it will have in search results.
Source: Travis Schneider, Physicians Practice [5/20/22]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Cigna and Modifier -25
I just received a letter from Cigna insurance. As of August 13, 2022, they will require the submission of office notes with claims submitted with evaluation and management (E/M)(CPT 99212, CPT 99213, CPT 99214) and modifier -25 when a minor procedure is also billed the same day by the same physician. The E/M will be denied if documentation is not received. The claim can be sent electronically with attachment indicator and notes should be faxed.
Is this happening with other insurance companies? The amount of paperwork for a small office is crazy, along with continued decreasing reimbursements, higher prices for supplies, shortages, etc. The insurance companies are making greater profits than ever. The insurance premiums have increased and out-of-pocket patient billing has become more significant. The system is not right. What can we do? How do we fight back. Please don’t say take cash rather than insurance; it’s not practical in many circumstances. Thoughts?
PM News Subscriber
Response: Here is my take on this.
1) The best offense is a good defense: Learn what constitutes a -25 modifier. Make your charting bullet-proof. Remember that it costs money to audit charts. If 100 charts are reviewed and 90+ are found to be legitimate, is it worth the money spent by the carrier to “save” ten chart’s worth of money?
2) The best defense is a good offense: The carrier states that we will audit all charts with -25 modifier and those need to be sent in for manual review. OMG! What a pain! what a hassle! I guess I won’t submit any more -25 modifier charts. Ta-da:the carrier wins! If the charting was poor or the service really didn’t meet the -25 modifier, then so be it. BUT what if the scenario was legit and well documented? Then you just lost a fair amount of money for no reason. If EVERY doctor in the country (all specialists) submitted EVERY chart for a -25 modifier, how much time, money, and manpower will this take? This would be a HUGE undertaking and financial risk on their part. They would be buried in a mountain of paperwork. Can they even find enough nurse reviewers to review this amount of charts in today’s economy? They are counting on doctors capitulating by not sending in charts. My advice - take the offensive approach. Document well as you should be doing anyway. Send in every chart and claim. If denied, appeal every denial. Let's see if they can handle their own policy or if they implode.
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL-LEGAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Jim Shipley DPM
It’s my understanding that once licensed and practicing, the final say on what can be done in my practice and what can’t be done is decided upon by the State Board of Podiatry in my state. For me, that’s North Carolina. Please give me some feedback on this possibility: Why can’t our local state boards begin training and certifying individuals at our state conferences to treat hyperuricemia? We want parity.
If the schools won’t train us for parity, why not begin our parity training at the state level? I would happily take classes and take exams showing my ability to comfortably prescribe uric acid lowering medications. On the same train of thought, I would gladly accept the training and certification to take on the burden of the medical management of blood sugar levels in my patients as well.
Our predecessors fought long and hard for our scope within our state. I’m ready to continue the advancement. Showing we’re trained to advance is the first step. Please give me your thoughts and wisdom on this topic.
Jim Shipley, DPM, Mt. Airy, NC
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL-LEGAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Clifford Wolf, DPM
State license laws that address best practices for prescribing medicine to treat gout fall into grey areas. Some doctors are comfortable and confident to therapeutically treat, others are not. For both groups, do you possess mastery of nephrophysiology and internal medicine to defend efficacy of your treatment? If you do, please help your patient.
Clifford Wolf, DPM, Oceanside, CA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM
Jack Ressler, DPM wrote: "My advice would be to do as much research as possible and come up with a price. Let the response you get dictate how accurate your pricing is. Paying someone to give you a valuation of your practice is throwing away money unless the fee is under $1,000."
While I don't necessarily agree or disagree with this advice, I would add that some practice brokers who have valuated and sold practices also provided assistance with financing the sale through the SBA. This would essentially be an "added service."
Robert DeBiasse (Medical Mavin) helped arrange this for us. To many, this might represent added service that is well worth paying for.
