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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 13,500 Podiatrists Daily
November 09, 2011 #4,301  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2011- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Annual Comprehensive Foot Exam for Diabetes Reduces Complications: MI Podiatrist
“Foot complications such as non-healing ulcers, pain, and fractures will plague up to 60-70% of those diagnosed with diabetes, and are typically a result of the loss of normal sensation to pressure, pain, and/or temperature,” explains Sarnarendra Miranpuri, DPM, MD. “It is this loss of protective sensation that puts people with diabetes at a greater risk for foot ulcers, which can lead to amputation if not promptly and properly treated."
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Dr. Sarnarendra Miranpuri |
Despite these risks, a survey compiled by the American Podiatric Medical Association suggests that less than 56% of all diabetic patients visit a podiatrist to receive an annual foot examination. “Research suggests that this simple but comprehensive annual exam can significantly reduce a person’s risk of developing foot complications, and when combined with a multidisciplinary approach, up to 85% of amputations can actually be avoided,” adds Dr. Miranpuri.
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| AT THE COLLEGES | |
BUSPM to Conduct Wound Care Clinical Trial
The Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center at Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine (BUSPM) is conducting an investigational trial. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of a cell-based therapy along with standard Good Ulcer Care (GUC) measures in treating foot ulcers in adults with diabetes mellitus. The goal is to evaluate the clinical benefit of this cell-based therapy compared to a control therapy, which simulates an injection along with GUC treatments.
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Dr. Robert Snyder, director of clinical research for the Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center and professor of Podiatric Medicine with Maria Swartz, BS, CCRC, research coordinator at the Hialeah Barry Foot & Ankle Institute. |
“As the incidence of diabetes increases around the globe and the complications of diabetic ulcers on the foot and ankle result in millions of lower extremity amputations, the need to treat and heal diabetic ulcers is critical to the reduction of amputations,” said Dr. Robert Snyder, principal investigator and clinical research director of the Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center at Barry University.
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| APMA NEWS | |
Medicaid Physician Recognition Bill Introduced in House
APMA's advocacy efforts have resulted in the introduction in the House of Representatives of a bill that would recognize podiatrists as physicians under Medicaid. The bill, HR 3364, is a companion bill to S 1309, The Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act, in the Senate.
HR 3364 was introduced today by Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE). Co-sponsors include Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Ed Whitfield (R-KY), Bill Posey (R-FL), and Brian Bilbray (R-CA). Both bills retain the same title and wording as previous years' bills and would recognize the services of podiatrists as physician services in the Social Security Act's Title XIX/ Medicaid statute. The law currently requires that physician services be covered by state Medicaid programs, but states may opt to cover "podiatry services" or not.
Source: APMA
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
NY Podiatrist Makes House Calls to Diabetic Patients
At least one New York podiatrist has built his practice around a novel concept, customer service. Dr. Jeffrey Teibel makes house calls. His patients do not need to navigate wheelchairs, stairs, caregiver issues, or any of the other obstacles that limited-mobility presents. He travels to his patients throughout the Rochester, NY metro area.
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Dr. Jeffrey Teibel |
Teibel is able to provide routine exams, nail trimming, and manage minor wound treatment in the patient's residence. His diabetic patients receive needed foot care in the comfort of their own homes.
Source: Charles Simmins, Rochester Infectious Disease Examiner [11/1/11]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Offer Job Candidates a Realistic View
Trim the turnover of your new hires when you ensure that candidates know exactly what their jobs require. Resist painting a rosy picture that will soon disappoint them. Sell your practice’s strong points and point out the perks, but also divulge the hard work and sacrifices that go along with the job.
Bottom line: Employees prepared to tackle their jobs’ challenges stay for the long term. You save time and effort by hiring someone who knows what the position requires upfront.
Source: Adapted from “How I Hire and Why I Suck Less at It These Days,” Ben Lerer, OPEN Forum via Communication Briefings
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: T/N Fusion
An active 50ish y/o farmer, completely ruptured his left PTT about two years ago. He remembers jumping across a combine rut and developing swelling and pain for a couple of weeks. X-rays were negative. He has since developed classic pes planus due to absent PTT. MRI was obtained showing PTT rupture. After two years, his PTT was not directly repairable, so I used a typical FDL graft. This did not give adequate stability, so I proceeded with an isolated T/N fusion which worked fine.
