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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,426 Subscribers Daily
October 23, 2020 #6,795  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management https://podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2020- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL | |
Last Chance to Vote
Quick Poll
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Do you have a succession plan in your practice?
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
NY Podiatrist Discusses Barefoot Walking and Foot Types
While there are some benefits to walking barefoot, certain factors such as a person's foot type, the time they spend standing, and the type of surface they're standing or walking on can make it not so healthy, says Robert Kornfeld, DPM. There are two common foot-type classifications: rigid and flexible. People with rigid foot types have less of a problem walking barefoot on grass, carpet, or other soft surfaces; whereas people with flexible feet function better on harder surfaces, like wood or tile, he explains.
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Dr. Robert Kornfeld |
"If the foot is pushed past its physiologic limits, then cellular injury can occur," Dr. Kornfeld says. Generally, a primary inflammation pathway in the body helps to repair and replace injured or dead cells. If the injury persists or the pathway is ineffective, it may lead to chronic inflammation and pain in the foot, Kornfeld explains. Older adults or people with compromised immune systems from poor diet, dehydration, inadequate sleep, stress, parasites, or digestive orders are at a higher risk of chronic pain syndromes, he adds.
Source: Abby Moore, mbghealth [10/22/20]
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| HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION | |
OH Podiatrist Urges Leaders to Protect Patient Access and Stop Medicare Cuts
Representatives Ami Bera, MD (CA-7), Larry Bucshon, MD (IN-8), Brendan Boyle (PA-2), George Holding (NC-2), Raul Ruiz, MD (CA-36), Roger Marshall, MD (KS-1), Abby Finkenauer (IA-1), Brad Wenstrup, DPM (OH-2); along with 221 colleagues, have sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy urging them to protect patients by stopping Medicare cuts impacting physicians across the country. The bipartisan letter outlines the impact these cuts will have on the healthcare system and calls for Congress to act to stop them from taking effect on January 1, 2021.
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Dr. Brad Wenstrup |
Earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed a new Medicare Physician Fee Schedule set to take effect in the new year, which will cut Medicare payments for surgical care by up to nine percent for some specialties. This rule is especially reckless given the pandemic and will force surgeons around the country to make tough decisions. In some cases, surgeons may have to decide between keeping their practice open and cutting costs like new staff, Medicare patient intake, and new surgical technologies.
Source: Surgical Care Coalition [10/20/20]
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| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
If You Have Flat Feet, Wearing the Right Shoes is Vital: NY Podiatrist
20-30% of Americans have flat feet, meaning that when you stand straight, your arches touch the floor. For some people, flat feet is hereditary. Others develop flat feet as a result of pregnancy, aging, obesity, or a health condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
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Dr. Edgard Nau |
Whether or not your flat feet cause you pain, we can all agree that wearing the right shoes is vital. Slipping your feet into the wrong pair can lead to ankle, knee, hip, back, shoulder, and even neck problems, says Edgard Nau, DPM, a podiatrist at Manhattan Home Podiatric in New York City.
Source: Sanah Faroke, MSN Lifestyle [10/20/20]
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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 | |
Top Tips to Boost Billing and Collections - Part 3
3. Stay on top of claims
This is one of the most important things you can do to improve your bottom line.
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File claims on time, daily if possible, and have a routine system for checking open claims.
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Be sure to file amended claims when necessary and never miss a resubmission deadline.
Source: Avery Hurt, Physicians Practice
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| MEDICAL-LEGAL TIP OF THE DAY | |
Presenting Your Medicare Case to the ALJ- Part 20 of 20
49. Can you attack the Medicare rule in your appeal for payment? No. The law is never at issue. If you are arguing the “law” is wrong, you have already lost the argument and the appeal. Instead, you will be arguing that the Medicare rule has been misinterpreted or misapplied.
50. But what if the Medicare rule is wrong and that is the basis of your appeal? Here is an example of something you can say when the Medicare rule, usually an LCD rule, is wrong: “The ALJ should decline to follow the contractor’s interpretation of the LCD for the claim at issue. However, the appellant is not asking the ALJ to set aside or review the validity of the LCD for the purpose of this appeal.”
