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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,412 Subscribers Daily
July 22, 2019 #6,466  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2019- 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 |
Quick Poll
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How did your first half year's income compare to last year's first half income?
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
CA Podiatrist Comments on "Barbie Feet: Instagram Craze
Instagram trends can get weird, but before deeming them totally loco, we like to take our time to investigate the hype. Up on the chopping block today is the Instagram craze we like to call "Barbie feet," which models, celebrities, and fashion girls have taken an obsessive liking to. The idea behind this trend is to pose up on your toes to elongate your legs and flex your muscles a little bit. It appears as though you're wearing high heels sans the shoes. This positioning of the leg is nearly identical to the propped-up feet of Barbie. Typically, this pose is accompanied by a swimsuit or summery wear since those are the occasions where no shoes reside.
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Dr. Bobby Pourziaee |
"I have had a lot of my patients ask me recently about 'Barbie feet.' I'm surprised this trend didn't begin earlier. 'Barbie feet' are obviously better than wearing high heels because the position of the foot is temporary. Posing with 'Barbie feet' can make you look taller and can possibly make your calves look more muscular, but this pose is not recommended for long periods of time because you can get calf shortening and pain and inflammation along the ball of the foot." — Bobby Pourziaee, DPM, also known as "The High Heel Doc" of Rodeo Drive Podiatry
Source: Lauren Eggertsen, Who What Wear [7/20/19]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
GA Podiatrist Urges Community to Support 100 Black Men at Scholarship Gala
Naim G. Shaheed, DPM, is excited to return for the fourth consecutive year as chair of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County’s 2019 Casino Royale Scholarship Gala, and he has inviting the community to join him in supporting the black-tie event. “I’ve been coming back year after year to serve as chair because I enjoy building on our Leadership Academy’s success and I believe that it is critical for our community, particularly, our businesses to support our youths,” said Shaheed.
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Dr. Naim Shaheed |
Dr. Shaheed has a long history of community service and a distinguished career as one of metro-Atlanta’s leading podiatrists. During the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, he served on the physicians committee, where he was assigned to the foot and ankle divisions and was responsible for the care of athletes from all over the world. Today, Shaheed serves as the troupe podiatric physician for Atlanta’s Ballethnic Dance Co. His appointments include serving as chief of staff at Emory Hillandale Hospital and serving on the Emory Healthcare Board of Directors.
Source: On Common Ground News [7/18/19]
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| PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW | |
NY Podiatrist Gets a Year in Prison for Fraudulent Billing Practices
A Long Island doctor who fraudulently billed Medicare and insurance for skin grafts and other procedures was sentenced Friday to 366 days in prison and ordered to pay almost $1.1 million, the U.S. attorney's office said. Podiatrist Hal Abrahamson, 57, pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud in June of last year after investigators found he filed for reimbursement at a rate many times higher than other podiatrists from January 2013 to January 2017.
Source: Ellen Yan, Newsday [7/19/19]
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| RELEVANT RESEARCH | |
Surgical Excision Margin of 2 cm Safe for Primary Melanoma Thicker Than 2 mm
In a study, patients with primary cutaneous melanoma thicker than 2 mm were randomized to excision with surgical margins of 2 cm or 4 cm. After a median follow-up of 19.6 years, 2-cm margins were found to be safe for clinical practice.
A surgical margin of 2 cm is adequate for patients with thick localized cutaneous melanoma.
Source: Neil Majithia, MD, Practice Update [7/16/19] via Dr. Allen Jacobs
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| MACRA UPDATE | |
More Clinicians Received MIPS Bonuses in Year 2
Although more clinicians who participated in year two of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) will receive a bonus compared to year one, there are less participants overall, the CMS announced. To view your MIPS score, click here.
The agency said 97.6% of clinicians who participated in MIPS last year will receive a positive payment adjustment on each of their Medicare Part B claims in 2020, which is slightly higher than in 2017 when 93.1% of clinicians got a bonus last year. At the same time, the number of participants in the program dropped from 1.06 million to 916,058.
Source: Maria Castellucci, Modern Healthcare [7/12/19]
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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 | |
Questions to Ask about wRVU Compensation - Part 3
Physicians employed by a medical group, hospital, or academic institution are commonly compensated using a productivity formula based on work relative value units (wRVUs). Since wRVUs drive your paycheck, it’s to your advantage to ask questions in order to understand how the system works — and specifically how your employer counts wRVUs.
3. Do modifiers impact the wRVU credit? If so, how? Modifier impacts to wRVUs commonly cause physicians to believe they’ve been “cheated” out of compensation earned.
