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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,041 Subscribers Daily
September 30, 2015 #5,485  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. William Spielfogel of Brooklyn, NY, winner of last week's prize, 1,000 Podiatry ICD-10 Docuforms Superbill (Value $240). 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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| AT THE COLLEGES | |
Mock Trial Reveals Ins and Outs of Medical Malpractice Suits
On September 21, the PICA insurance company staged a mock trial at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) so that students, faculty, and staff could see what’s involved when a patient sues a podiatrist. The plaintiff alleged that the podiatrist did not advise her of the risks and alternatives to the procedure and failed to diagnose osteomyelitis in a timely fashion, which led to amputation of her left big toe.
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(L-R) Dr. Thomas DeLauro, Anthony Heller, Esq, Andy Kaufman, Esq., Dr. Ross Taubman, Dr. Michael Trepal, Neil Kornfeld, Esq, Dr. Nicholas Argerakis, and Kathy Phillips. |
Thomas DeLauro, DPM, Professor and Chair, Department of Podiatric Medicine, played the plaintiff’s expert, and Tony Heller, Esq., the plaintiff’s attorney. Andy Kaufman, Esq. played the judge. Michael J. Trepal, DPM, VP for Academic Affairs and Dean, played the defense’s expert; Neil Kornfeld, Esq., portrayed the defense attorney, and Nicholas Argerakis, DPM, Clinical Instructor in Surgery at NYCPM, played the defendant. Kathy Phillips of PICA portrayed the plaintiff. The result? A hung jury (comprised of NYCPM staff)!!
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| HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
NJ Podiatrist is Co-Medical Director of Hospital Wound Care Center
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) has announced the opening of the Center for Wound Healing, an outpatient center offering state-of-the-art treatment options for patients with chronic, non-healing wounds. The Center for Wound Healing will be located near the main lobby on the RWJ Somerset campus. Leading the new center will be co-medical directors Brandon Zuklie, DPM, board-certified podiatric surgeon, and Robert Segal, MD, board-certified infectious disease and internal medicine specialist at RWJ Somerset.
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Dr. Brandon Zuklie |
“Between 5 and 7 million Americans experience at least one form of chronic wound annually, and the incidence of these types of wounds is increasing by approximately 10 percent each year,” said Dr. Zuklie. “Many of these individuals suffer from wounds that refuse to heal despite conventional treatment. These chronic, non-healing wounds seldom involve a simple answer.”
Source: Basking Ridge Patch [9/28/15]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
MI Podiatrist Joins NorthPointe Foot & Ankle
Dr. Brian Kissel joined NorthPointe Foot & Ankle in Berkley. He attended Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago and received a doctorate in podiatric medicine. He also completed three years of advanced surgical training at Detroit Medical Center.
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Dr. Brian Kissel |
Kissel is on staff at the Detroit Medical Center where he treats complex foot and ankle injuries in the orthopedic trauma department of Detroit Receiving Hospital. He also is expected to be associated with Beaumont and Crittenton hospitals.
Source: Detroit Free Press [9/27/15]
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Jamaica Podiatrist Discusses Metatarsalgia
According to podiatrist Angela Davis, "Metatarsalgia is described as an inflammatory condition that is very painful and occurs at the front of the foot where the metatarsal bones are located. The most common place to find the pain is in the ball of the foot, or just behind the toes. This is not a serious condition but it can cause a lot of discomfort and inconvenience. If left untreated, it can lead to pain in the opposite foot, ankle, hips, and lower back."
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Angela Davis |
"If the condition is chronic and symptoms persist after 48 hours, patients may be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication or other forms of pain relief. Podiatrists can make orthotics to aid and correct foot function and reduce symptoms," says Davis.
Source: Jamaica Observer [9/27/15]
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| PM JURY VERDICT REPORTER | |
Alleged Malpractice (New York)
Facts: On Feb. 23, 2011, plaintiff Renee Lapin, 55, a nurse's aide who suffered diabetes, underwent surgery that addressed her right foot's first toe. The toe was experiencing pain that stemmed from a bunion and a hammertoe, which is a specific type of contracture. The surgery, which was performed by defendant podiatrist, included a bunionectomy and an osteotomy, which involved shaving of bone.