51. Can you tell whether you have won or lost an ALJ hearing based on the judge’s conduct during the hearing? Not usually. I have received favorable decisions from ALJs who were aggressive and surly throughout the hearing and I have received unfavorable decisions from ALJs who were charming and positive throughout the hearing.
Source: David Mullens, DPM, JD, How to Win Medicare Appeals
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Medicaid and Commercial Recovery Companies
A commercial overpayment recovery company, hired by Medicaid, performed an audit. The company has now replied to the audit with a letter demanding a very large, six-figure refund. The dollar amount is not only for the amounts Medicaid paid on the charts audited, but also for an extrapolated amount paid for patients who received the same coded services during the last six years. The refund is based upon what the recovery company considers to be the absence of adequate visit documentation, and because of that, should not have been paid. The doctor is not being accused of fraud or any kind of wrongdoing in the overpayment request letter. In fact, the letter requesting the refund was quite cordial.
Has anyone had a demand for a refund from a commercial recovery company representing Medicaid? What would happen if the letter is just ignored, since it is not Medicaid itself making the demand.
PM News Subscriber
Response: First, do not ignore the letter. It needs to be responded to. Many times insurance carriers, including Medicaid, work with companies who perform the audit on their behalf. Second, I would have the doctor contact their malpractice carrier to discuss coverage under the administrative defense coverage (ADC) portion of the policy. Additionally, I would speak with the malpractice company, if providing coverage, or if not, a healthcare attorney who would work with a certified professional coder (CPC), who would 1) review the demand letter, 2) the documentation of the medical records audited to see if in fact the records are deficient, 3) the LCD policies applied when reviewing the charts and 4) review to see if the demand for payment is warranted.
Many times this demand is a fishing expedition and is the start of something bigger and more sinister. Do not ignore it or just pay the repayment without having someone else “in your corner.”
Alan Bass, DPM, CPC, Manalapan, NJ
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Fixation of 5th Metatarsal Osteotomies
In our practice, we most commonly perform a "Reverse-Austin" for Tailor's bunion deformities. Over the years, we have used K-wire, Orthosorb, and screw fixation for the distal V-shaped osteotomy. Most were done with a single tapered Orthosorb pin. I am looking for a small screw alternative. Our hospital encourages us to use the Synthes screw sets. We use 2.7mm fully-threaded cortical screws for our distal 1st metatarsal Austin osteotomies.
I am interested in learning what type of fixation my colleagues are using for distal 5th metatarsal osteotomies.
Greg Caringi, DPM, Lansdale, PA
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| QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL) | |
Query: Which States Allow DPMs to Test for COVID-19
Which states have emergency legislation allowing DPMs to provide COVID-19 testing? If your state allows this, please provide a link. Here is an example from Pennsylvania.
Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
RE: Jeffrey Toobin, Esq. “Clearly not a Foot”
From: Bret M. Ribotsky, DPM
I sit back today with the majority of our profession with a big smile, It was a little over 10 years ago when the same Jeffrey Toobin from CNN and The New Yorker magazine published an article where he referred to podiatrists as “three steps below a dentist.” I took the opportunity to interview him on Meet the Masters in 2010.
During the 10 minute interview, he acknowledged that a podiatrist saved his mother's (a national CBS Reporter) life and was appreciative of our profession, but he was unwilling to retract or say he would do anything different if given the chance to do again. Thus, I was grinning from ear to ear at the news of him caught in the act of masturbation on a Zoom call. An anonymous source who was on the Zoom call said, “he clearly did not have a foot.” - Karma .
Bret M. Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2A | |
From: Ron Werter DPM
I fully agree with Dr. Kiel. A few years ago, I was having an excellent conversation with a salesman in a major shoe store here in New York City. I finally asked him his name. He proudly responded, "It's on the sign in front."
