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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,044 Subscribers Daily
October 07, 2015 #5,491  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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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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How is the first week of ICD-10 going for you? |
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| NEW CME ARTICLE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE |
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October 2015 CME |
You can Earn 50 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
Earn 15 Contact Hours for only $195 ($13 per credit)
CLICK HERE
Choose any or ALL (50 CME Contact Hours) from the 20 CME articles posted
You Can Now Take Tests and Print Your CME Certificates Online
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| AT THE COLLEGES | |
MI Podiatrist Named To TUSPM Board of Visitors
The Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine has announced that Dr. Michael Graham was recently named to the Board of Visitors, the School’s governing entity. Dr. Graham will join 24 other alumni and professionals on the Board who provide direction and leadership to the School of Podiatric Medicine and its students. The board of visitors gives professional and valuable input to various programs and decisions, as well as works as a liaison between the school and its alumni.
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Dr. Michael Graham |
In addition to working in private practice for 15 years, Dr. Graham is also the Founder and Director of Graham International Implant Institute. He has published over 20 scientific, peer-reviewed articles pertaining to podiatry and lectures and trains foot surgeons around the world, having presented to over 150 different audiences.
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
NCPMA Donates to Lustgarten Foundation
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Drs. Arthur Gudeon and Lauren Schwartz |
On October 1, 2015, the Nassau County Podiatric Medical Association (NCPMA) honored Dr. Arthur Gudeon as "guest of honor" at their monthly member meeting. Dr. Lauren Schwartz presented a check for five hundred dollars made out to the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation in memory of Dr. Gudeon's wife, Susan. The foundation is having their annual walkathon Sunday, October 11th.
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| SUCCESS TIPS FROM THE MASTERS | |
Bret Ribotsky: Now that ICD-10 is here, how is DME affected?
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Dr. Pail Kesselman |
Paul Kesselman: There are not many changes, except when it comes to the LCDs. The Therapeutic Diabetic Shoe Program’s LCD, for example, has no local deformity codes (hammertoe, bunion, etc.), only systemic codes; thus it is these codes that are needed on the claim. Of course, you will need the local foot pathology clearly documented in the chart.
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Drs. Richard Pollak and Adam Landsman |
Meet the Masters is broadcast each Tuesday night at 9 PM (EST). This week's show features podiatric researchers Drs. Richard Pollak and Adam Landsman. You can register for future events by clicking here
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF OF THE DAY | |
Seven Ways to Beat Telemedicine at Its Own Game - Part 7
7. Read Zombie Loyalists.
Read or listen to Peter Shankman's new book Zombie Loyalists. His message — that vocally loyal patients are the most effective marketing tool — is one most of us get, but few of us embrace. It's a great read and he offers solid advice for creating your own loyal patient base in both the old-fashioned (word of mouth) and new-fashioned (social media) worlds.
Payers think like most companies: A dollar saved is another dollar to the bottom line. Find ways to strengthen your position as an alternative to remote or retail care options, and your patients will remain your patients. No one says it will be easy, but that's your best chance at facing and defeating the competition; whether it's a traditional competitor, a drug store, or even a payer.
Source: Lucien W. Roberts, Physicians Practice [9/16/15]
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Fusion vs. Arthroplasty of the lesser MTPJs
My patient is a 45 year old female who is healthy and came in complaining of a Freiberg’s disease of the 3rd MTPJ. She developed this after surgery for a Morton's neuroma (at age 12). Her foot is mechanically sound. She had a local orthopedist “open it up and clean it out” but it never has done well. She has exhausted conservative treatment options and has requested surgery. I discussed a lesser MTPJ implant/arthroplasty. She asked me to fuse her 3rd MTPJ so that she would never have problems with it again.
In 27 years of foot surgery, I have never fused a lesser MTPJ. I was taught that from a biomechanical standpoint, this procedure was fraught with post-operative problems. I only recall seeing one case in the past which was done at our local university hospital, which I had to surgically correct. I can find no literature that gives any medium or long-term follow-up, advantages and/or disadvantages of fusion vs. arthroplasty of lesser MTPJs. I was wondering what the general consensus is regarding long-term results of fusion vs. arthroplasty of the lesser MTPJs.
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: ICD-10: Post Surgical Fracture
If I have a patient who fractured an osteotomy 2 weeks post-op who needs a revision surgery...and I coded the fracture as S92.3120 (displaced fracture of first metatarsal bone, left foot), do I use "A" (it is not technically the initial visit on the operation day) or a displacement of implant, T84.233? Do I need a "Z" code in this case or only for post-op visits for x-rays? And how exactly do I use the "Z" code for the post-op visit?
