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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,529 Subscribers Daily
September 23, 2019 #6,511  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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| ANNUAL SURVEY NOW ONLINE - WIN VALUABLE PRIZES |
Congratulations to John Doolan, DPM of NY, NY winner of last week's prize a Samsung 24 Inch LCD Television. 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 February 2020 issue of Podiatry Management. It also makes you eligible to win thousands of dollars worth 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 week's prize is a $100 Macy's gift card. To begin survey, click here.
***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 | |
CA Podiatrist Discusses Fall Prevention
“Falls are caused by a combination of factors, some external - like loose rugs, sidewalk cracks, and ill-fitting footwear. Others can be internal health-related causes such as muscle deterioration and certain chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and neuropathy (frequently caused by diabetes), which can cause numbness, weakness or burning in the feet. These sensory issues can cause the feet not to feel where they are stepping, and, in turn, can lead to falls,” says Holly Spohn-Gross, DPM, Vice President of the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA).
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Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross |
“Seniors can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of falling by developing a fall prevention plan. The first step in developing a fall prevention program should be a visit to a podiatric foot and ankle specialist,” continued Dr. Spohn-Gross.
Source: Market Insider [9/20/19]
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| PODIATRIC SUPER GROUPS IN THE NEWS | |
Cambridge Foot & Ankle Associates Joins Upperline Health, Inc.
Cambridge Foot & Ankle Associates has partnered with Upperline Health, Inc., a leader in lower-extremity care, and will serve as Upperline’s first practice in the California division. Upperline Health has also added Jeffrey R. DeSantis, DPM, founding partner of Cambridge Foot & Ankle, to its group of medical advisors. “We are delighted to add such a high-caliber physician and individual as Dr. DeSantis to our practice family,” said Michael King, DPM, Chief Medical Officer at Upperline Health.
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Dr. Jeffrey DeSantis |
Dr. DeSantis is a founding partner and leading podiatric physician at Cambridge Foot & Ankle Associates. He is also the current vice president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Dr. DeSantis has served as the President of the California Podiatric Medical Association as well as an expert for the Podiatric Medical Board of California.
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| FORENSIC PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Podiatrists Awarded Competency in Forensic Gait Analysis
Podiatrists Christine Miller, DPM, Nicholas Harris, DPM and Michael Nirenberg, DPM became the first podiatrists in North America to be awarded Competency in Forensic Gait Analysis by the United Kingdom’s Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. The Competency test was offered in North America for the first time this past summer at the International Association for Identification’s Annual Conference in Reno, NV.
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(L–R) Drs. Christine Miller, Michael Nirenberg, and Nicholas Harris |
Forensic gait analysis is the analysis, comparison, and evaluation of features of gait to assist the investigation of crime. Drs. Miller, Harris, and Nirenberg are members of the American Society of Forensic Podiatry.
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| MEETING NEWS | |
Annual Shuffle off to Buffalo Meeting Held
The NYSPMA Western Division held their annual "Shuffle off to Buffalo" seminar last weekend. The seminar has been in existence for more than 30 years and offers 18-20 CMEs. Approximately 100 podiatrists attended and about 30 vendors were present. Thursday evening coding lectures were provided by Dr. Dave Freedman, APMA coding committee chair, and Dr. Larry Santi, APMA BOT member and past NYSPMA president.
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(L–R) Drs. William Pierce, Roy DeFrancis, Larry Santi, Joe Sciandra, Bob Russo, and Don Feldman |
Two full days of lectures followed with topics including trauma, sports medicine, wound care, podopeds, and rearfoot surgery. Notably, seven past NYSPMA presidents were in attendance: Drs. William Pierce, Roy DeFrancis, Larry Santi, Joe Sciandra, Bob Russo, Don Feldman, and David Chazan.
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| RELEVANT RESEARCH | |
Similar Early OA Scores Seen After Lateral vs. Anterior Total Ankle Replacement
Early results of lateral total ankle replacement compared with anterior total ankle replacement showed patients who underwent the lateral approach had a greater risk of deep infection requiring re-operation and inferior SF-36 scores one year after surgery. However, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding ankle osteoarthritis and ankle arthritis scores.
“The patient-reported outcomes are statistically not different at the baseline, six months and one year,” Oliver Gagné, MD, said during his presentation at the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Annual Meeting. “We definitely need a larger sample size to get more power. We need to stratify patients as far as their severity in the [Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society] COFAS stage, as well as their adjunct procedure within the total ankle [replacement].”
Source: Monica Jaramillo, Helio Orthopedics Today [9/18/19]
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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 | |
5 Ways to Avoid Common Billing Mistakes - Part 3
It’s easy to make small mistakes when billing. Unfortunately, small mistakes can sometimes cost you big money. Fortunately, it might not be as difficult as you think to avoid them. Here are five ways to prevent some of the most common — and costly — billing mistakes.
