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PMNews
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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,021 Subscribers Daily
September 17, 2015 #5,474 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 |
Congratulations to Dr. David Shainberg of Memphis, FL, winner of last week's prize, a one hundred dollar Macys gift card. 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.
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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 |
NY Podiatrist Discusses Heel Spur Syndrome
“Your foot is your foundation,” said Dr. Tracey G. Toback of Toback Podiatry in Highland. “When your feet are off, it throws your entire body off, and can lead to hip, knee, and back pain, too.” Toback said the heel spur syndrome is actually a bursitis or swelling of the bursa sac.
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Dr. Tracey Toback |
“When we get off our feet, the sac fills up, so that first step in the morning on the ball of fluid is painful,” he said. We control the biomechanics of the foot by creating a functional orthotic, which is different from arch supports,” Toback said. “The purpose is to put the foot back in anatomical alignment so you don’t strain the ligament. In 95 percent of cases, you won’t need surgery for it.”
Source: Lisa Iannucci, Poughkeepsie Journal [9/15/15]
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INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
Canadian Podiatrists Volunteer on Walk to Conquer Cancer
On September 12th, the Walk to Conquer Cancer was held in Toronto. Over 4,500 walkers took part, raising over 7.5 million dollars. Members of the Ontario Podiatric Medical Association (OPMA) offered their services at the various stops along the route. They provided foot care ranging form blister care to applying strapping for the multiple foot and ankle strains.
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Drs. Neil Naftolin (far right), Steve Haber (far left and front row), Sam Ber, Bob Chelin (left back row) Kel Sherkin, and Danny Rosenthal. |
Under the lead of Dr. Neil Naftolin, the other podiatrists who offered their assistance were Drs. Steve Haber, Sam Ber, Bob Chelin Kel Sherkin, and Danny Rosenthal.
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY |
IL Podiatrist Speaks to Seniors at "Dine with the Doc"
"The Small Town With Big Things" was honored to have podiatrist Dr. Joseph Borreggine speak at the local senior center. Casey, Illinois has recently become known as the town of "big things". A number of "big things" in town are the world's largest golf tee, wind chimes, and rocking chair. There is also a large pitch fork and pencil adorning the local town landscape. Soon to be added to the collection will be a massive pair of wooden clogs, a 12 foot high wooden coin, and a 36 foot foot "yard" stick.
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Dr. Joseph Borreggine, Giant Clogs |
Dr. Borreggine lectured to the seniors in cooperation with "Dine with the Doc" program. He spoke about the importance of foot care and discussed the symptoms and treatment for peripheral vascular disease.
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MEETING NEWS |
AAPPM Goes West Concludes 2015 Billing and Coding Seminars
Podiatrists and their staff in the western U.S. continue to request that the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM) bring seminars and education to the western states. The AAPPM happily obliged by bringing the second of its 2015 two-day Billing and Coding Seminar to Denver, Colorado. The event also included sessions devoted specifically for new/young practitioners and medical assistants. The first of these niche meetings took place in June in Pittsburgh.
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Attendees at AAPPM Western Billing & Coding Seminar |
“Given the deadlines just around the corner, we knew coding and billing topics would be the most popular topics, but we were thrilled with the response the AAPPM received over the weekend in Denver,” explained AAPPM President Charley Greiner, DPM. “We had 171 doctors and staff attend – which is nearly 3 times what we anticipated! Of those in attendance, 93 were attending their first AAPPM meeting.”
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HEALTHCARE NEWS |
Anesthesiology Board Drops 10-Year-Exam for MOC
Tougher requirements for maintaining board certification have set off a full-scale revolt in internal medicine. Recent reforms to streamline maintenance of certification (MOC) for anesthesiologists may keep that specialty calmer, however.
On September 10, the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) unveiled a redesign of its MOC in Anesthesiology (MOCA) program that replaces a dreaded 10-year exam with an online learning tool called the MOCA Minute that will quiz and teach physicians on a continuous, baby-step basis at their convenience. MOCA 2.0, as it is called, also drops a requirement for assessing an anesthesiologist's simulated care of a dummy patient and makes it optional instead.
Source: Robert Lowes, Medscape News [9/14/15]
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF OF THE DAY |
Evaluating Six Electronic Patient Engagement Tools - Part 6
6. Practice Websites
Pro: "It may be obvious to some, but maybe not necessarily all: If you are going to have a patient portal, there has to be an entry point. It's also a great time to get with the times and have a more robust website with a lot of different add on features, such as online bill pay to help patients pay bills or address those high-volume call topics, like hours and directions to the practice."
