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July 21, 2006 #2,636 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2006- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
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SIMPLESAM Podiatry Specific Billing Software
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
IL Podiatrist Utilizes Cosmetic Procedures for Feet
At Windy City Foot and Ankle Physicians, they're taking beauty methods once reserved only for the face and putting them to work on the feet, beginning with microdermabrsion. "The machine that we use is actually the same machine a dermatologist would use, just at a higher level," said podiatrist Michael Chin. "it has a vacuum that sucks in the skin and uses the diamond tip applicator to smooth out the skin and push fluid back into the skin."
They're also now using facial fillers for the feet. Products such as Restylane and Sculptra have helped millions of people minimize wrinkles by plumping up sunken areas on the face. The fillers used are only FDA-approved for the face and are only considered an aesthetic procedure.
Also, the procedures are not permanent and will have to be done more than once. Foot fillers start at $600 dollars per foot and the microdermabrsion will cost about $700 each for the recommended four treatments.
Source: Sylvia Perez, ABC TV (Chicago) [7/19/06]
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FOOTWAY CUSTOM MOLDED PLASTAZOTE(R) DIABETIC INSERTS
3 PAIRS FOR $60.00---UNBEATABLE PRICE!!
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* Dependable service
* Non-stop support for its products
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AT THE COLLEGES |
Barry Welcomes New CME Director
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Dawn Lazar |
The Barry University Division of Medicine welcomes Dawn Lazar who has been appointed director for continuing medical education. Ms. Lazar holds a B.S. in psychology from Florida State University and is currently completing an M.S. in adult education with a graduate certificate in health promotion and disease prevention from Florida International University. Ms. Lazar comes to Barry University from FIU where she held the position of coordinator of student and alumni services for the School of Public Health.
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SureFit Announces New 2006 Shoe Collection
Our 2006 shoe collection is the largest new style introduction in SureFit’s history. New men’s selections include a great looking boat shoe and a classic oxford. For women, we have 6 new styles in 19 colors including a lightweight mock toe design and several high style comfort shoes. With a total of over 80 style and color selections, our 2006 collection has something for everyone.Visit our web site to view our 2006 catalogue SureFit's shoe and custom-insert combination arrives ready to dispense. No time-consuming in-office heat molding is required. It is the Easiest System, and now with a free REFERRAL Service it is also the MOST PROFITABLE program you can join. Please visit http://www.surefitlab.com/ for more, or call 1-800-298-6050
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MEDICARE NEWS |
MD Payment Cuts Might Limit Acceptance of New Patients
Forty-five percent of physicians in the American Medical Association plan to decrease or stop the acceptance of new Medicare beneficiaries and TRICARE members if Congress does not act to stop a 5% decrease in Medicare physician payments that is scheduled to take effect in 2007, AMA President Jeremy Lazarus said on Tuesday, the AP/South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.
Speaking at a hospital in Tampa, FL, Lazarus said, "Over the next nine years, Medicare will cut physician payments 37% unless Congress acts before Jan. 1, 2007," adding, "At the same time, the cost of caring for those patients will increase 22% -- and that math just doesn't add up." The Bush administration has said the payment reductions are necessary to slow spending growth in Medicare. Meanwhile, 80 members of Congress sent a letter on Monday urging Senate leaders to take up debate on the payment schedule issue before Congress adjourns in October.
Source: American Health Line [7/19/06]
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MEETINGS / COURSES
ATTENTION ALL RESIDENTS, RESIDENCY DIRECTORS AND NEW PRACTITIONERS
Finally! A meeting to address the core needs of residents: practice management. A comprehensive one-day meeting specifically for residents and new practitioners sponsored by The American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management is being held at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott on Saturday, August 26th. All issues will be covered by podiatric experts, such as securing a top rate associateship, partnership, options for practice, and financial matters relating to debt management or financial future. Registration is at an unbelievable rate of only $49 for AAPPM resident members and $69 for non-AAPPM residents. AAPPM would also like to extend a huge thank you to PM News for their assistance with this program and in general for support in providing practice management to younger practitioners. Visit www.aappm.org to register for this meeting online and download a complete meeting brochure. Any questions call 978-646-9091 or e-mail office@aappm.org.
For a list of all meetings go to: www.podiatrym.com/meetings.pdf
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QUERIES |
Query: Instrument for MPJ Cartilage Removal
Can anyone recommend a company manufactures the instruments for cartilage removal for the anatomic first MPJ arthrodesis?
Evan Meltzer, DPM, Browning, MT , Evan.Meltzer@ihs.gov
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CODINGLINE CORNER
CURRENT TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON CODINGLINE'S LISTSERV INCLUDE:
o Nail Avulsion or I&D of Paronychia? o Failed Fusion of MC Joint o Destruction of Porokeratotic Lesion o Non-Diabetic & Custom Shoes o Getting Paid for Dermabond Supply
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RESPONSES / COMMENTS |
RE: Interdigital Infection (Mike Tritto, DPM) From: Richard Myers, DPM, Elliot Udell, DPM
I see this a lot in SW Mississippi, especially in African Americans in the summer time. The best thing to do is start them on a broad spectrum gram neg. oral antibiotic, betadine wet to dry interdigital dressings twice a day, get them into sandals and have them stay off of their feet for 10 days. NO creams or GELS yet. Have them return to your office a week later to make sure the cellulitis has resolved, if there was any, and then you can start them on gentian violet to dry the interdigital spaces out. If you want, you can also start them on an oral anti-fungal. NO CREAMS yet. Lets get the interdigital spaces dry first. The following week, if the spaces are dry, start them on an anti fungal gel.
