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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 22,170 Subscribers Daily
June 20, 2022 #7,281  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 RESULTS |
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Results of last week's poll |
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
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Do you charge a service fee on credit cards?
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1 | |
NY Podiatrist Discusses Medical Pedicures
“The majority of people who book a medical pedicure with me are scared of getting an infection from the nail salon or who already got one,” says Hillary Brenner, DPM, a podiatrist who performs medical pedicures in the tri-state area. Brenner explains that the service is performed by a podiatrist or an esthetician (who has special training, i.e. shadowing a podiatrist) with instruments that are sterilized up to medical-grade standards. Both podiatrists and estheticians can address ingrown nails, thick calluses, corns, fungal nails, et cetera, but Brenner notes that there's a limit to how assertive estheticians can be.
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Dr. Hillary Brenner |
Brenner informs Bustle that medical pedicures at her office can take from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the condition of the clients' feet. “One thing we don't recommend is cutting the cuticles as the purpose of them is to act as a barrier against infection.”
Source: Jenna Curcio and Erin Stovall, Bustle [6/17/22]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2 | |
TN Podiatrist Reveals Mistake People Make Before Visiting a Salon
Podiatrist Robert Spalding, DPM, author of The Science of Pedicures, has revealed the common mistake people make before heading to the salon, According to Dr.. Spalding, the big mistake made by so many individuals is shaving your legs in the couple of days before your appointment.
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Dr. Robert Spalding |
Talking to the Huffington Post, he says this is because: “razor nick can be a perfect portal for infection.” Instead of shaving in the days before the appointment, you should really wait until after your pedicure to avoid developing a nasty infection. You also should not cut or prep your toenails and feet prior to your appointment, as this can actually make it more difficult for your pedicurist to shape your toenails.
Source: Isobel Pankhurst, The U.S. Sun [6/15/22]
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| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
Thicker Bottom Sandal with Back Strap Safer Than a Flip-Flop: OH Podiatrist
A warning about your summer footwear: Foot injuries can be extremely painful. You can lose a nail, get an infection, and much more. “Flip-flops don’t provide any protection,” said Matt Connolly, DPM, a podiatrist at OrthoCincy. “If you’re going to an amusement park, if you’re going to take a long walk, it wouldn’t be recommended,” said Dr. Connolly. “People will slide off the side of their flip-flops."
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Dr. Matt Connolly |
“People will hit their toes much more often,” he said. “Simple fatigue of having the arch handle everything on its own when nothing helps support it,” said Dr. Connolly. Connolly says a thicker bottom sandal, especially with a back strap, provides safer support.
Source: Liz Bonis & Merby Curtis, WKRC [6/14/22]
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| PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW | |
2 PA Podiatrists to Pay $181K+ for FCA Billing of "Sanexas" Devices
United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Adam Teichman, DPM, Thomas Rocchio, DPM, R T Equity Holdings LLC (“R T Equity”), and PA Foot & Ankle Associates LLC (collectively, “PA Foot”) have agreed to pay $181,758 to resolve liability under the False Claims Act for the alleged improper billing of “Sanexas” devices. Drs. Teichman and Rocchio are podiatrists and co-owners of PA Foot & Ankle Associates LLC, with office locations in Allentown, Easton, Northampton, and Lansford, Pennsylvania. From approximately September 2019 through March 2021, PA Foot submitted over 7,000 claims for payment to Medicare involving application of an RST Sanexas neoGEN-Series device (“Sanexas”), often billed with accompanying vitamin injections under various procedure codes (97012, 97016, 97032, 97112, G0283, and 99072) and injection codes (96372, J1955, J3411, J3415, J3420, and J3490).
Source: United States Attorney's Office Eastern District
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Tips to Get a Raise from Your Payers
Negotiating a successful payer contract increase is possible for those willing to craft a thoughtful, data-driven argument for why they deserve more money.
1. Obtain Copies of Payer Contracts and Fee Schedules.
You can’t negotiate if you don’t know the baseline,” Andrew Harding, co-founder and vice president of customer success at Rivet says. “Use those contracts and fee schedules to forecast a 3% or 5% increase. How much actual revenue will that bring to your practice?” Another reason to review current contracts is to identify and address payment variances that are below your contractually agreed-upon rate. Harding worked with one practice that hadn’t realized a payer never implemented a 5% increase negotiated five years previously.