Con: "There is a lot of opportunity, but it can be missed if the website isn't well-planned or user-friendly. And, there are other things that websites might lack, such as addressing varying patient reading comprehension levels and different patient primary languages."
Source: Adapted from Keith L. Martin, Physicians Practice
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ICD-10 UPDATE |
ICD-10 Conversion Could Drive Some Small Doctor Groups Out of Business
Ready or not, the U.S. healthcare industry is poised to flip the switch from the ICD-9 to the ICD-10 diagnostic and procedural coding system on Oct. 1, significantly changing how billions of dollars in medical claims are calculated and billed every day. Experts predict most large hospitals and health systems and most large physician groups will weather the federally required conversion just fine, though they could experience temporary cash-flow squeezes because of ICD-10-related payment delays.
The organizations most likely to have trouble, however, are smaller providers, particularly smaller physician practices. Some medical groups say problems associated with the conversion could drive some small doctor groups out of business. A last-minute reprieve is unlikely. After three previous delays of the ICD-10 start date, no one predicts there will be a fourth.
Source: Joseph Conn, Modern Healthcare [9/12/15]
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QUERIES (CLINICAL) |
Query: Complications Post-Base Wedge Osteotomy
A 47 year old female presented complaining of severe pain and callus under the 1st metatarsal head. She also complained of arch pain and can feel pain on the dorsum of her foot. She had bunion surgery performed in hospital by an orthopedic surgeon 3 years ago and has been unable to walk with comfort since. The 1st metatarsal is plantarflexed with a severe IPK underneath. The 2 internal fixation screw heads are palpable on the dorsum of the foot. The surgeon wants to remove the screws, perform an osteotomy on the 1st, and insert a 'plate', rather than screws. The patient refuses to undergo these procedures.
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X-ray views Post-Base Wedge Osteotomy |
Judging by the x-rays, it appears a base wedge osteotomy was performed on the 1st metatarsal, but there doesn't appear to be any forefoot surgical correction (perhaps a minor reduction of the medial prominence of the 1st met head). On the oblique and lateral x-rays, there appears to be a dorsal midtarsal coalition between the screws. What would be the best approach to surgical intervention?
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QUERIES (EMR) |
Query: Changing EMR Software
I am considering changing my EMR software from Traknet 3.0 to Meditouch and would like feedback from other podiatrists. What experience have podiatrists had regarding the ease of use for yourselves and your staff.
Olga Luepschen, DPM, Sebring, FL
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) |
From: Heath Kline
A recent New York Times article featured in yesterday’s PM News highlighted the anxiety that many doctors are experiencing with the October 1st implementation of ICD-10 codes. My experience in talking to podiatrists lately is that most have not prepared themselves either out of fear because they haven’t invested in learning about the codes and how they work, or they are pinning their hopes on their billing service or EHR to handle the problem, not knowing that these services will not have the adequate information to bill correctly. But those who are adequately prepared have much less to fear. No one really knows how well the payers are prepared and it’s anybody’s guess how the payers' rules changed when one ICD-9 code splits into 50+ ICD-10 codes.
The foundation of proper ICD-10 coding requires more attention to documenting specific details, rather than relying on more general classifications. My company offers superbills that guide users in picking the proper detail-specific codes, but they will not help doctors who have not noted the specific diagnostic details, which are much broader in nature and significantly more detailed than what a doctor could get by with in the past. Podiatrists who haven’t prepared should listen to lectures by podiatric experts like Harry Goldsmith and Tony Poggio, either at their educational seminars or on DVDs to establish a good foundation for understanding how to document these details in podiatric practice. If they haven’t prepared themselves already, they should do so immediately. Hiding from ICD-10 cannot end well.
Heath Kline, DocuForms CEO, Woodland Hills, CA
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
Be on Lookout for Surreptitious Foot-Sniffing Man, FIU Students Warned
A man with an apparent foot fetish hid under a table at a library on the campus of Florida International University (FIU) in an effort to smell the feet of a female student, according to Miami media reports. Campus police were notified following the incident in August that took place at the Green Library on FIU's main campus in southwest Miami-Dade, WSVN-Ch. 7 reported.
A bulletin from campus police said the incident happened Aug. 26 when a man was seen "crawling underneath a table in a suspicious manner," WPLG-Ch. 10 reported. FIU released a statement saying the school's administration takes the reports seriously and has asked the library's staff to contact campus police if they spot the person who has been trying to secretly sniff feet.