After two weeks had passed, Lapin developed an infection of the surgical area. She was administered antibiotics. Lapin claimed that her right foot's first toe remained painful. She also
claimed that....
Editor's Note: The complete Jury Verdict Reporter can be read here.
Result: Defendant's verdict: $0
Plaintiff's Expert: Pamela Karman, DPM, New York, NY
Defendant's Expert: Larry M. Silver, DPM, Flushing, NY
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| ICD-10 UPDATE | |
Providers Share Plans for First Day of ICD-10 Transition
The deadline for implementation of the new medical code set is just days away. Several healthcare IT executives recently talked about the steps they’ll take on October 1 and in the days and weeks that immediately follow to ensure their organizations’ success.
Debbie Schrubb: Not only are we going to do a war room for the coders, our clinical documentation specialists are going to be doing the same thing. For them, October 1 is probably more critical than it is for us, because we know we won't be coding much that day. But we probably should make sure that we test code a couple of accounts on October 1, just to be sure that things are working so we don't wait until Sunday to find out that something's wrong.
The first week of October, we're going to be handing out coding books to our coders, and we're going to give them what we're calling a “survival bag” with some Tylenol, some encouraging quotes, and a gas card - just something to get the excitement going and let them know we're here to support them.
Source: Greg Gillespie, Health Data Management [9/28/15]
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| E-HEALTH NEWS | |
Medical Practices Spending More on Technology
Physician-owned, multispecialty practices reported a nearly 12 percent increase in total operating costs associated with technology in 2014 compared to 2013, according to a new survey conducted by the Medical Group Management Association.
Technology spending per full-time equivalent physician last year was $20,693. Since 2010, this number has increased by almost 34 percent per FTE physician, “showing how much impact the technology boom and mandated electronic health records has had on individual practices,” concludes MGMA. Overall, MGMA’s annual cost and revenue survey of more than 3,100 groups finds medical practices are leveraging technology at a greater level to improve the quality of patient care by improving records management, optimizing workflow, and meeting HIPAA compliancy requirements.
Source: Greg Slabodkin, Health Data Management [9/25/15]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF OF THE DAY | |
Seven Ways to Beat Telemedicine at Its Own Game - Part 2
2. Understand that convenience trumps great care.
We live in a convenience-driven society where consumers (aka patients) prioritize accessibility over quality; sorry to burst your bubble. Think about take-out Chinese food. If you can pick up decent food on the way home rather than driving an extra 10 minutes for great food, which one do you pick? To retain and attract patients, think like a consumer.
Source: Lucien W. Roberts, Physicians Practice [9/16/15]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: ER Consult Taken to Surgery
How should the following scenario be coded? Patient seen in ER for a consultation for a chain saw injury to the medial left foot. He is taken to the operating room on the same day. In the OR, I repaired the flexor hallucis brevis and abductor hallucis tendons. The wound was irrigated with pulse lavage and primarily closed. Patient admitted to the hospital for pain control and observation; then discharged next day.
Richard D. Wolff, DPM, Oregon, OH
Response: Starting with the emergency department visit: Medicare does not recognize consult codes, so if this is a Medicare patient, do not use a consult code. For all other payers, an encounter is only considered a consult if you do not completely take over care of the problem. I suggest you choose the appropriate level and type of E/M for your ED encounter and attach a "-57" modifier to it indicating that this E/M resulted in the initial decision to perform the surgery, and that surgery will be performed in the next 24 hours.
The surgery: CPT 28200 is "repair, tendon, flexor, foot; primary or secondary, without free graft, each tendon”. The abductor hallucis participates in flexion of the hallux. For the repair of both tendons, I suggest CPT 28200 x 2 units. The irrigation and closure are components of the tendon repair and should not be billed separately unless the closure was a complicated repair that required extensive work.
Jeffrey Lehrman, DPM, Springfield, PA
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) | |
From: Joe DeTrano
For 20 years, I sold billing services to many DPMs. When those podiatrists did decide to bring the billing in house or were already using a software for billing, more times than not, they went with Sammy Software from ICS. This company has been around a long time and their software is podiatry-specific.
Disclosure: I have no affiliation with the firm. I'm just reporting on my past experiences.
Joe DeTrano, Kew Gardens Hills, NY
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Selfies for the feet? |
If we look at the social phenomenon known as selfies, 'Ego Ballerina' represents a new medium for your portrait.
