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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,480 Subscribers Daily
October 29, 2018 #6,296  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2018- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL RESULTS |
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Results of last week's poll |
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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Which test(s) do you use to confirm onychomycosis?
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| ACFAS NEWS | |
ACFAS and AANP Publish Clinical Consensus Statement on Gout
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) have developed a joint clinical consensus statement on gouty arthritis localized to the foot and ankle. Published in the November/December issues of The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery and The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, the statement is intended to serve as a discussion guide for the risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the disease.
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Dr. Roya Mirmiran |
“Gout is a condition that commonly affects the foot and ankle, and practitioners who treat these structures should be aware of the methods used to diagnose and treat this form of arthritis, and also to recognize extra-articular manifestations of the disease,” said the guideline’s lead author Roya Mirmiran, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon at Sutter Medical Group in Sacramento, CA and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. “Using the best available evidence, clinical experience, and common sense, we were able to reach joint consensus on 17 of 23 statements on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of gout in the foot and ankle.”
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
MI Podiatrist Discusses the Benefits of a Medical Pedicure
A medical pedicure is much different than a cosmetic pedicure by a cosmetologist. This is not foot care to make your feet look beautiful, this is foot care that is essential for simply being able to walk and function during your daily life. A medical pedicure should be performed at a podiatrist 's office. It is much more hygienic, and it is more focused on medical care and not cosmesis.
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Dr. Tomasz Biernacki |
Tomasz Biernacki, DPM, who performs medical pedicures, states, "A medical pedicure is not something that should take a long time, ideally if you can come in for 5 minutes and have your foot pain relieved and make sure you don't have a fungal or bacterial infection, then that is the best thing we can do for you."
Source: Market Insider [10/23/18]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
VA Podiatrist Joins FAAC
The Foot & Ankle Center (FAAC) recently announced the opening of a new office in Prince George, and the hiring of a new podiatrist, Sagar Shah, DPM. Dr. Shah will be affiliated with CJW Medical Center (Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Hospitals), John Randolph Medical Center in the Hopewell /Colonial Heights area, and St. Francis Medical Center.
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Dr. Sagar Shah |
Dr. Shah graduated from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and completed his residency at Larkin Community Hospital in South Miami, Florida.
Source: The Progress-Index [10/25/18]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Back Office Billing Strategies - Part 3
3. Analyze insurance denials and develop processes to reduce them. Is there misuse of modifiers? Are denials related to medical necessity? Outdated codes? If you make the effort to track the denials and see where you’re making mistakes, the time spent will be rewarded with higher and prompter payments. Similarly, have processes in place for correcting and refiling denied claims in a timely manner.
Source: Avery Hurt, Physicians Practice [10/15/18]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: X-Ray Denials from Medicare
I am billing CPT 73630 and CPT 73620 with modifier -FX and -RT or -LT. However, Noridian is denying the claims, stating inappropriate billing. Any thoughts on what could be causing the denials?
Walter Jolley, DPM, San Diego, CA
Response: If billing on the same foot, then you cannot use CPT 73620 and CPT 73630, but if on the opposite foot, then you can. The FX modifier indicates you did not use digital x-ray. There may be an issue with Box #17 on your claim form. The referring physician must be the physician who took the x-ray.
Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Adam Siegel, DPM
As someone who was once a salaried employee of a medium-sized group and now the owner of a podiatry practice, I can answer this question as I have experience from both perspectives. It probably is time to pay this individual a percentage of gross collections. I do not know your expenses so I cannot speak on what percentage to offer him, but this will certainly incentivize him to work harder and potentially make way more money than the current arrangement. You also will benefit greatly from this arrangement. You will be shocked at how punctual he will be when his time is money.
Adam Siegel, DPM, Lutz, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLLS) | |
From: Ben Cullen, DPM
I strongly recommend that no one use phrases in their dictation such as the statement by Dr. Musser. The legal department at my hospital says that: "The physician's signature on the record is the physician's confirmation that the information is accurate and complete. A disclaimer cannot be used to evade that responsibility. Simple, overlooked typos may be explained in court; however, a blanket attempt to avoid responsibility for the content of the record is a plaintiff attorney's dream."
Ben Cullen, DPM, San Diego, CA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RELEVANT RESEARCH) | |
From: Steven Kravitz, DPM
The article summary was interesting and points out the combined effects of progressive resistive exercise along with compression therapy to heal venous leg ulcers (VLU). The brief summary does not reference a comparison to walking alone which would’ve been a good idea for these patients. One of the problems with many studies (as we all know, including RCTs) is they too often use populations that do not reflect the reality of the patients we see in practice. The fact is that many VLU patients have multiple co-morbidities, making progressive exercise difficult as opposed to the benefits and the ease of simple walking which activates the calf muscle pump and significantly increases venous return.