Source: Sun Sentinel [9/14/15] via Dr. Bret Ribotsky
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MEETING NOTICES
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CLASSIFIED ADS - PART1 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
1 YEAR FELLOWSHIP IN RRA SURGERY & ASSOCIATE POSITION
Get more experience in arthroscopy, fusions, trauma & complex hindfoot/ankle deformity corrections. Must be BQ or BC in foot & RRA or on track to be. CV, DPM school transcripts, director LOR, LOI. ALSO AVAIL Associate position , now or Aug '16: must be BC by ABFAS, ability to work independently on complex cases. Long hours, hospital rounds, ER calls, great work ethic needed. Fellowship experience preferred, not mandatory. LOI, LOR from director, CV. great salary, bonus, partnership buy-in. Naples, FL klamdpm@hotmail.com
INFECTIOUS DISEASE/WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP
One position for a 24-month fellowship beginning July 1st, 2016. Candidate must have completed a PMSR residency. Fellows training includes all aspects of a multidisciplinary faculty practice and clinical training opportunities in the medical and surgical management of wounds. Deadline: October 15, 2016. UHRMC, 27100 Chardon Road, Richmond Heights, OH, 44143, Phone: 440-516-8704 Deborah.mott@uhhospitals.org CPME approved program.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WALDORF AND CLINTON, MD **IMMEDIATE HIRE**
Well established practice with multiple offices located just south of Washington D.C. Practice amenities include EHR, digital x-ray, state-of-the-art surgical suite, shoe stores, PADnet, and large support staff. This is an extremely busy practice with high patient, new patient, and surgical volume. We are looking for a highly motivated, personable individual. Must be well trained in a PMSR-36/RRA forefoot and would like someone with rearfoot surgery experience, but not required. Competitive base salary with bonus structure. Relocation fees will be covered if able to join practice immediately. Send CV to: feet_r_neat@aol.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 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.
FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE POSITION – EL PASO TEXAS
A busy multi-office practice seeking a fulltime three year trained associate podiatric physician. Candidate must demonstrate outstanding clinic skills, clinic judgment and business ethics. Great benefit package with competitive salary offered with opportunity of partnership and additional investment opportunities. Please email CV with references to prljammin@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST FL
Growing practice in Southeast Florida needs a strong provider to assist in keeping up with demand. A wide array of services are provided including in office procedures and hospital based surgery. Office hours include evening and Saturdays. Opportunity for partnership after 2 years. Contact: MCrosby518@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CENTRAL ILLINOIS
Are you unhappy in your current associate position? Are you a third year resident looking at Ads thinking - they all look the same? Are you looking for an opportunity where you can help grow a practice and are you an energetic TEAM player looking to work with all-stars? Then WE have the position for you! Fast paced practice in Central Illinois is searching for a ROCK star to join our growing team. Please visit www.HeartlandFootAndAnkle.com (look under employment opportunities) for details regarding this unique opportunity! We can’t wait to meet you!
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 - RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Motivated DPM needed for busy practice to work in our 2 offices. Outside retirement facilities are an option. Hospital and surgery center privileges available. Send CV to PO Box 8211, Richmond, VA 23226 or odiel@comcast.net.
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 |
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CYNOSURE PINPOINTE FDA-APPROVED LASER
TAKING ALL BEST OFFERS/WILLING TO NEGOTIATE. Laser is in like-new condition. Price includes laser, original fiber optic cable, 3 laser goggles, laser temperature gauge, manuals, marketing materials AND shipping. Laser is in Queens, New York and also available for pickup. Photos available. Contact docrahulpatel@gmail.com or call 917-620-3168.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Satellite office for sale. Originally was four days a week full time. Has been reduced to two very busy days per week due to health reasons. Only podiatrist located in a small town with small town charm. Great area to raise a family. About an hour to an hour and a half to the beaches, forty five minutes to Tampa, Orlando and the attractions. Great fishing, hunting, affordable golf and loads of lakes for skiing or recreation. Great potential for the right person. If interested please respond to 286cme@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - KANSAS CITY METRO CITY
Well established, successful practice in prime Kansas community. Full array adult, pediatric services. RFC less than 10 percent. Strong commercial mix. High level of patient, physician referrals. TRAKNET EHR. Equipment purchased- no leasing. Owner would assist buyer in transition. Contact Mike Crosby @ MCrosby518@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA
Prominent 25 yr. hospital-based practice for sale. Extremely busy, contracted with most health plans. Mix of surgical and nonsurgical patients. Well diversified, includes staffing contracts with 12 outside multispecialty centers. Next to hospital, affiliated with 3-year surgical residency program. Only podiatry group in building. For more information email mattm@thompsonhall.com
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
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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