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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,024 Subscribers Daily
August 05, 2015 #5,437 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2015- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the written permission of Barry Block
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ANNUAL SURVEY NOW ONLINE - WIN VALUABLE PRIZES |
We encourage you to participate in this year's important annual survey. Completing this anonymous survey provides us with valuable data, which we will publish in the March 2016 issue of Podiatry Management. It also makes you eligible to win thousands of dollars of valuable prizes. Enter by completing this confidential survey and providing your e-mail address in the comments section on the last page of the survey. The earlier you enter, the more chances you have to win.
![](http://podiatrym.com/pmphotos2015/8/PMNews11007.jpg) |
This week's prize |
This is also your opportunity to vote for the next DPM and Non-DPM inductees into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame.
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1 |
Improve Communication with Patients to Achieve Better Outcomes: PA Podiatrist
Creating a connection with patients can be achieved with a few simple steps, and can improve patient outcomes and practice efficiency in the long run, according to a speaker at the Pedorthic Footcare Association and American Podiatric Medical Association Combined Meeting. Jeffrey D. Lehrman, DPM, a podiatrist at Crozer-Keystone Health System, said patient communication and interpersonal skills are essential considerations for any health care practitioner aiming to provide patient-centered care. The first step is simple: Allow the patient to talk.
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Dr. Jeffrey Lehrman |
Because about 70% of patients will search on Google about their problem before making an appointment, they often have questions and concerns. “There is one thing that brought them in, but there are three other things they have been wanting to ask for 10 years,” Lehrman said. The key, he said, is to listen to the patient; do not interrupt; and then address what they said. Active listening techniques should be employed, including regular eye contact, encouraging facial expressions, attentive posture, and nodding.
Source: Healio O&P News [7/27/15]
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2 |
DC Podiatrist Discusses Onychomycosis
Dr. Stephen Pribut, a Washington podiatrist says onychomycosis is a toenail condition that leads to yellow, thickened nails. It is caused by a fungus and can be prevented. Pribut advises giving feet some breathing room and a break from nail polish one week per month. Unlike athlete's foot, toenail fungus is notoriously tough to treat once it has set in.
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Dr. Stephen Pribut |
Pribut says over-the-counter liquids and other remedies simply don't work. Instead, go for a prescription treatment right from the start.
Source: The Washington Post [8/2/15]
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INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
Price Isn't Everything When Buying Children's Shoes: UK Podiatrist
Families in Manchester believe the quality is in the cost when it comes to buying school shoes, but price isn't everything according to one foot expert. Two pairs of top branded school shoes will set you back around £70 ($110), but perfectly good school shoes can be found for just £10 ($16) a pair, says Dr. Lindsay Hill. The podiatrist - who insists shoes are 'the most important part of your child's uniform' - has shared her top five tips for moms and dads out shopping and says good shoes can be found 'if you know what you are looking for.'
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Dr. Lindsay Hill |
She said: "Mums and dads often think they will get longer out of expensive shoes, but this is not necessarily the case in my experience. I think your child is more likely to grow out of their shoes before they wear out." Lindsay, who owns Axis Podiatry, said: "The price difference is massive and I don't think there is any significant advantage of the expensive pair, other than probably being available in more shoe sizes and probably multiple width fittings.
Source: Emma Gill, Manchester Evening News [8/3/15]
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY |
FASMA Supergroup Adds Three New Podiatrists
Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic (FASMA) has announced the addition of three new associate podiatrists, creating the largest medical practice in the Mid-Atlantic region – and the second largest in the United States – specializing in foot and ankle medicine. FASMA operates 21 locations with 33 doctors.
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(-R) Drs. Hetal Kathrotiya-Mago, Vinay Matai, and Caitlin Mahan Madden |
Dr. Hetal Kathrotiya-Mago completed a three-year comprehensive foot and ankle surgical residency at Roxborough Memorial Hospital (Prime Healthcare) in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Vinay K. Matai is a graduate of Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. He has completed a three year advanced Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery Residency at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Caitlin Mahan Madden received her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2011. She then continued her training in Philadelphia with extensive forefoot, rearfoot, and ankle surgical experience at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
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ICD-10 UPDATE |
New ICD-10 Guidance - Part 6
Question 6: Does the recent guidance mean that no claims will be denied if they are submitted with an ICD-10 code that is not at the maximum level of specificity?