These modifiers may also decrease wRVUs:
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modifier 51 - multiple procedure
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modifier 59 - distinct procedural service
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modifier 62 - two surgeons/co-surgeons
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modifier 76 - repeat procedure
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modifier 80 - assistant surgeon
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modifier 82 - assistant surgeon when a qualified resident surgeon is not available
Source: Amy Boyer, MBA, Physicians Practice [6/16/19]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Denial of CPT Code 20550
We are having denials for payment for CPT code 20550 with M72.2 and pain codes, as well. This is happening with Medicare and a couple of other payers. Any thoughts on this issue?
Teresa Burtoft, DPM, N. Andover, MA
Response: Your Medicare Carrier is NGS. They have a pain Management LCD titled- “LCD FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT (L33622)”. They relate the following as a Group 2 Code, CPT 20550 and link diagnosis codes. The one that is covered is M72.2 Plantar fascial fibromatosis. You have to review the LCD for what is a covered diagnosis code. M72.2 is the ONLY diagnosis in this scenario you described you would use. While pain is to be documented in your MSK exam, it is not a diagnosis to use for billing this CPT 20550. Look at the LCD.
David J. Freedman, DPM, CPC, Silver Spring, MD
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Tribute to 50th Anniversary of Moon Landing |
Source: Nike
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MEETING NOTICES
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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 $229 (less than $16 per CECH)
(Only $15 per credit) http://www.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
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - DC METRO AREA
Well-rounded private practice in DC Metro Area seeking motivated, hardworking and ethical part-time or full-time associate with good bedside manner. Includes inpatient, outpatient and assisted living facilities. Strong diabetes and sports medicine population. Practice with EMR, digital x-ray, 3-D orthotic scanning, DME, laser. Email: Admin@insteppodiatrycenter.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MONTANA
Growing podiatry group in Missoula seeking associate for full time position. Must be ABFAS qualified or certified. Partnership opportunity for motivated individual. Minimal call requirements. Look for a promising future and work-life-balance in a growing University town with endless recreational opportunities. Submit CV and cover letter to: westernmontanafootandankle@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – LOS ANGELES, CA
Multi-specialty wound care and reconstructive surgery group hiring podiatrists to our growing family. Our practice treats wounds within inpatient and outpatient settings. Opportunity for general podiatry cases in brand new surgery center. Benefits include health insurance, 401k plan, and paid vacation time. Salary and bonus structure. E-mail woundcaredocs@gmail.com with CV.
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE – NORTH CAROLINA
New associate position that can lead to partnership. We are a very busy practice providing care in both office and hospital settings. We are fully integrated in a large tertiary teaching hospital. We are located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. 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. North Carolina license to practice is required for this position. All interested candidates should send a CV with 2 letters of reference to JCMOOREDPM@aol.com
FULL OR PART-TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE - GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
Home Foot Care, Inc. Mobile Podiatrists needed to see homebound patients in 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. If interested, email CV to: homefootcare@hotmail.com our website: www.footdocs2u.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FL
Associate for busy, well rounded foot/ankle practice. ABFAS or ABPM BC or BQ. Great interpersonal skills and willingness to work as a team a must. State-of-the-art EMR, digital x-rays, Ultrasound, DME. Base salary, bonus, health, 401K, etc. DrLam@NaplesPodiatrist.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ALABAMA
Love the beach? Busy, established practice located in a coastal community is looking for a full-time or part-time podiatrist! ABFAS board qualification or certification is required. Must be motivated, hardworking, positive, and dedicated to growing the practice and individual career and reputation. Must have great people skills, caring bedside manner, and positive demeanor. Must work well with staff and local medical community. Competitive pay and partnership track available. Send CV and contact information to: manager@southbaldwinpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Very busy practice seeking a full-time, self-motivated and hard-working podiatry associate. Competitive salary and benefits offered. Please email CV to: podiatrists@icloud.com
POSITION AVAILABLE - ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND WEST VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIA
Seeking a full-time podiatrist: Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia to join our large and well-established group. We have all the bells and whistles along with a competitive salary and excellent benefits with bonus structure. Fair, fun and transparent work environment. Please email cover letter and resume to Greatpodiatristjob@gmail.com
LOOKING FOR PRACTICE OWNERSHIP? – MARYLAND
In search of a motivated, hard-working podiatrist preferably with 2+ years of work experience in a private practice. Excellent opportunity to become a partner, leading to full ownership of busy practice in Maryland. Practice is well established and well respected. Qualifications of ideal candidate are a 3-year surgical residency, good people and clinical skills including good diagnostic ability, wound care, diabetic foot care and surgery. Independent thinker and hard worker with ethical philosophy. Inquires kept confidential. Reply to: jobavailable36@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH CAROLINA