It’s the same with us; whose name is on the front door? It’s your office, you make the rules. If the non-compliant person doesn’t like it, well...you probably don’t want them as a patient anyway.
Ron Werter, DPM, NY, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2B | |
From: David Secord, DPM
I had no choice but to laugh when I read the part of the post from Dr. Kiel which stated: "This is a life or death situation." I have several peer-reviewed papers residing on my hard drive which has fully explored the topic of a cloth or OR-type mask being able to stop something the size of a virus. All of them conclude that they are ineffectual. That they don't do anything is right on the box! We know that the death rate for the COVID-19 virus is around 0.1%, which puts it in line with every other seasonal influenza. We also know that we really don't have good numbers on the death rate, as everything shy of diaper rash has been listed as a COVID-19 virus death. We also know that we don't have good numbers for the population who has the COVID-19 virus, as the PCR test (by admission from the guy who invented it) is churning out a 95% false positive rate.
Are there people dying from this contagion? Yes. Is it more deadly than any other coronavirus seen each fall with a new seasonal influenza? Not according to the data. Is the hysteria we are reading, especially the absurd "Everyone has to wear a mask or we all die" hysteria believable? Not if you are sane. Wear a mask. Don't wear a mask. They are ineffectual against something the size of a virus.
David Secord, DPM, McAllen, TX
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CODINGLINE CORNER) | |
From: Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
When is the profession going to wake up? The insurance companies are the enemy. Go concierge. I charge $5,000 upfront for a bunion. While I have an office in a high income area, these fees can be less in other areas. I have been in practice for 35 years and have my signature bunionectomy that I perform. Believe me, patients are willing to pay the price if they know you offer exceptional service and care. We also do payment programs which help the average working person pay for the procedure.
Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoes of the Day
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Fit for royalty? |
Source: Kate Hopkins-Searle via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn up to 50 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) Online
Earn 15 CECH only $249 (less than $17 per CECH)
podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, DE, HI, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MI, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, VT, WV, and WI
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, ID, IA, MD, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
* NY podiatrists whose licenses expire from 3/2/20-5/1/21 may take all credits online
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
POSITIONS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY - RHODE ISLAND and VIRGINIA
Looking for reliable and ethical podiatrists to service Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Homes in Rhode Island and Virginia. Positions available immediately. Send inquiries and CV to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST, FL
Immediate position for busy practice in Sunny Southwest, FL. ABFAS RRA BC/BQ. EMR, E x-rays, US, DME. Base salary + bonus w, PTO, 401K, fees, health benefits. Also 1 ACFAS credentialed fellowship avail, must be BQ ACFAS by start of program 8/2021: DrLam@NaplesPodiatrist.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK
Seeking a highly motivated individual interested in evolving in private practice to a wealthy and knowledgeable affiliate entity with a large surgical based podiatry group. Surgeons with a two or three year residency preferred. Come join and Let’s keep New Yorkers on their feet! Please email your CV at podiatrynewyork@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC, NY
Opportunity available for new Associate/Graduate for Immediate start in modern practice located in NYC. In search of hard working flexible podiatrist with firm verifiable clinical and surgical experience who is willing to travel as needed. In PDF form, email a letter of interest and resume with references to nynypod7@aol.com for consideration. If both are not received, there will be no consideration. Compensation will be discussed.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTH CAROLINA
Established, rapidly-growing practice is seeking a full-time associate podiatrist with potential for partnership track. We are a multi-location private office in the greater Winston-Salem area excelling in comprehensive, protocol-driven care. Competitive salary plus bonus options and attractive benefit package. Must be licensed in NC. Interested? Email CV to ncpodiatrist@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND
Advanced Podiatry Seeking Full Time DPM for upscale practices located in Suffolk county. 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 – NEW JERSEY
Looking for a part-time podiatrist in a very busy, fast-paced practice. Offering competitive salary and bonuses. Lots of sports medicine, excellent support staff, and positive environment. Immediate start date. Please e-mail CV to cma@njfootpain.com, should you have any further questions you may call Gerry 201-523-9489 ext 101.