Answer 6: In certain circumstances, a claim may be denied because the ICD-10 code is not consistent with an applicable policy, such as Local Coverage Determinations or National Coverage Determinations. (See Question 7 tomorrow for more information about this). This reflects the fact that current automated claims processing edits are not being modified as a result of the guidance. In addition, the ICD-10 code on a claim must be a valid ICD-10 code. If the submitted code is not recognized as a valid code, the claim will be rejected. The physician can resubmit the claims with a valid code.
Source: Joseph Goedert, Health Data Management [7/28/15].
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF OF THE DAY |
Five Financial Reports Physicians Need to See Monthly - Part 2
2. Aged accounts receivable (A/R)
The A/R report summarizes your practice's lifeblood: the potential revenue from payers and patients for services you've rendered. That's right: potential — because any number of things can hinder (or halt) payment to your bank account. And that's precisely why physicians must review their A/R on a monthly basis.
Start with "Days in A/R," which indicates the average number of days it takes to collect on an account. [Total A/R ÷ (annual gross charges ÷ 365)]. "Days" of 30 or less is good. "Days" of 50 or more is not so good. And look at the percentage of total A/R in each aging category. More than 10 percent to15 percent in the 120+ days indicates a problem.
If the indicators signal trouble, analyze further. For instance, review A/R by individual payer to determine if specific companies are slow to pay, and identify why by analyzing explanation of benefits (EOB) for denial patterns such as noncovered service, applied to deductible, patient ineligible, or wrong modifier. If necessary, modify your operations or train staff accordingly to minimize denials.
Source: Cheryl Toth, Physicians Practice [7/22/15]
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CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Sclerosing Injections
We would like to bill for a sclerosing injection. It is my understanding that it is billed as CPT 64455 (neuroma injection). Can you bill for the dehydrated alcohol like you can for when you bill Kenalog?
Amannda Richline, DPM, Belvidere, NJ
Response: The code you are looking for is CPT 64632 (destruction by neurolytic agent; plantar common digital nerve). CPT 64455 states "injection(s), anesthetic agent and/or steroid, plantar common digital nerve(s) (e.g., Morton's neuroma)."
When billing the CPT 64632 code, the charge for the alcohol is included in the payment for the procedure and cannot be billed separately. This is not the same as billing one of the "J" codes for the cortisone when performing the CPT 64455. In neither case can the local anesthesia be billed as it is part of the global surgical service. And, yes, an injection is a surgical service.
Paul Kinberg, DPM, Dallas, TX
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription.
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 |
From: Joseph Borreggine, DPM
This recent PM News post was quite interesting with respect to the viability of a podiatric practice in the Obamacare insurance environment. I also enjoyed reading the form letter included as a response that was written by Michael Rosenblatt, DPM.
I must agree with both Drs. Vahovius and Rosenblatt. Time is ticking and the reality of our future as a profession is upon us. These last 5 years have been challenging to...
Editor's note: Dr. Borreggine's extended-length letter can be read here.
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1B |
From: William Deutsch, DPM
Chet Vahovius lays it out pretty well. The private practice is being phased out. Participation with various panels is tenuous. The podiatrist is being marginalized. Those who provide ethical care are being squeezed by reduced payments, high deductibles that cause patients to forego elective treatment, and the failure of insurers to see the preventive value of timely foot care.
Dr. Vahovius also indicates that patients are gaming the system as have physicians in the past. Insurers will find ways to force legislation to...
Editor's note: Dr. Deutsch's extended-length letter can be read here.