Well established, 8 physician group looking to grow our busy practice in the heart of North Carolina. Looking to add a full-time podiatrist to our group who is board qualified/certified. Looking for someone that is interested in all aspects of podiatry including both forefoot and rearfoot surgery, wound care, and general podiatry. If interested send your CV and cover letter to triad.podiatrist@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS
Is your ideal practice opportunity one with all aspects of podiatry included? We are a group practice with 6 offices looking for the right surgically trained board qualified/certified doctor to join our family. Forefoot and rearfoot surgery, as well as, wound care and limb salvage with privileges at 2 local hospitals are available. Partnership is certainly part of the long term plan. We are looking for the right candidate with the position available in October. Send all inquiries and CVs to sgrulke2002@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – DAYTON, OHIO
Established practice seeks full-time ABFAS or ABPM cert or qual. Podiatrist for our growing practice. Ideal candidate possesses strong clinical and surgical skills. Must be willing to merge into an already established protocol-based office. State-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Hospital privileges, No nursing homes, base $120,000 and generous bonuses. Benefits include medical insurance, disability insurance, paid vacation and holidays, paid CME and malpractice. Please send C/V to DPMOhio@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHARLESTON, SC
Board qualified/certified podiatrist needed for busy practice in Charleston, SC. Practice utilizes mini C-arm, ultrasound, laser, DME and retail. Hardworking ethical individual needed to fill position. No call, weekends, or surgical training needed. Ideal position with a family or retiring. Please email resume/cover letter to charlestonpodiatry@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 – LONG ISLAND
Unique opportunity to purchase contemporaneous podiatry practice in beautiful long island north shore, Nassau county. Practice grosses approximately 425k, on non-surgical services only. Approximately 60 patients weekly. Professional building also may be included as part of the sale. Willing to stay on a part time basis indefinitely. bombbustr7@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWESTERN PA
Established practice with motivated seller offering practice for sale. Growing town and only fulltime podiatrist. Opportunity to grow existing business or enter practice with established and educated patient base. Full range of services. Primarily office based. Contact: WPADPM224@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY
Well established 27 year old practice. Turn-key operation. Great opportunity for established or new graduate. Excellent income potential on/off the insurance plans. Busy walk in traffic. 1100 square foot office in multi-specialty building. Email: gping1@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - CORPUS CHRISTI, TX
Well established, same location over 28 years on Gulf Coast of Texas. Very busy practice with low overhead located not far from largest medical complex in city. Best buy at $135K immediate sale available. Gross $450K+ for 4 day work week with excellent room for groth. maggieg219@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - WASHINGTON DC
Very well established, long-time D.C. practice for sale. Heavy emphasis on elective surgery, but busy in office practice as well; small percentage routine care. Excellent payer mix; owner will stay on if desired Terms negotiable; for more information, email to: calmseas007@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBURB
Golden Opportunity- Gross is over $500,000.00 on only 2 days. Easily expanded to full time practice. Full mix of patients- private, Medicare, HMO. All phases of podiatry practiced- surgery, wound care, maintenance, biomechanical. Be your own boss. Lots of parking. Interested parties send email to footguy1@pacbell.net
PRACTICE FOR SALE - PUERTO RICO
Large practice with licensed ambulatory foot surgical center in Puerto Rico. Ideal for a Boricua who wants to repatriate and continue to practice. Well established, great location between 2 hospitals, with all modalities available to ensure great patient outcomes. Great tax advantages in PR Contact: montanile@podiatrycenterpr.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – RITTER PODIATRY CHAIR
Ritter 117 podiatry treatment chair. Excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition, Fold-up arms and extending foot rest with slide-out debris tray. Includes stool/all beige-grey....$2,500 Buyer pick-up Westchester County, NY Photos on request. Amsfoot@aol.com or text 914-552-1671.
PODIATRY EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Office closure forces sale of Midmark M9 Autoclave ($900), Midmark 417 treatment chair, cabinet and stool ($3,400), X-Cel x-ray ($2,300), miscellaneous podiatry and office items. OBO (925) 726-9629
OFFICE AND EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – EAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS
Podiatry office and equipment for sale $175,000. 27 year old established podiatric medical practice located in East Central Illinois average gross income $350K. Serious inquires only. Recommend having a Medicare provider number. Will be relocating by November 2019. Click here to See listing drjoe@myfeethurt.net phone number 217-549-1887.
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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| 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.
| | Guidelines |
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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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