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Pre-op MRI and A-P X-ray shows no PTT |
If one does a talo/nav fusion (or any other osseous stabilization of the mid/rear foot involving the MTJ), do you need to reconstruct the PTT?
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS
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| QUERIES (EMR) | |
Query: e-Prescribe Confirmation
I promised my office manager a bonus when we got our e-Prescribe requirements fulfilled. We have talked to many people at CMS etc., and no one seems to be able to tell us how we can get proof that our submissions for the 10 required Rxs by June 30, 2011 were received and accepted and therefore prevent us from receiving a Medicare cut of 1%. Does anyone know how we can get confirmation from the government on this matter?
Stephen Pirotta, DPM, Bentonville, AR
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Callus Shaving
We have been billing CPT 11300-11313 (shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion) with anatomical modifiers, for callus removal (ICD-9 701.1 - keratoderma, acquired). With the new LCD that came out from Medicare on October 1, 2011, that diagnosis is no longer covered.
I'm not quite sure what other diagnosis to bill, with that code for callus shaving, or if there's another procedure code that is more appropriate for this procedure. What have you all been doing to code these to payers?
Jeremy Thomas, DPM, Cary, NC
Response: The proper code for callus care is CPT 11055 or CPT 11056 or CPT 11057, depending on the number of calluses/corns pared. The code ICD-9 701.1 is not the diagnosis code you would bill for a callus (or corn); ICD-9 700 is. ICD-9 701.1 is a specific hyperkeratotic lesion that additionally requires a secondary pain diagnosis.
Check your carrier's LCD for the allowed codes for routine foot care, and any other billing policies. Non-covered routine foot care is a cash service.
CPT 11300 is reserved for non-palliative dermal/epidermal lesion shaving procedures and should not be considered or substituted for palliative callus/corn services.
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription |
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| RESPONSES / COMMENTS (EMR) | |
RE: Measure 13 (John Moglia, DPM)
From: Al Musella, DPM
I set up a cool script that allows me to create the e-mail address with really no work on my part. I just enter an e-mail address, which I make up on the fly, into the patient's record. (I use FirstnameLastnameMonthandDayofbirth@mydomain) My EMR automatically enrolls them in the online medical records access and sends them an e-mail on how to access it. My script works on the mail server end.. when it gets that e-mail from practice fusion for a nonexistent e-mail address, it creates a new mailbox for them and adds that welcoming e-mail from practice fusion to the new mailbox.
At the time of the visit, I just give the patient a handout on how to access their new e-mail account, as well as the pass code for the EMR. Most patients won't bother, but a few love it. I feel that once I give them the paper that explains how to access it, it is up to them to use it. I did my part as far as EHR criteria 13 is concerned. Every patient now has an e-mail address listed and has instructions on how to easily access their medical records.
Eventually I will set up my practice website to offer webmail directly - so patients reading their e-mail have to come to my website! Ask your webmaster to do it for your website. It's a good practice builder!
Al Musella, DPM, Hewlett, NY, musella@aol.com
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - | |
RE: Best Running Shoe for Orthotics (Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM)
From: Christopher R. Corwin, DPM MS
Dr. Steinberg states, "A cushioned shoe is in no way "neutral" because stability and motion control shoes do not have a varus or valgus built into them." I have read this sentence multiple times and I am not sure what this means.
I do agree with Dr. Steinberg, "that the shoe must provide a stable foundation for the orthotic." However, I totally disagree that "Putting an orthotic in a "neutral" cushioned, unstable shoe, will cancel out the correction the orthotic is attempting to correct. Except for that very occasional cavus rigid foot, no functional orthotic should...
Editor's Note: Dr. Corwin's extended-length letter can be read here.
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
Aussie Docs Save Infant's Feet With In-Utero Procedure
Surgeons in Australia have saved the feet of a baby in the womb by performing what is believed to be the earliest in-utero surgery of its kind in the world. Amniotic bands were cut by delicate surgery from above the ankles of unborn baby Leah Bowlen while her mother Kylie was 22 weeks pregnant. Amniotic band syndrome or amniotic disruption complex is a congenital limb abnormality.