As with many treatment regimens, patient compliance is an issue. So the question is what is the risk versus gain? What is the risk of the patient not being compliant vs. the increased gain from one protocol over the other? For the majority of VLU patients, it would not surprise me if simple walking proves to be a better predictor of better wound healing than attempting to use progressive resistive exercise. Compliance, compliance, compliance!
Steven Kravitz, DPM, Winston-Salem, NC
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Good way to recycle twist ties? |
Source: Gio Diev 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 $219 (less than $15 per CECH)
(Only $15 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, DE, HI, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, VT, WV, WI, & WY
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, ID, IA, 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
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| CLASSIFIED ADS PART 1 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - WESTERN WASHINGTON
30 year established practice in Auburn Washington. In medical office building connected to hospital. Practice scope includes clinic, hospital-based surgery, and hospital consultations. Forefoot, rearfoot, and ankle surgery. Will stay on three months during transition. Contact/send resume to Dgusman@hotmail.com
SPACE AVAILABLE – NY AND LONG ISLAND
Offices available to sublet and share, Manhattan and North Shore Long Island. Offices fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment extremity MRI, foot/ankle CT scanner, diagnostic ultrasound and the availability to become a staff member of a certified ambulatory surgical center. Call 1516 476-1815 podo2345@aol.com
PRACTICE WANTED – NORTH NEW JERSEY
Looking for immediate purchase of an established practice in the North Jersey area. I would like the doctor to be available to help with transition. Contact: nnjpod@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@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 PART 2 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
MULTI-LOCATION GROUP - CHICAGO/NEAR WEST SUBURBS
Seeking ABFAS Board Certified/Eligible associate. MINIMUM 2 year private practice experience required. Surgical/ortho patient load. Great staff. DME,MIS, EMR, , ultrasound, PRP, shockwave, digital x-ray, laser sx center & Physical Therapy-PT- to FT available- Top pay, associateship & practice equity available for experienced candidates. Send CV to podiatryoffer@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – FLORIDA
Join a podiatric team whose work positively impacts the lives of seniors every day! KG Health Partners, the largest podiatric practice in Florida, is seeking full- and part-time podiatrists who will provide mobile-based foot, ankle, and lower leg care to residents living in more than 200 long-term facilities throughout Florida. Achieve work-life balance with a Monday through Friday schedule, competitive wages, malpractice insurance, and exceptional benefits (health, paid time off, 401K retirement plan with company match). You must maintain active Medicare and Florida licenses. Email CV to kgadmin@kghealthpartners.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA
www.martinfootandankle.com is looking for a well-trained, personable, energetic associate interested in future partnership with our successful team. Practice is high volume, high tech and full scope. ASC investment opportunities available. Practice facilities include: five office locations, four Physical Therapy gyms and two shoe stores. Competitive compensation and benefits. Those interested, please send letter of interest and CV to: hr@martinfootandankle.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NY
Excellent opportunity to start your career in a fresh practice! Seeking an associate to join, grow, and become partner. Key attributes: Board Qualified/Certified, self-starter, willingness to build practice. Looking for a motivated individual to contribute to our growth through all aspects of podiatry. Please send CV to: docryanlee@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WASHINGTON, DC
Growing, well-established practice seeking well-trained, hard-working surgical trained podiatrist. Practice with concentration in foot & ankle surgery as well as sports medicine. Excellent referral base. Downtown location. Full benefits package. Please send CV to WDCDPM@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
Busy two physician practice in Upstate South Carolina seeking highly motivated, ethical associate. PSR-36 trained. High surgery case load. Competitive benefits & salary. Send CV to upstatescpodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST NEEDED ASAP (AND JULY 2019) - MARYLAND
Looking for enthusiastic, industrious podiatrist to join Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic practice in Wheaton and Rockville/ Shady Grove, Maryland. Surgical boards and ties to Maryland preferred. Good benefits and a competitive base salary with incentives. The position is available immediately but I am also interested in hiring another in July 2019. If you are interested in this opportunity, please respond to aspector@footandankle-usa.com with your resume, comments and questions. I look forward to hearing from you. Adam K. Spector DPM, FASPS, Partner, Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, Wheaton/Shady Grove Division, 301-949-3668
LOCUM NEEDED – MARCH – JUNE, 2019 CALGARY, ALBERTA
Podiatrist needed for private practice in Calgary, Alberta. No call. Position is full-time, Monday through Friday. Opportunity to become an associate or partnership position. Please contact jessica@ualberta.net or 403-266-2700 for more information. Priority given to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NY
Exciting opportunity! Busy Nassau County, NY office seeks full-time podiatrist. State of the art facility. Complete EMR, digital radiograph and diagnostic ultrasound. Excellent salary and benefits. Must be board qualified. Please e-mail resume to: Medicalofficeinquiry@gmail.com, or call: 516-902-1073
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY
Our busy, multi-office practice is still growing and needs another doctor who understands the importance of creating an amazing patient experience as much as providing great medical care. You will be working with supportive doctors and staff who are committed to your success. Go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,500 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 18,500 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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