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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,426 Subscribers Daily
June 22, 2020 #6,706  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 | |
NC Podiatrist Urges Double-Masking to Prevent Spread of COVID-19
Gastonia’s elected leaders are closely monitoring the recent upward climb in the number of positive cases and hospitalizations due to Covid-19 in Gaston County. Council member Dave Kirlin, DPM, along with the mayor, took part in Thursday’s Masks for Gastonia event where they were giving away 1,400 cotton masks to members of the public. Dr. Kirlin, who is a podiatrist, says it makes medical sense to wear masks. He said double-masking would make it harder for infected people — who might be unaware they are infected — to spread the virus to others.
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Dr. David Kirlin |
“The effectiveness of double masking may be as effective as the vaccine that we’re waiting on,” he said. “We could be achieving the same thing a vaccine would if we all just wore our masks. I would support mandatory masks, absolutely.” Kirlin said he has struggled to understand people’s hesitancy on wearing a mask and believes it could be the fact they haven’t personally experienced the consequences of becoming infected.
Source: Michael Banks, Gaston Gazette [6/19/20]
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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 |
Quick Poll
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Have you hired staff back?
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
VA Podiatrist Volunteers to Treat Veterans with Regenerative Medicine
Ben Pearl, DPM recently affiliated with the non-profit Veterans in Pain. The mission of the organization is to treat veterans with chronic pain with some of the new regenerative medicine technologies. It is a certified resource for the Wounded Warrior Project.
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Dr. Aaron Pearl injecting umbilical cord growth factors in patient with CRPS. |
Dr. Pearl said he likes the commitment these individuals have shown and would like to give something back to them. He added that when he did his residency at the VA in Philadelphia, there were some veterans who had problems that were not entirely solved with traditional options available.
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1 | |
IL Podiatrist Receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from FIP
At this past weekend’s virtual Annual General Meeting, the International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP) honored their new Past President, Matt Garoufalis, DPM by bestowing on him the Lifetime Achievement Award. During his time on the FIP Board of Directors, Dr. Garoufalis oversaw the hiring of a new Executive Director, completed an overhaul of the organization’s Articles and Bylaws, made countless presentations on the “Value of Podiatry” in countries all around the globe, and spoke with health ministers in many of those countries about the expansion of podiatry in those countries.
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Dr. Matthew Garoufalis |
He was the first and only podiatrist to address the European Union in Brussels about a Common Training Framework of Podiatry within the EU, and helped to foster partnerships between FIP and many international organizations and conferences. He is a founder and co-author of the POINT Project, which along with D-Foot International, lays out a roadmap for multi-level podiatric education in the treatment of the diabetic foot. Dr. Garoufalis, an APMA past president, practices in Chicago.
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2 | |
Aussie Podiatrist Retires After 60 Years
Podiatrist Bev Taylor, 83, is set to retire after more than 60 years keeping people on their feet. Taylor became a podiatrist after visiting what was then known as a chiropodist for frostbite on her feet as a high school student. She has worked across western Victoria, including in Camperdown, on the Bellarine Peninsula, and in Geelong. In her first years working in Geelong in the late 1960s, there were only three podiatrists, she said.
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Bev Taylor |
She has worked out of her home practice over the past 10 years. Taylor will retire at the end of this month, partly because of the costs of maintaining the practice. “I’m going to miss it. I’ll miss the company of the patients,” she said.
Source: Tamara McDonald, Geelong Advertiser [6/18/20]
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| hEALTHCARE LEGISLATION | |
Senators Call for Permanent Changes to Expand Telehealth Access Post-Pandemic
Congress took steps to quickly expand access to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now 30 senators are calling for those changes to become permanent. Senator Brian Schatz, (D-HI), wrote a letter urging Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, (R-KY), and minority leader Charles Schumer, (D-NY), to support expanding access to telehealth services on a permanent basis so that it remains an option for Medicare beneficiaries both now and after the pandemic.