Source: Lisa Eramo, MA, Medical Economics [6/8/22]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Medicare Nail Avulsion Policy
The Medicare coverage policy regarding frequency of visits for nail avulsions has gone from 12 weeks to 8 months. That is a big difference. Now, Bluecross/Blueshield in our area, Humana MC, and Medicare Advantage plans are following suit. I have a problem with this. My patients have a bigger problem with this. I’m interested in feedback. I would like to know if our professional associations have negotiated with CMS or other entities to put in place a more realistic policy.
PM News Subscriber
Response: Yes, this ridiculous, if not egregious, policy change is being fought. The carriers are using flawed data to simply reduce utilization. We all know that ingrowns have recurrence rates potentially much less than 8 months. This policy applies to the same digit, not the others but I expect it will be attempted to be conferred on the other digits as well due to “glitches.”
I cannot speak for APMA, but I do know that meetings have been held, letters sent, and articles of refutation submitted against this onerous policy change. Novitas and Palmetto had added and allowed for the use of modifiers when recurrence occurs but they “in bad faith” rescinded that allowance. We must continue to fight this for our patients’ well being. This supposedly stems from some of our colleagues using the ingrown codes for virtually everyone who presents with any nail pain issue. We, the honest providers and patients, always pay for the outliers.
Michael King, DPM, Nashville, TN
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM EDITORIALS) - PART 1A | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Dr. Trepal wrote that after reading a post in this discussion, a potential student opted not to become a podiatrist. This hurt. Dr. Trepal's comment opens up a can of worms on how we should handle our discussions about sensitive topics. Sure, we do not want a potential student to drop out after reading what any of us has to say. On the other hand, does this mean that we should curtail our honest debate, and discussion of sensitive issues? Should these discussions be somehow restricted so that only licensed DPMs can read them?
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
Editor's Comment: PM News believes in transparancy and the free flow of ideas in this professional publication. If a potential student "researched" the profession and based his/her decision on a letter by a retired podiatrist, it is unlikely that podiatry is the right career choice for that student.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM EDITORIALS) - PART 1B | |
From: Robert Kornfeld, DPM
Dr. Trepal is upset that an applicant to NYCPM withdrew his or her application because of a post regarding a negative view of the current state of podiatry. Dr. DiFeo asserts that it is purely the love of helping others that should motivate one to become a podiatrist. A number of years ago, I lectured to a room with about 200 podiatrists in attendance. I asked, “Please raise your hand if you love being a podiatrist.” TWO podiatrists raised their hand.
I was taken aback but not surprised. Do we continue to ignore the elephant in the room? Why do this if you cannot make the kind of living commensurate with the amount of education and on-going training required of today’s podiatrists? Sorry Dr. DiFeo, but altruism does not pay the bills and certainly would not motivate me to become a ...
Editor's note: Dr. Kornfeld's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM EDITORIALS) - PART 1C | |
From: Kenneth Jacoby, DPM
I agree 100% with Dr. DeFeo. I practiced for over 37 years and enjoyed 99% of it. I loved treating my patients as well as visiting with them. I felt like a member of the medical community and not a second-class citizen. It is how you look and feel about yourself which is so important. I feel I was very successful not by the amount of money I made but the differences I made in people’s lives. In that case, I am extremely wealthy. If I had to do it all over again, I would choose the same path. I have no regrets. PS. My son has followed in my footsteps and I had the honor to have practiced with him for 6 years before I retired.
Kenneth Jacoby, DPM, Elgon, IL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Andrew Levy, DPM
Today’s PM News hads very mixed messages for our 1987 PCPM class. Congratulations to Dr. Patrick Dwyer of joining a new group and seeing his success. In a few paragraphs, we found sad news of Maureen Brennan-Weavers’s passing. A quiet passing in her sleep, but a loss of one of the leaders of our class. My condolences to her family and loved ones.