The most important thing you can instill in these people is to keep there feet dry. Stay in sandals!!! Cultures are good, but your going to grow all kinds of BUGS. Unless they present with an interdigital abscess, then culture. But, usually Levaquin for 5 days does the job. If this doesn't work you may be dealing with some strange fungi or jungle rot? Just to forewarn you, these individuals have a high reoccurrence rate!!
Richard Myers, DPM, Natchez, MS
What has worked for me in similar cases when there is a heavy growth of Pseudomonas is the application of acetic acid. I have the patient mix a half cup of white vinegar to a quart of water. Soak gauze strips and have the patient apply them to the toes inter spaces and let them dry. Repeat this three times a day. In the interim apply Gentamycin cream and povidine solution.
Obviously for medical legal reasons it is never wrong to call in an Infectious disease consultant but find a specialist who knows a great deal about pedal infections. I've had my share of ID consults in my geographic area where my regimen was more effective than theirs.
I'd be interested in reading the feedback from Warren Joseph and some of our other ID experts on how they would approach this case.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY, Elliotu@aol.com
RE: MBT Shoes (John Pagliano, DPM) From: Mary C. White, DPM
I have been utilizing MBT shoes in my practice for three years now. I do believe the research and have seen great results. I have several Parkinson's patients that no longer need to use their walkers because of the shoes, I have diabetics that have seen great reduction to neuropathy pain, I have several patients with hallux rigidus walk pain-free. Several patients claim reduction in weight and pant size, but my patients that have most benefited from them has been ones with knee pain. They are able to walk and jog pain-free. Several orthopedic surgeons have called to ask how this was accomplished and have gotten shoes themselves.
Mary C. White, DPM, Rockford IL, DrMaryDPM@InsightBB.com
RE: DMERC A Update From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
This is an additional update on DMERC A:
Submit all paper claims only to: DME Specialty Claims, PO Box 9165, Hingham, MA 02043
1) For assistance with the ARU (Automated Response Unit)
The automated response unit for NHIC is not identical to Health Now's and it is the same as that for DMERC Region B. This response unit is available 24 hours a day, but customer service representatives are only available during business hours. The phone number for NHIC is identical for that of Health Now and is: 866-419-9458
To speak to a human: You must listen to about a 90-second intro commentary, or you may press the # button to by-pass this. The various prompts will follow. Choose option 1; then enter your supplier number; then choose 0. This will allow you to speak to a customer service representative. I've personally checked this out and spoken with a representative. This system is almost identical to all other Medicare carriers.
A guide for you and your staff is available at: http://www.medicarenhic.com/dme/contacts/dmeivrguide_0606.pdf
2) Medicaid Secondary Claims for podiatrists ONLY in New England States: Medicaid secondary claims will require manual processing for claims processed by Medicare prior to July 31, 2006. Starting July 31 2006 NHIC will be able to submit files electronically to those Medicaid offices. For claims processed by NHIC between July 1 and July 30 you will need to submit paper claims to your Medicaid office.
3) When Medicare is secondary and you are submitting claims to DMERC A for secondary payment, NHIC has provided the following link: http://www.medicarenhic.com/dme/ansi_x12n_09-04.pdf This link is a supplemental guide on the the DMERC A website. On page 31 there are references to how to handle the primary insurer's payments:
As a member of the DMERC Region A supplier council, I will be participating in weekly telephone conferences with NHIC until the problems of the transition are resolved. Look for updates each Tuesday for the next several weeks.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY, pkesselman@pol.net
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CLASSIFIED |
PRACTICE FOR SALE -ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA Well established (27+ years) general Podiatry practice. Great location -surrounded by 4 retirement communities. Must sell quickly due to health reasons. Contact Irwin Ayes DPM at ayesent@earthlink.net or 727-544-5425.
LONG TERM CARE PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY- DOWNSTATE ILLINOIS, & CHICAGO AREA
We specialize in providing conservative ethical care to residents in long term care settings. Immediate part-time positions available in downstate IL, and the Chicago metropolitan region. Competitive compensation and expenses. Contact Dr. Brian Aronson. Phone-773-775-0300 Fax-773-775-0883.
ASSOCIATE POSITION- KANSAS CITY, MO
Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist to join a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and surgical practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing and medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24. Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to 816-455-8901
HOUSE CALL PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY- CHICAGO / NORTHWEST INDIANA
Chicago-Home Physicians specializes in house calls to the elderly homebound. Full and part-time positions available in Chicago/Northwest IN. Competitive Compensation, including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-292-4800. Fax-773-486-3548. E-mail sschneider@homephysicians.com www.homephysicians.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW ENGLAND
Terrific Opportunity Now Available in growing New England practice. Well established and respected practice with new, large office space, latest technology, very helpful staff, loyal patients and solid referral base. Close proximity to hospitals with modern surgical suites. Opportunity for shared ownership. Prefer 24 month PSR with clinical practice experience or an experienced doctor looking to improve their situation. E-mail CV and particulars to NEAFC3@aol.com
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR SALE- PENNSYLVANIA
4 Micromac 300 "Podo spray" Nail Buzzers-- ($1500- retail) $100 each. 1 X-ray processor- Good condition- $500 each. 3 X-ray View boxes-Fair condition- $50 each. As Is. Shipping will be added. Questions or Interest, Email: barb@martinfootandankle.com
WEEKLY SPECIAL - One week of ads (6x) for only $75
PM Classified Ads Reach over 8,000 DPM's and Students
Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most- effective way of reaching over 8,000 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com for details. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 dekagan@aol.com
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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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