David Soomekh, DPM, Beverly Hills, CA
Response: One of the problems with your scenario is we don't know if the fractured osteotomy site (2 weeks post-op) was a complication of the surgery or the direct result of a trauma. Presuming the patient tripped on the stairs and came down hard on the operative site, you have a trauma resulting in a fracture which just happened to be in the surgical repair [osteotomy] site. If your active treatment of the fracture is surgical, that encounter (operating session) would be coded S92.312A
The 7th character "A" "initial encounter" does not mean the same as CPT terminology of "initial encounter". In ICD-10-speak, it is an encounter in which active treatment is being rendered (e.g., operating room to initiate treatment of the fracture). It's not a follow-up. You could add the displacement of the internal fixation device coding if you wanted (again, with an "A" as the 7th character); although I seriously doubt its addition would play into whether or not you will get paid.
Regarding a "Z" ICD-10 code, the simple answer is no. You would use the same fracture code, S92.312_, but change the "A" 7th character to "D" to signify a post-operative follow-up of the fracture with routine healing of the fracture to validate post-operative x-ray medical necessity. You would absolutely not use Z47.89 (encounter for other orthopedic aftercare) because there is an Excludes1 associated with that code that states: "aftercare for healing fracture-code to fracture with 7th character D".
Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Cerritos, CA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Martin V. Sloan MS, DPM, Name Withheld
The anonymous writer states he/she has seen the work "of some of these diplomates who were 'grandfathered in' and it is really nothing special." Irrespective of the skills/quality of work or lack thereof, NOBODY is grandfathered into Board Certification. Every Diplomate successfully passed the Board Certification Exam. The ONLY difference is that those who passed the exam BEFORE 1994 do NOT have to recertify every 10 years, while anybody who certified in 1994 or later DOES have to sit through a recertification exam every 10 years.
Martin V. Sloan MS, DPM, Abilene, TX
I too had a similar situation occur with a previous incarnation, ABPOPPM. One could never get an answer about what they wanted, just that it did not correlate with what they wanted...whatever that was. I gave up after qualification. Local podiatrists managed to get others excluded from a particular insurance if not on an APMA board. I was fortunate enough to join an alternate board and earn a living.
Name Withheld
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Name Withheld
I am finally relieved to hear that people are as fed up as I am with this board certification. I have many colleagues in other fields who do not share the same experience as I do with becoming board certified. Their exams are structured as written and oral. There is no need for their own cases to be submitted. But nonetheless, I noticed the criticism on the cases to be a bit outlandish as if they are looking to fail you. For instance, a case that was failed was an amputation and the criticism was that I failed to show radiographic evidence of healing. Another example was that I failed to mange an antibiotic properly when the patient was under the care of an infectious disease specialist. Most of my patients who have infections do get consults with infectious disease specialists, and it's not unusual that the specialist is managing the course of antibiotics. Other issues that I have encountered with this board are as follows :
1. Poor customer service. For all the money you pay, you cannot ...
Editor's Note: Name Withheld'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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Worn in art class? |
Source: Pol Engels, Katrien Strijbol via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 2 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY
Large group has immediate need for well trained and motivated doctor to join as an associate. This is a chance to join a group and be involved with a growing practice. Competitive salary and benefit package. Forward CV tonjassociate@comcast.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST, FL
Associate position, now or July '16: must be BC by ABFAS, ability to work independently on complex cases. Long hours, hospital rounds, ER calls, great work ethic, team players needed. Fellowship experience preferred, not mandatory. LOI with how you are a superstar, LOR from director, key attendings, CV. great salary, bonus, partnership buy-in. Naples, FL klamdpm@hotmail.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.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALIFORNIA
OXNARD. Busy podiatry practice with strong office/nursing home patient base seeking podiatrist (Associate) to join upscale practice. Fully-equipped, patient-ready with trilingual staff (English/Spanish/Vietnamese). Located in highly desirable location conveniently located next to freeway, hospital and multiple surgery centers. Must be surgically trained (PSR 12+). Email CV to drtimwynn@yahoo.com.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA WITH WOUNDTECH
Why Woundtech? Largest employer of podiatrists * Earn a six figure living (No nights, No weekends, No call) * Benefits offered (health, dental, vision and paid malpractice)* No billing (No ICD10)* Flexible schedule.If you are ready to take back control of your life give me a call @ 954-602-9148 or email me @manker@woundtech.net to get a priority interview.
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 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
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 |
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 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.
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.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – PODIATRY OFFICE CLOSING
Bronx podiatry office closing. Everything must go. X-cell x-ray machine, cassettes, Midmark 117 examining table (needs work), rolling matching cabinet, Stryker cast cutter, Mettler therapeutic ultrasound, chart, filing and storage cabinets, many surgical hand instruments, medical supplies, waiting room furniture. lee10462@gmail.com. (718) 829-7455.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PADNET SYSTEM
Padnet System for Sale: $7,500. Complete system. The computer has been erased and it’s software updated by Padnet. I will include the rolling stand as well if the purchaser wants to pay the shipping or pick it up on the west coast of Florida. Contact: venicefootclinic@comcast.net
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
PRACTICE FOR SALE- GEORGIA
Practice for sale in the podiatry friendly state of Georgia in a city just south of Atlanta. This practice was established 10 years ago and includes a great mix of insurances, patients, medicine and surgery. The owner is selling due to family obligations. Interested? Email: gapractice4sale@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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| 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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- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
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RE: (Topic)
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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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