ASSOCIATE POSITION- NEW YORK CITY
Need full-time associate starting ASAP for our group practice. Must be capable to do foot surgery and be competent in evaluating and treating patients in the office. Must be willing to travel to any one of our 5 locations within the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. To inquire please email cv to contactus@starrettpodiatry.com
FACILITIES BASED PODIATRIST – ORLANDO, FL
National comprehensive lower extremity physician group seeking a full-time Podiatrist in the Orlando area for our growing facilities-based division. Provide care to at-risk patients in long-term care facilities. Autonomy & Consistent M-F schedule, will have scheduling support & MA. FL license, ABPM or ABFAS BQ / BC. Competitive, comprehensive comp & health benefits, matching 401k, malpractice & add’l benefits. Please send CV to physicianrecruitment@upperlinehealth.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ELGIN, IL
Busy, well-established, diversified practice seeking to add a podiatrist to the team. Must be proficient in surgical and non-surgical aspects of podiatry. Full hospital and surgical center privileges available. Send CV to kenjacoby18@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS/BUCKS COUNTY
Seeking an outstanding, highly motivated candidate with top-notch personal, clinical and confident surgical skills/training to join established & highly esteemed diverse practice. Full privileges available for entire spectrum of practice. Great opportunity with long-term potential. Send resume and references to bucksfoot@gmail.com
FULL TIME PODIATRIST- NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
We are a fast-growing podiatry practice in North Jersey with multiple locations and Doctors. We are currently looking for a full-time motivated and caring Doctor to join our busy practice. Some benefits include: competitive six-figure salary, generous bonus structure, health insurance (including vision & dental), paid vacation time off, paid malpractice insurance and CME time off. Great prospects for experienced Doctors as well as new Associates. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your Podiatric medical and surgical experience in an office-based practice! If interested, please submit your CV to DrSamofal@PodiatryCenterNJ.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NW FLORIDA/COASTAL ALABAMA
busy, well-established practice, EHR, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound. Offering competitive six-figure salary w/bonus structure, health/malpractice insurance, and PTO. PSR-36 required. Partnership path to motivated and compassionate associate. Must obtain Florida and Alabamalicenses. Send CV: Brentmharwood@gmail.com
FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY IN SE GEORGIA
Fellowship Opportunity in SE Georgia with Fellowship Director Lee M. Hlad, DPM, FACFAS. In this one year fellowship you will expect to be exposed to deformity correction, trauma, Charcot reconstructions, orthoplastic reconstructions, total ankles, and external fixation. Schedule will be designed and tailored to the fellow but will be mostly surgical based with a private practice experience of in house billing, practice management, and fellows clinic. This is an exciting opportunity with a growing practice. For more information and application contact AnkleandFootFellowship@outlook.com. Applications are due in November and candidate will be chosen by December.
FACULTY POSITION -- DES MOINES, IOWA
The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (CPMS) at Des Moines University seeks applicants for a full-time faculty position that will participate in academic, clinical patient care, scholarly, and service activities within the College, University and community. Qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting a CV and cover letter to www.dmu.edu/employment where detailed information about the position is available. Candidate review and interview scheduling will commence immediately.
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 |
LOOKING TO BUY A PRACTICE IN THE NORTHWEST SUBURBS OF CHICAGO
Will help transition a retiring doctor during this COVID pandemic and allow me to provide excellent care to your patients. Trained surgically and have office experience. CV available upon request. Please reach out to discuss any possibilities at psadoctor@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE- BOCA RATON, FL
35 year old practice, great location in central Boca Raton. General practice specializing in sports medicine and orthotics. 25% routine care. Great potential for surgically oriented podiatrist. Willing to stay for transition. 561-306-3399.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NYC & LONG ISLAND
Selling 3 part-time general podiatry offices, together or separately, well established, excellent growth potential in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Rego Park, Queens and Franklin Square, Long Island. All fully equipped with very low overhead. Priced to sell. Turn-key, will transition. Great starter office or secondary office. wperez1000@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.
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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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