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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What to wear on Saturn? |
Source: Iskren Lozanov via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
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Earn 15 Contact Hours only $195
(Only $13 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
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Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, IA, MO, MT, NE, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, VT, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 30+ CME Category-1 articles posted
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CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1- ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, great benefits including malpractice coverage . Excellent opportunity for a promising future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – EL PASO, TEXAS
Busy practice seeking a full-time, self-motivated and hard-working podiatry associate to help with second office. Competitive salary offered. Please email CV to: buffdlr1@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED – NAPLES, FLORIDA
Great opportunity for PSR- 24/36 BE/BC podiatrist with strong surgical skills to join multi-office practice. Hospital privileges available at 648 bed hospital system, 200 bed hospital system and multiple surgical centers. Florida has a great scope of practice law and we rotate for ER call at all 4 hospitals. Candidate needs to be ethical and motivated. Established practitioner or new practitioner Email CV to Drgordon@gulfcoastfootcare.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS
Group practice seeking motivated DPM. Only 25% Medicare (no Medicaid) so excellent compensation resulting from substantive workload with good surgical balance. No travel and includes malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k, and all professional fees. Please send CV to stlouispodiatrists@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST TENNESSEE
31 year old practice with 4 offices in greater Knoxville area seeking ethical, personable, hard working, team player. $160,000 base salary plus bonus incentives and benefits. post-residency experience a plus. Please email letter of interest and CV to ddavidphawk@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO
Are you a “Buckeye” at heart & want to practice in a small town in the fastest growing county in Ohio? Are you an achiever who knows how to work hard for your goals? Do you want; to work with 3 podiatrists who deliver quality care with compassion and continually strive to improve, to be in a practice that is experiencing increased revenues of 66% in the past 5 years; to have patients that know their doctors personally and call them by first name? Send your CV to footandanklewellnesscenter@gmail.com 3rd year residents welcome to apply.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Very busy practice seeking a full-time, self-motivated and hard-working podiatry associate. Competitive salary offered. Please email CV to: podiatrists@icloud.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – BATAVIA, NY (IN WESTERN NY, BETWEEN BUFFALO & ROCHESTER)
Thirty year established, busy practice, seeking a Full Time Associate to join expanding Podiatry Practice. Hospital privileges with newly built, state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center. Please call (585) 344-1677 or e-mail CV with cover letter to drdryden@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CHICAGO
Chicago. Office and housecalls; projected income $140-180K. Base salary and bonus structure are flexible. Malpractice and mileage allowance are paid. Partnership track is available . Contact chipod12@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Well-established, busy upscale private practice, Bergen County. Looking for a part-time associate, 2 days a week. Modern facility, EMR, digital x-ray, supportive professional staff. Hospital & Surgicenter privileges. All aspects of podiatry. No nursing homes. Candidate must be Board Qualified or Eligible. Send CV to staff.ppa@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – HOUSTON, TX
Established Houston Group practice looking to expand their physician staff. The group has multiple locations which include the Houston Medical Center and growing outlining areas. Texas license, Board eligible is a must. Bilingual a + but not required. Contact us at lepowft@cs.com
IMMEDIATE POSITIONS AVAILABLE - ALBANY, UTICA, LITTLE FALLS, SYRACUSE
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities across New York, especially in Albany, and other areas in Upstate New York. Great opportunity for full-time or part-time income; a commitment of as little as one to two mornings/days a month can nicely supplement your current income. Positions available immediately! Inquiries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH JERSEY
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW JERSEY
We are looking for a part or full-time Associate with a passion for learning, growing, and treating patients from start to finish. The ideal candidate should have both surgical and non-surgical experience, be willing to work hard, and always put patients first. Benefits include a full compensation package with salary, insurance, a private office, and more. If you start every day with a passion to help others and a positive attitude, this job’s for you! To find out more information email Dr. Amannda Richline at dramanndaglynn@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.
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CLASSIFIED ADS PART 2- PRACTICE FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
DESIRABLE LOCATIONS TO SUBLET AND SHARE - NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY
Midtown, Gramercy, Financial District and Plainview (North shore of Long Island) turn-key. Extremity MRI, Extremity CT scanner, diagnostic ultrasound, digital xray in selected offices. Fair Lawn ASC,LLC a dedicated certified ambulatory surgical center for foot and ankle surgery accepting applications for staff privileges 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM
PRACTICE FOR SALE – CENTRAL FLORIDA
Practice available in a small town in Central Florida. Podiatrist retiring. Was full 4 day practice but now 2 days due to illness. Easily expanded. Same location over 30 years. Surgical and hospital privileges available but not required. Assume overhead and rent. Send inquiries to DDave9388@aol.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - DIGITAL IMAGING SYSTEM
Air Techniques, Scan X, Digital Imaging System, All Pro Imaging. Portable unit with carry case and laptop $9500 Min X-ray-P3W model P200 for sale excellent condition $2000 DRTEfkarpides@gmail.com (718)262-9808 Cell (917) 837-7665
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 16,500 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 16,500 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.
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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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