Source: Ana Cvejic via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 2 - 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, go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – GEORGIA
Village Podiatry Group, a subsidiary of Extremity Healthcare, has opportunities for motivated, talented, and board qualified or certified doctors to start immediately. Ideal candidates have 5+ years’ experience and knowledge of coding/billing. EHI currently offers the following ancillaries: Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Vascular Intervention Centers, Compounding & Retail Pharmacy, JACCHO Accredited Pathology lab able to perform Anatomic Pathology, DNA & Pharmacogenetics. We are also adding Hyperbaric Medicine, Wound Care and other ancillary services. Our successful model is built to enrich the physicians and their efforts. Serious inquiries to Tony Brzezicki, HR, tbrzezicki@extremityhc.com or fax (770.874.1748). EHI offers a competitive benefits package.
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- CENTRAL FLORIDA PART TIME
Associate position desired for an established podiatry office in Central Florida for all phases of office based podiatry. Please send CV and inquiries to feetwork@hotmail.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
MOBILE PODIATRISTS NEEDED - HOME FOOT CARE, INC-
Looking for podiatrists to service the following areas: Las Vegas, Nevada, Oxnard/Ventura County, Santa Barbara, Lancaster/Palmdale, San Bernardino/Riverside, Palm Springs/Palm Desert. Full or Part-time available, Full/Part time available, flexible schedule, independence, excellent compensation, electronic billing/scheduling, great support staff. If interested, email CV to: homefootcare@hotmail.com check us out @ www.footdocs2u.com
ASSOCIATE –PARTNERSHIP- OWNERSHIP FAST TRACK- CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA
If you’re bright, articulate, and skilled in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery with a prime focus on the biomechanics of foot and leg function, I’m interested in you. Earn what you’re worth and live in Silicon Valley. Send resume to setdpm44@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY
You're not looking for a typical podiatry practice. We're not looking for the typical podiatrist. We need another doctor who understands the importance of creating an amazing patient experience as much as providing great medical care. You will be working with doctors who are committed to your success. If you are an entrepreneurial-minded doctor who wants to grow and eventually own part of an already successful practice, go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.
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
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 1 - PRACTICE FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICES WANTED - GEORGIA, TENNESSEE & OTHER SOUTHEASTERN STATES
If you are serious about selling or merging your practice into our model, the EHI Equity Based Supergroup Model, then we are interested in a conversation. We are looking mainly in Georgia and the Atlanta area but we will be ready for scaling in early 2016. Our practice top 3 criteria are; successful, must have a high volume of patients and Physicians who stay must be willing to utilize EHI's in-house ancillaries. If you meet these criteria, send us an e-mail to dhelfman@extremityhealthcare.com and dmazzone@globalmna.com, our investment banking firm.
PRACTICE WANTED
Two 3rd year residents seek to buy a practice financially stable to sustain two podiatrists. Well trained in conservative care, forefoot surgery, and wound care. Willing to move anywhere and start practicing in July 2016. Ideally selling physician would stay on during transition period. Please email footdoctors2016@gmail.com with more information.
PODIATRY MEDICAL PRACTICE - NORTHWEST MONTANA
Immediately available due to illness. Four treatment rooms, 1,400 square feet, digital x-ray, up-to-date computer and software. 150,000 drawing area. Will exchange practice for lease on the office space. Beautiful location surrounded by the Rocky Mountains with excellent hunting, fishing, skiing, boating, and hiking opportunities. If interested send email to: wlranch@montanasky.net or call (406) 752-4988 or (406 )250-1756
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 – BONITA SPRINGS, FLORIDA
15 year old well established satellite podiatry practice for sale immediately. Well-equipped treatment rooms, digital x-ray. Located in busy multispecialty medical building with very busy Urgent Care Clinic, Outpatient Surgical Center, pharmacy, CT and MRI imaging center. Email bonitaspringspodiatry4sale@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – 30 WATT DIODE LASER
30 Watt Class IV Diode Laser. This laser is for not only pain and physical therapy but also for the treatment of fungal nails, ulcers and wounds. Second hand piece for warts and for the excision of skin lesions. Only used 6 months. Contact: Podiodoc@gmail.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.
| | Guidelines |
- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
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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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