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM (Retired), Henderson, NV
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoes of the Day
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Not "egg"actly what you ordered? |
Source: Elisabeth Thorsen via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETINGS & WEBINARS
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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 $279 (less than $19 per CECH)
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, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, 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, PA, PR, TN, TX, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
* NY podiatrists whose licenses expire from 3/2/20-7/1/22 may take all credits online
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION– NASHVILLE, TN
Rapidly growing multi-location practice looking for 2-3 new associates near Nashville, TN. Looking for partnership-minded individuals to start between August 2022-2023. Competent in hospital care, full-scope podiatric surgery, and business-minded. Looking for hard-working team players. Multiple office-based revenue streams available. Aggressive pay structure with intensive practice management. Relocation stipend, health insurance, and 401k available once vetted. Encourage recent and senior residents to apply. sodom@gfacenter.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – VA, MD, CT, DE, PA, OH, MO, NJ, NY, TN, FL
PediRite provides care to nursing home residents. Excellent opportunities working in our contracted facilities. Flexible scheduling, very lucrative commissions! Great match if you have open days/hours in your schedule. Resume to sara@sightrite.com (sign-on bonus for VA, CT, and MD)
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FARMINGTON, NM
Established multispecialty practice with honest foundation in need of a podiatrist with strong surgical skills. Multiple locations in the beautiful four-corners area with endless outdoor activities. Immediate referral source from internal primary care. Starting salary based on experience + bonus structure. $20K signing bonus. Please send CV to nick@innovationmedgroup.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALIFORNIA
Established 30 year-old two-office practice has an opening for a full-time associate to partnership career. Must be compassionate, friendly, and a team player. Must be open-minded and willing to learn all aspects of podiatry practice management. BQ or BC. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Send letter of intent, salary requirements, and availability to NBFA@myachingfeet.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS
Join our Team! Excellent opportunity to join an established, fast-growing group practice just south of Dallas. Modern offices with high surgical numbers. Competitive 6 figure salary + bonus and full benefits. Please email resume to Podiatrysbest@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – OKLAHOMA
Non-Surgical Part Time/Full Time position Mobile Podiatry. Assisted Living Facilities and nursing home patients. Well established practice. No Call, no nights, no weekends. Earn over 100K working only 2-3 days a week. Must be team player, hardworking, and pleasant with excellent bedside manner. Contact 405-370-3457 - Nplants2008@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Very busy, well-established, group practice is seeking to add a full time associate. Candidate must be very hard working and ethical with good surgical training and having completed a minimum of 24 month residency. Applicant must be at least board qualified. Competitive salary and benefits. E-mail CV to llfootankle@gmail.com
PODIATRY ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTH EAST PA
Available for busy 2-office practice in S.E. PA. All facets of podiatric medicine and surgery with excellent earning potential. Great area to live and work. Current associate leaving due to family emergency, so must fill position ASAP. Must be ABFAS Cert/Qual. podmedsurg@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TAMPA, FL
Immediate Doctor of Podiatric medicine position for a well-trained, highly motivated individual. Location: Tampa, Florida. Competitive salary with commission structure. Benefits include: PTO, CME allowance, health and malpractice insurance. Must be confident in working solo in your own office environment. Please email Cover Letter and CV to floridapodiatryfootcare@gmail.com
FULL TIME PODIATRIST - NEW JERSEY
We are a fast-growing podiatry practice in New 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, guaranteed 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 - PHOENIX, AZ
Growing Multi-office private practice located in suburbs of Phoenix. Full time associate position leading to partnership. ABFAS eligible or certification required. Practice encompasses all phases of podiatric medicine and surgery. Send your CV to aceoprice@yahoo.com.
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 22,000 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 22,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE – MICHIGAN
39 year old part time practice in Imlay City, Michigan. Strong potential for growth. Fully equipped and an excellent affordable opportunity for a second office or for someone starting off. Great location in a shopping plaza with affordable rent and price of sale. Call or text 248 245 3392.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
Practice in Paradise! Fully equipped, successful practice of 45 + years. Includes digital x-ray, ultrasound, PadNet, Shockwave, EMR. Diverse practice currently strong on orthotics, diabetic care, general podiatry and some surgery. Rent or buy free standing building near hospital. Professional appraisal available. Contact patwooft@hotmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BREEZY POINT, NYC
Retiring! Established (31 years) turn-key office in Medical Center with other medical professionals offering great referrals. Consistent patient base with excellent room for growth. Perfect for experienced or new practitioner full-time practice or satellite office. Very low overhead, ample parking. elizsmurphy@aol.com
LAST OFFER IN CONNECTICUT
PRACTICE FOR SALE - TARZANA CALIFORNIA
Across from hospital. Ground floor. Free parking. I have been here since 1983. Time to retire. Serious inquiries only. Text 818 451-8441.
AMAZING PRACTICE FOR SALE- PHILADELPHIA, PA
Turn-key upscale boutique 85-year-old podiatry practice. Great location by Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, PA. Non-surgical grosses $350,000/ four days weekly. Majority of practice is fee for service in low overhead beautiful office setting. Seller will stay on for transition. Serious inquiries only. This is a rarely available cream puff practice / Call (215) 715-1570.
EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES FOR SALE
Retiring soon. Priced to go fast: Surgical/chairside instruments, ultrasonic instrument cleaner, M9 autoclave, whirlpool with autofill, therapeutic ultrasound, exam chairs and lights. Much more. Call/text 610-297-0196 for list and photos.
EQUIPMENT OR SUPPLIES FOR SALE
Retiring doctor selling it all. All equipment for sale. Podiatry exam chairs, side chairs, reception room chairs, coffee table, All chairside instruments, surgery instruments, medicine & sundry bottles, exam lights, whirpools, cast cutter, sani grinder, exam lights, ultrasound machine, etc. Will send pictures etc. Call 918-691-3303. Everything is priced to sell.
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 22,000 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 22,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com 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.
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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