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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,041 Subscribers Daily
October 09, 2015 #5,493 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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FROM PM's CURRENT ISSUE |
Twice 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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PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR |
Flat Shoes Can Also Harm Feet: NE Podiatrist
Everyone has probably heard that stiletto heels are not good for your feet. High heels push the body's weight to the front of the foot, causing unnatural stress on bones. But did you know that flip-flops and flimsy flats can also cause harm? Too-flat shoes can exacerbate problems with low-arch feet, the most common type of foot, says Dr. James Vukonich, a physician and surgeon of the foot and ankle with the Blair Foot Clinic.
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Dr. James Vukonich (photo: Tammy Real-McKeighan) |
There are three types of feet: high arch, normal and low arch. Only about 20 percent of the population has feet classified as “normal.” Some people have high-arched feet. These are prone to supination — that is, rolling outward. Most people have low-arched feet, which are prone to pronation — rolling inward. Flat shoes that don't offer the foot proper support can make this worse.
Source: Emily Nield, Washington County Pilot-Tribune & Enterprise [10/7/15]
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INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS OVERCOMING ADVERSITY |
Aussie Podiatrist Confronts Depression Head-on
Joe Brooks has dealt with worrying, anxiety, and depression from an early age. While studying podiatry at university, worrying about assignments, and living away from his family, he reached breaking point. "I guess that was my lowest point, but also my turning point where I thought, 'this is depression, this is anxiety, and I've got it'," he said. "Instead of putting energy towards fighting myself, trying to deny that I have this condition, I've accepted it and put my energy towards things I think that are worthwhile - like exercising daily, my work, [and] in turn my mental health is managed better."
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Joe Brooks (Photo: Damien Peck) |
Today, Joe is a BeyondBlue ambassador and regularly speaks about his own experience with mental illness at public events. He said the irony is not lost on him, that someone with a history of anxiety is participating in one of the most nail-biting activities you can do - public speaking. Joe has also found participating in sport helps him through each day. "I use exercise as a modality of helping me control my anxiety and depression," he said.
Source: Damien Peck, Australia Broadcasting Corporation [10/7/15]
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E-HEALTH NEWS |
EHR Meaningful Use Rules Finalized
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued a 752-page final rule covering three components of the electronic health records meaningful use program. The rule finalizes modifications to Stages 1 and 2; the 2015 edition of electronic health records certification criteria; and Stage 3 of meaningful use.
Under the modifications to Stages 1 and 2, eligible professionals have 10 meaningful use objectives, down from 18 previously. In Stage 3, there are 8 objectives for eligible professionals and hospitals, and more than 60 percent of measures require interoperability. The entire rule is available here.
Source: Joseph Goedert, Health Data Management [10/7/15]
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF OF THE DAY |
Early Lessons of ICD-10 for One Practice - Part 2
There is a level of absurdity that has crept into my day-to-day business that defies common sense. We all joke around about the silly codes involving water animals and accidental falls into manholes. However, all joking aside, it’s a waste of everyone’s time. While increased specificity of diagnosis codes has some reasonable benefits, too many of these codes add nothing but frustration and a good cartoon or two.
Source: Jennifer Frank, MD, Physicians Practice [10/6/15]
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QUERIES (CLINICAL) |
Query: Forefoot or Rearfoot Reconstruction?
My patient is a 66 year old fairly sedentary female, 5’3”, 165lb. PMH: HTN (well controlled), hypercholesterolemia-controlled, lower back pain-chronic. Past surgical Hx: L total knee s/p 10 years without complications, B/L foot surgery s/p 16 years, procedures unknown. HPI: chief complaint is pain wearing shoes due to digital deformities, no complaint of mid or rearfoot pain. Her goals are simply to be able to put her foot in a “normal” shoe without severe pain.
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Pre-op x-rays |
The question in the pre-operative discussion is should one press for the total reconstruction of the mid/rearfoot and forefoot or simply correct the forefoot with something like a 1st MTPJ arthrodesis and repair of the lesser digits at the MTPJ?
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A |
From: Darryl Burns, DPM, Name Withheld
I read that the ABFAS podiatrists were grandfathered in prior to 1994. My memory must be fading, because I remember sitting in Chicago for two days taking oral and written exams in 1981 (ABPS). I also had to present cases in California when I moved here in 1984 to obtain an “Ankle Certificate”. Plus, I have had to take THREE 10-year recertifying exams since I passed the Board exam 1981. Other than a name change, what am I missing?
Darryl Burns, DPM, Monterey, CA
1) No one has been grandfathered into ABFAS since its inception in 1975.
2) Pre-1991, those board certified in "foot and ankle surgery" were given a lifetime certificate so it would be legally impossible to take it away from them. The pre-1991 board certified people must "self-assess" every ten years, and yes, they pay the same fee. Anyone can voluntarily relinquish their lifetime certificate and recertify for a foot and RRA certificate if they choose.
3) Recently, the oral exams were eliminated and new guidelines for certification were instituted. They include a much more rigorous credentials process which does include a list of all your cases so you cannot cherry pick cases.
4) Everyone has complications and no one fails because of them. They may fail because they failed to recognize that they even had a complication. Even then, all cases are reviewed by many people, not just one person, and no single case will deny you access. If you fail, then even more people review the cases. It is a fair process.
Name Withheld
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1AB |
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM
To the Doctor who completed an RPR/PSR-12 program. I sincerely apologize to you. Our profession FAILED you. You are not the first to write into this forum completing that combo of programs. You were failed because your RPR is essentially useless in terms of any certification. If the program is a dead end and doesn't lead to certification, then the program NEVER should have been created in the first place. (You did have some time to take the ABPPMO Board, now ABPM, and use your RPR to get grandfathered. Likely, you should have taken advantage of that.)
Here, in New York, if you want to increase your scope, once again the RPR is worthless as you need a PSR-24, at minimum, to increase your scope. It is another law that is completely unfair and unjustified. It is too bad that those who institute these rules, laws, and regulations don't do so with clear vision, fairness, and pure hearts. If they did, I think our profession would be much more unified and stronger than it currently is.
So, where do you go from here? I would look into these other boards that aren't recognized by CPME as they may be recognized by insurance companies and hospitals, etc. I wish you all the luck in the world.
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1C |
From: Name Withheld
I couldn't agree more. It is incredibly unfair and frustrating. I was contacted by my hospital a week ago. They told me they were going to revoke my privileges after the past two years because I wasn't board certified. I politely asked them to review my situation as I do not have enough cases to sit, and I have 7 years to sit for the board. After much discussion, they said it was hospital policy, but they agreed to let me continue.
When I asked about the status of the other 8 podiatrists on staff (much older), they said, "they were all grandfathered in..." WHAT?? Imagine by anger! They are unproctored/minimally trained podiatrists who never became board certified, yet I have to jump through these hoops of obtaining 6 week out x-rays from patients who sometimes don't return for their final check up... and I can't pass the case selection process because of this! This process needs to change.
Name Withheld
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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The ultimate wound healing shoe? |
Source: Svenja Ritter via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 2 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC
Lucrative position available for motivated, entrepreneurial Podiatrist in busy, upscale Park Avenue practice. Fabulous opportunity for creative, confident, skilled individual who is interested in all aspects of Podiatry, including surgery and office based procedures. Partnership opportunity. Contact institutebeaute885@gmail.com for details.
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 to: njassociate@comcast.net.
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 - 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 - 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 |
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 - WASHINGTON, DC
- Established practice for sale. Owner desires to sell and transition. High volume surgery and office patient base. Hospital, Surgery Center and Residency program affiliated. Contact: MCrosby518@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
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
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.
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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