Virtual care has proven to be a lifeline for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of telehealth services has skyrocketed in the past three months. The number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services during the pandemic increased 11,718% in just a month-and-a-half, according to Senator Schatz.
Source: Heather Landi, Fierce Healthcare [6/15/20]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Six Biggest Mistakes Physicians Make When Planning for Retirement: Part 4
Here are six common retirement planning mistakes physicians make that could significantly interfere with a timely and successful retirement:
4. Ignoring Healthcare Costs: This point may surprise you, but even physicians are susceptible to underestimating the escalating cost of healthcare. Healthcare is one of the nation’s largest industries, dominating 17.9% of the nation’s gross domestic product, and the rate of increase has long surpassed the average annual increase in Americans’ income. According to a March 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), healthcare spending in the U.S. during 2017 was at $3.5 trillion, or about $11,000 per person. By 2027, these costs are expected to reach $6 trillion, or $17,000 per person.
Physicians may also overlook long-term care considerations until they are so close to retirement that insurance rates make obtaining a policy cost-prohibitive.
Source: Julianne F. Andrews, MBA, CFP®, AIF®, Physicians Practice [6/1/20]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Trouble with AllCare
I am having an issue with AllCare Independent Physician Association in which I am a contracted provider (Medicare Advantage Plan). I am located in Northern CA. They are denying claims stating that they “are not medically necessary.” The initial visit was billed as an E/M 99202. Two following visits dated more than two months apart were denied for the same reason. The codes used on the 2nd and 3rd visits were CPT 11057 and CPT 11721. We have appealed these claims to AllCare on more than one occasion with all necessary documents. A recent telephone call to them to check on status is when we were informed that none of these were “medically necessary.” Do I have any recourse elsewhere?
Howard Miller, DPM, Manteca, CA
Response: MAPs must follow the same guidelines as Medicare does for the coverage of these services, although they can pay differently. My initial observation without seeing the actual claim is perhaps they are missing the necessary at risk diagnoses needed to make these “medically necessary”? I wonder if they needed a diagnosis of diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or similar to actually qualify for the use of the CPT 11057 and CPT 11721? Perhaps “pain” for the CPT 11721.
I would ask them for their policy on coding for these services and what is necessary and re-submit with the appropriate coding and documentation.
Michael King, DPM, Nashville, TN
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) | |
RE: The Passing of Richard E. Hansen, DPM
Richard Edward Hansen, 95, of Reno, Nevada died peacefully on January 23, 2020 at home. Rich was a bombardier for the Army Air Corps, flying in B-29s off of Tinian in the Pacific Ocean during WWII. He flew 23 missions earning a Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with oak leaf clusters, and a Bronze Star.
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Dr. Richard Hansen |
Using the GI Bill, he graduated from the California College of Podiatric Medicine. After moving to Reno in 1960, he practiced podiatry in Reno and Sparks for 30 years.
Source: Reno Journal-Gazette and Mason Valley News [6/18/20]
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RELEVANT RESEARCH) | |
RE: Older Age, Diabetes Prolong Toenail Onychomycosis Cure
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
A 10-year retrospective study presented June 17, 2020 at the American Academy of Dermatology virtual meeting, concluded that older patients and patients with diabetes had a longer duration to cure onychomycosis, “The incidence of onychomycosis is more frequent in the elderly, and the majority of cases are toenail onychomycosis,” indicated Sumanas Bunyaratavej, MD, and colleagues, Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital at Mahidol University, Thailand.
They reported, “This condition tends to have more co-morbidities, which could affect treatment results.” The study included 143 patients with mixed infection toenail onychomycosis. Patients aged 70 years or older with diabetes mellitus and toenail onychomycosis required a longer time to cure.
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC) - PART 1A | |
From: Larry Schuster, DPM
My waiting room used to be a major social gathering place as patients would enjoy seeing friends and relatives every few months before or after their visits. I have seen offices where they placed tape over every other chair to allow for some social distancing. Of course, chairs would have to be cleaned before and after each seating as we do in our treatment rooms.