3. Sweat the small stuff - Leaving off even one of the required fields in a bill can result in a denial. It’s easy to double-check to make sure you've provided all the required information before submitting the claim. What’s trickier is making sure all the data in those fields is correct. It’s easy to misspell a name or transpose numbers, especially during busy times at the front desk.
Despite the hectic pace, it’s worth taking the time to slow down and get this right. Then taking a little more time to double check. Kenneth Hertz, FACMPE, principle consultant at MGMA Health Care Consulting Group, suggests having a separate space for taking insurance information, if possible. A separate room is ideal, but if you don't have the space for that, at least try to arrange for a cubicle or quiet corner to keep distractions to a minimum during this detail-oriented process.
Source: Avery Hurt, Physicians Practice [9/3/19]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: CPT 10060 and Diagnosis Codes
Can we bill CPT 10060 for a M67.40?
According to the NYSPMA, I can. However, when I look on the APMA code list, it only has L diagnosis codes.
Joseph Yeargain, DPM, Dallas, TX
Response: M67.40 – Ganglion, unspecified site
CPT 10060 – Incision and drainage of abscess (eg, carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia); simple or single
There is no such thing as a list that tells you what diagnosis codes you “CAN” use with certain CPT codes. The APMA Coding Resource Center lists suggested ICD10 codes to consider using with respective CPT codes. With that being said, I do not suggest using M67.40 pointing to CPT 10060. For two reasons. The first reason is M67.40 is an “unspecified” code and unspecified codes should be avoided. When you have the M67.4- options of right foot/ankle, left foot/ankle, and “other.” I cannot see any situation where it would be appropriate to not specify where the ganglion was. The second reason is CPT 10060 is clearly for I&D of an abscess. A ganglion is not an abscess.
Jeffrey D Lehrman, DPM, CPC, Fort Collins, CO
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (REVELVANT RESEARCH) | |
RE: Yellow Nail Syndrome
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) reported about a 59-year-old man with a 2.5-year history of progressive painful yellow discoloration involving his toenails and lower extremity lymphedema. The nail changes developed at the proximal nailfold and progressed distally. Immunologic work-up and nail fungal cultures were unrevealing. The diagnosis was yellow nail syndrome (YNS). He was started on therapy, with complete resolution of nail signs and symptoms in 2 years with oral vitamin E (1200-1600 U/d) and pulsed oral itraconazole (400 mg/d for 1 week per month).
JAAD reports approximately a 50% response rate in patients with YNS. However, often the most dangerous component of YNS is pleural effusions requiring urgent management which may include surgery, pleurodesis, or medical management with octreotide. These pleural effusions occur in approximately half of patients with YNS and are often recurrent.
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
Severed Foot Re-Attached During 7-Hour Surgery
A man whose left foot was completely severed from his leg during a horrific motorcycle crash will not lose the appendage thanks to doctors who worked tirelessly to re-attach it. Karan Sharma, 23, was riding his motorcycle in Pune, India, when he collided with a truck, which subsequently ran over his left leg, severing his foot. The incident occurred in late August. Sharma claims he was left on the side of the road — his severed foot still in his shoe, lying next to him on the ground — for nearly an hour before a stranger took him to the hospital, reported South West News Service (SWNS), a British news agency.
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Foot re-attached after being completely severed |
"Seeing the patient's condition, we decided to conduct the surgery immediately to save his foot. The surgery started at 11 p.m. and was over by 6 a.m. the next morning,” Dr. Abhishek Ghosh, a microvascular reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon who worked on Sharma, told the outlet. "Since the bones of Karan's left foot were completely crushed, we had to shorten the limb a bit before stitching it back. We managed to reconnect the crushed bones, which was the main challenge, as well as the vessels, nerves, and tissues,” he continued. “The arteries and nerves were meticulously repaired, and we were able to save his foot.” Sharma remains in the hospital for now, but doctors said he will be able to put weight on his injured foot in about four weeks. "The sensation is coming back and there is good vascularity,” Ghosh said.