Andrew Levy, DPM (Retired), Jupiter, FL
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoes of the Day
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Eating on the run? |
Source: Anna Melech via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETINGS & WEBINARS
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PM PODIATRY HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON
July 30, 2022 – Marriott World Resort- Orlando, FL
Honoring Lawrence DiDomenico, Stephanie Wu, Cindy Pezza
Sponsored by Bako Diagnostics, 20/20 Imaging, and PRESENT Podiatry
PM News subscribers are invited to see Dr. DiDomenico, Dr. Stephanie Wu, and Ms. Pezza inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame, including roasts by special guests.
All ticket proceeds go to the APMA Educational Foundation Student Endowment Fund. Reserve your tickets by writing to Kenna Barrett.
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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 3/2/20-8/31/22 may take all credits online
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - PACIFIC NORTHWEST
When I was a student, a mentor once told me, "You can make a living anywhere, live where you want to live". Take 4 minutes that may change your life. https://Vimeo.com/715640001
PRACTICE FOR SALE – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
19-year-old non-surgical practice for sale. $1,000,000 gross, based on 2.5 days / week. 60% cash clients. Great growth opportunity. Turnkey proposition. Owner will help with transition. Barry Smith, Lloyds Capital, Inc. (213) 379-2397 Barry@lloydscapital.org
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.
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
FOR SALE - COMPLETELY EQUIPPED PODIATRIC PRACTICE - PHILADELPHIA SUBURB
This solo podiatry practice is located in a Philadelphia suburb near the Pennsylvania turnpike. Very long established. Over 35 years (historical reference: 3 previous podiatrists in the same practice) excellent referral base and volume. Additional amenities: computerized records, orthotic lab, digital x-ray, surgical suite, free parking, and more. Podiatric associate with surgical experience wanted and/or available for dale. A reasonable offer will be accepted. For more information and virtual tour, email hershpodiatry@gmail.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 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
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 - UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
Four physician practice seeks PSR-36 trained DPM, well versed in rearfoot and ankle surgery and diabetic limb salvage with inpatient care. Competitive salary and benefits with bonus structure. Early partnership opportunity. Near mountains and lakes. Enjoy small city lifestyle. Please send resume with cover letter to schudson87@gmail.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 – CONNECTICUT
Busy two-doctor practice in Connecticut seeking an associate for well-rounded practice, in great family town. Full or part-time. Must have good work ethic and be willing to treat all aspects of foot and ankle care. Competitive salary and benefits, Partnership opportunity. Please email cover letter and CV to: rodedpm@gmail.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)
IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST, FL
Stat position for busy, modern practice. ABFAS BC/BQ, EMR, Digital x-rays, U.S., DME, Base salary + bonus, PTO, 401K, fees, health ins. DrLam@NaplesPodiatrist.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ATLANTA, GA
Multi-location podiatry group seeking Board Qualified/Certified podiatric surgeon for a location just south of Atlanta, GA. This is an outstanding opportunity with an onsite surgery center. We offer an excellent compensation and benefit package. Please send inquiries with photo and CV to 1sourcemm@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ARKANSAS
Well established 30y/o highly respected two physician podiatry group. This position is available to a well-trained, personable, motivated, goal oriented, entrepreneurial minded physician. This practice offers all facets of podiatric medicine with an onsite ASC. Located in a rapidly growing, medium size city with a Division I University and a great place to raise a family. All applicable standard benefits included. Send CV to podiatrygroup@sbcglobal.net
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – FLORIDA
Well-established practice seeks reliable PT/FT Mobile Podiatry team players for home visits, ALF/ILF, RN Homes throughout Florida. Tampa to Naples; Orlando/Ocala; South Florida. Flexible. No call. Weekends optional. Competitive commission plus mileage. Earn 100K+ part time. contact@PodiatristAtHome.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTH SCOTTSDALE, AZ