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Note: Magazines have since been removed |
My simple solution is pictured above, anti-social, simple but effective. We take each patient directly to a treatment room. Fortunately, we have 5. Scheduling is very carefully done and no patient actually comes in contact with another. Everyone is masked and universal precautions have always been followed.
Larry Schuster, DPM, Parsippany, NJ
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC) - PART 1B | |
From: Lee Rogers, DPM
The American Academy of Family Practice has a useful preparedness checklist for physician offices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lee Rogers, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Foot of the Day
A photo making rounds on social media appears to show a foot with a bluish-grey hue peeping out from beneath a log of wood. It appears to have five toes with nails; however, it does not look like that of humans or animals. The photo has spooked several Internet users.
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What kind of foot is this? |
The photo was shared by Indian Forest Services (IFS) officer Susanta Nanda on Twitter.
Source: Saumya Agrawal, Times Now News [6/17/20] via Dr. Wenjau Sung
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MEETING NOTICES
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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
HOME FOOT CARE, INC.- MOBILE PODIATRISTS - GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
PRACTICE AFFECTED BY COVID-19? Need extra income? Mobile podiatrists needed immediately! Full or part time available to see homebound patients in the following areas: San Bernardino/Riverside, Lancaster/Palmdale, Ventura/Oxnard, Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley. Choose your own days/hours, excellent monthly compensation, cloud based EHR, dedicated support staff. (we do not service nursing homes, or large assisted living facilities) . If interested, email CV to: homefootcare@hotmail.com Check us out @ www.footdocs2u.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHERN, NJ
Full Time/Part Time. Fast growing multi locations, North Jersey podiatry group practice. Seeking highly motivated, entrepreneurial, well trained surgical and clinical podiatrist, who desires to join private independent practice. Current NJ license by August 15th 2020. Partnership opportunity, with full practice medical management services. Send your CV karinahc29@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CLEVELAND SW SUBURBS
Excellent opportunity to join a 30 year old well-established busy two office location practice seeking a PSR-36 Board Qualified/Certified with ABPS. All phases of podiatry from surgery to wound care. Staff privileges at 3 local hospitals. Modern offices recently remodeled and equipped with certified EMR, digital x-rays and all aspects of DME. Significant opportunity for growth and development. Please forward CV to medical123@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA
Busy practice is looking for a BC/BE FT podiatrist. Must be motivated, hardworking, positive, and dedicated to growing the practice and reputation. Must have great interpersonal skills, caring bedside manner, and positive demeanor. Send CV and cover letter to: sara.bouraee@gmail.com and with a subject line HRFAS PODIATRY OPP.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE AREA
Very busy and growing practice with multiple locations and doctors in booming Knoxville, Tennessee area seeks high energy and personable physician. Modern, office-based practice with readily available privileges at all local hospitals and surgery centers. Immediate volume to fill your schedule with a variety of patients ranging from complex surgical cases to routine foot care. Extremely competitive salary plus very generous bonus structure and benefits. Please send cover letter and CV to ddavidphawk@yahoo.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 - WESTERN MI
Progressive 30-year solo practice in West Michigan. Surrounding area is family-oriented and only 30 minutes from Lake Michigan's sandy beaches. Robust medical community with many opportunities for practice growth. Perfect for a well-trained podiatric surgeon as revenues would increase with available surgical expansion. Full range of services including conservative and surgical care, Traknet EMR, digital x-ray, computerized orthotics, DME and diabetic shoe program. Retiring podiatrist is willing to assist with transition. Independent practice valuation available. Contact: YourPracticeNow@gmail.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: Yourpracticenow@gmail.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 - NORTHERN MISSOURI
24 year old, reputable, profitable podiatric practice for sale. Great school and family oriented community. Only podiatry practice in a large area. County seat with modern hospital. Turn-key and a bargain guaranteed. Must sell and move out-of-state to aid aging parents. Serious inquiries only please. 660-651-0264 keithb@cvalley.net
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 – 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.
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.
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
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