Source: Madeline Farber, Fox News Network [9/19/19] via Drs. Bret Ribotsky and Rich Cowin
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MEETING NOTICES
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
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Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
POSITIONS AVAILABLE – MINNESOTA
Rapidly expanding company serving Skilled Nursing Facilities, Nursing Homes, and Assisted Living Centers is looking for doctors for full or part time positions throughout Minnesota. Positions available immediately. Send inquiries and CV to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND/QUEENS
Advanced Podiatry Seeking Full Time DPM for upscale practices located at the Americana Manhasset, Huntington and Queens. Excellent work environment and company culture. Latest technology with digital x-ray, laser, EHR, Ultrasound, the latest Apple software and iPads. Must be surgically trained, motivated, with a great work ethic. Very competitive salary with significant upside. Visit www.LIFootCare.com and email eavieiradpm@gmail.com for more info.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
Well established practice is looking to expand and have eventual partner and possible even transition to possible buyout. Compensation along with 401K, health insurance, malpractice, vacation, etc. Looking for pleasant person, who is desiring to become rearfoot and ankle certified along with skills in wound care and general foot-care. We have a large referral base and new office, digital x-ray, lasers, EMR, etc. Please send CV to scfootdoc@gmail.com
PODIATRY POSITION – BROOKLYN
Well rounded podiatrist needed for private office, competent in all aspects of podiatry including surgery. Competitive rates, negotiable. Please email resume to contactus@starrettpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST - NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
We are a fast growing podiatry practice in North Jersey with multiple locations, and more to come! We are currently looking for full-time motivated and caring associates to join our practice. Some benefits include: competitive six-figure salary, generous bonus structure, health insurance (including vision & dental), paid vacation time, we pay for malpractice and give CME time off. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your podiatric medical and surgical experience in an office-based practice! If interested, please submit a CV to DrSamofal@PodiatryCenterNJ.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – LOS ANGELES
Come Work for Us, We are running multiple fulltime clinics throughout the greater Los Angeles area. We are seeking a talented full-time podiatrist to join our growing team of DPMs. The right candidate will have strong clinical and surgical skills and must be able to hit the ground running. Your success is measured by how quickly you can assimilate to our protocols and procedures. Earn a very competitive salary on top of generous bonuses paid quarterly, additional benefits include medical insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and malpractice, not to mention growth opportunity up to partnership. Please send C/V to: comeworkforDPM@gmail.com
POSITION AVAILABLE - ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
Busy private practice seeking full time associate who is personable, ethical, team oriented and motivated. ABFAS Qualified/Certified in rearfoot and ankle surgery. Please send CV and cover letter to: paifootandankle@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – LAS VEGAS, NV
Are you looking for an opportunity where the sky is the limit? Are you interested in a bright future, then our long-standing, busy, and very reputable practice in exciting Las Vegas, Nevada might just be for you! Our practice is diversified and consist of, at risk foot care, sport injuries, trauma, biomechanics, and surgery. Candidate must be eager to work hard, ethical, and preferably surgically trained. Our mentors will provide the rest! Serious inquiries only. Please reply and send resume to nevadafas@gmail.com in order to set up an interview.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN
Part time position: Well-established Park Avenue podiatric practice seeks associate for office coverage Mondays and Wednesdays. All aspects of podiatry including diagnostic ultrasound, lasers, fluoroscopy and digital x-ray along with office-based procedures. Excellent opportunity for ethical, energetic and skilled individual. Please send CV to Healthyfeetny@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. $140k salary plus bonus . E-mail woundcaredocs@gmail.com with CV
ASSOCIATE POSITION - S. E. PENNSYLVANIA
Seeking full time associate for growing, multifaceted practice in SE Pennsylvania. Must be ABPS Qualified/Certified, motivated, personable, compassionate and dedicated. Competitive salary + bonus. Forward CVs to podmedsurg@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FL
Immediate Position. Associate for busy practice. ABFAS or ABPM BC or BQ. Great interpersonal skills and willingness to work as a team a must. EMR, dig x-rays, Ultrasound, DME. Base salary, bonus, health, 401K, etc. DrLam@NaplesPodiatrist.com
MOBILE PODIATRIST NEEDED - NEW JERSEY
Well-established and fast growing House-call podiatry practice (www.homefootcareservices.com) is looking for Full-Time or Part time podiatrist (at least 2 weekdays) to provide services to home-bound patients in New Jersey. Full-time position salary 100K+ bonuses, paid time off, gas/health insurance/car/malpractice compensation and administrative support . Lana.Raginsky@homefootcareservices.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 |
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PEDCAT 3-D CT SCANNER
Like new PedCat 3-D CT scanner. 40% off brand new machine. Machine is 4 years old and covered for 2 more years under warranty. Location Las Vegas Generate revenue for your CT scans for Medicare and most insurances. Ideal for group of 4 or more. Takes less time than x-ray and replaces it. No special setup needed. Big Tax write off! email: footguru@cox.net
PRACTICE FOR SALE - LEHIGH VALLEY PENNSYLVANIA
Over 30 years in practice. Both hospital and office-based surgery, with orthotics and palliative care also part of the practice. Most insurance plans accepted. Meaningful use compliant EHR. Digital x-ray and EPAT shock wave therapy present in office. Contact at Blarney13@verizon.net
PRACTICE FOR SALE - WV-KY-OH TRI-STATE AREA
Established 21+ yr practice, 5yr avg over 500k gross. Nonsurgical practice, no nursing homes, hospital privileges available. Owner moving out of state AT END OF THE YEAR. Will help with transition. WILL OWNER FINANCE. $75,000 FOR PRACTICE. $200,000 FOR BUILDING. WILL SELL SEPERATELY. Contact: gardenrogue@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – MARYLAND
Established 22+ year. Grossing over 450K 3 days a week all palliative. Digital x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, EMR. Turn-key set up, ideal for a new practitioner, can easily increase revenue with surgery and wound care. Priced for immediate sale, owner is retiring and will help with transition. Send inquiries to beachhouse179@gmail.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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| 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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