Join our team! We are seeking a podiatrist who is personable, ethical and committed to patient care to join our busy non-surgical practice in beautiful North Scottsdale, Arizona. Competitive salary with additional commission earning potential, health and malpractice insurance, PTO, CME allowance, and a pleasant work environment with supportive staff. Our office has a pedorthist, x-ray tech, and a licensed pedicurist to help with your patient care - and all will aid in increasing your personal earnings. Required: Current holder of Arizona Podiatry State Licensure. All Interested candidates should send cover letter and CV to cathydpm@gmail.com
PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME POSITION - GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA AND SURROUNDING AREA
Seeking a podiatrist to provide service to our in-office and skilled nursing home patients. Requirement: Current licensure in the state of North Carolina. Flexible schedule and competitive pay. Potential for growth goals in an expanding company. Email: niarawright@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. GEORGE, UT
Immediate Doctor of Podiatric medicine position for a well-trained, highly motivated individual. Location: St. George, Utah. 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 st.georgefootcare@gmail.com
IMMEDIATE OPENING - FLORIDA MIDWEST COASTAL
1-FT or 2-PT needed for great 2 office/ALF care practice. New graduates are welcome. Will help train in EMR, billing/coding, and how to practice. BQ/BC preferred. Paid CME, vacation, mileage, cell phone, and competitive salary. Please send CV inquires to footandanklemc@gmail.com
PODIATRIST - CHICAGO
Busy, multi-physician podiatry practice in Chicago looking to hire podiatrist for office base and housecalls. Earnings $350K and up, flexible hours, full or part time, fixed hours, full logistics and scheduling provided, bonus and partnership track, malpractice and health insurance. Peers physicians references provided. Please email Kinga.efac@gmail.com or call 312-375-6430.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FAIRFIELD COUNTY CONNECTICUT
Busy, growing practice. All phases of foot and ankle care. Service oriented practice. Looking for full time or part time associate. Surgical skills a plus but not required. Great personality and teamwork required. Competitive compensation based on experience. E-mail CV to drbetschart@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHARLESTON, WV
U.S. Foot and Ankle Specialists is looking for an upcoming or recent residency graduate or experienced practitioner to join our practice in Charleston, WV - part of the fast-growing metropolitan area of Charleston. We are a growing group of 153 providers and 98 locations. If personable, motivated, and well-trained, we would be delighted to discuss an associate position with you. We offer growth opportunities, a strong compensation package, and many other benefits. Please send a cover letter and resume to: newdpm@footandankle-usa.com. Candidates must be either licensed or in the process of becoming licensed in WV to be considered for this position.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - VERNAL, UT
I mmediate Doctor of Podiatric medicine position for a well-trained, highly motivated individual. Location: Vernal, Utah. 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 vernalfootcare@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE FT/PT - RHINEBECK, NY
Associate wanted for established 2- practitioner, well rounded practice. Plenty of surgery available. All phases of podiatry - surgery, orthotics, routine care, and wound care. Affiliation with wound care centers possible. Digital x-ray and new modern ultrasound. Please email with contact info - PodassociateNY@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Join a well-established, busy and growing podiatric practice. We are fully integrated with the medical community in a large tertiary teaching hospital. Research opportunities are available. Applicant should be ethical, personable, hardworking, and committed to quality patient care. We are offering a competitive salary with bonus opportunities and a wide range of benefits. Associate position can lead to partnership. All interested candidates should send a resume to JCMOOREDPM@aol.com
ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY - CHICAGO
Multi location group seeking Board Eligible/Qualified podiatrist. All locations are fully equipped. EPATs, Ultrasounds, Lasers, Padnet, in-house physical therapy, DME, ortho supplies & equipment, surgery center, digital x-rays, Athena EMR. Competitive incentive based salary with fast growth for motivated doctor. Health insurance & 401K Email resume to chicagopodpractice@gmail.com
FELLOW POSITION - NAPLES-FORT MYERS, FLORIDA
Fellow position in Naples-Fort Myers, Florida, beginning July, 2022. Associates in Medicine and Surgery Reconstructive Surgery and Sports Medicine Fellowship. All aspects of practice management and clinical care in office and around area hospital systems in Collier and Lee Counties. Email Dr. Batelli (ebatelli@aimsfl.com) CV and further info.
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.
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employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
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immediately notify me and you are hereby instructed to delete all
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