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Pre-op Ultrasound, Post-Op Photo |
Without the ground-breaking surgery, little Leah's feet would have naturally amputated as she grew and the bands became tighter, meaning she would have been born with no feet. Surgeons at Monash Medical Centre in Melbourne, performed the operation, which involved inserting a 2mm operating telescope into Kylie's womb. The constricting bands were then identified and divided using laser and electric current.
Source: Daily Mail
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
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Codingline & PM News
In conjunction with AAPPM Present
The Greenbrier Coding & Practice Management Workshop
(Following the 2012 APMA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC) August 20-22, 2012
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The Greenbrier |
Click Here for information or to Register
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| CLASSIFIED ADS | |
SUB LEASING TIME on MRI (NYC)
Don't refer out $$ when they can go into your pocket. Beautiful state-of-the-art 5th Avenue medical office is offering lease time on a .31 tesla Esaote extremity MRI, complaint with Stark laws. This particular magnet is the only one accepted by insurances and Medicare as of 2012. For more information email dri@myfcny.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - (2) MICRO-VAS UNITS
Less than one year old. Barely used and in excellent condition. We have seen remarkable improvement in Diabetic neuropathy, tendonitis, fibromyalgias, and atypical neuropathies. Also works great to reduce limb edema. Can be used for acute & chronic conditions. Selling $10K each, or both for $17.5K. Contact: coastalmgr@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - SUPERPULSE 45 WATT PEAK POWER LASER ( LUMIX2) Bill
Superpulse 45 watt peak power Laser ( lumix2) used once or twice. This is a real superpulse 910nw up to 100,000 HZ. Great Laser Used in the super bowl by the Green Bay Packer Why am I selling? I have too many lasers in my office now ( six) This is a great laser for plantar fasciitis. Achilles tendonitis. Lightweight portable. easy to use, fully programmable Sold to first person under $$12,000 You will NEVER get a laser like this at this price. Enjoy. it I just have too many lasers. David Zuckerman DPM footcare@comcast.net
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CLASS FOUR LASER- USED K-LASERS
I have used K-laser for sale. Still in Warranty. Used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, neuroma, arthritic conditions and even fungus toe nails This laser is portable, re-chargeable and can be move from room to room or office to office. This isn't the cold laser that you see. It is a 10 watt laser. We have used this laser on NFL sports players. For those that understand a good laser. E-mail David Zuckerman, DPM for Details and pricing. footcare@comcast.net
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTHERN NJ
Well established, part-time practice is for sale in Northern NJ. Digital X-rays, EMR, located in a medical condo building. Surgery 35%, Routine 30%, Average Gross is $130K on 2 half days per week. Priced for quick sale. Real estate available for purchase. Please call 800-983-4194, or e-mail contactus@podiatrypracticeconsultants.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – NANAIMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Have you ever dreamed of owning a practice where...you can see 0-50 patients daily * average 100 new patients monthly * have zero accounts receivable * gross $480K per year * live in a beautiful community with skiing, hiking, fishing, and boating on your doorstep. This could be yours! If interested contactpistone@telus.net or call 250-754-4192.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - BAKERSFIELD, CA
Busy surgically-oriented group in Bakersfield, CA searching for 4th doctor. Wound care center privileges. All 3 current surgeons have 3+ years post-graduate training. Send letter of interest with CV to: aghams2@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE NEW YORK
Outstanding Opportunity. Our medical surgical group is recruiting a well-trained licensed podiatric physician. Located in Beautiful upstate NY. Full hospital privileges, as well as working with two residency programs. Must be highly motivated and great with patients. Opportunity for growth. Competitive salary and benefit package. Please send CV to associateinfoot@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Immediate position for associate to potential partnership available for a surgeon that is BQ/BC by ABPS. Must be a PSR 24 or PM&S 36 graduate. Salary with bonus. Must be ethical, self starter, hard worker and a team player. Willingness to learn and work as part of a great team is a must. Great ancillaries and surgery facility. Email CV to: susmitad86@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHERN, NJ
Well-rounded practice. No Nursing Homes or House Calls. All phases of foot and ankle care. Must have good surgical skills and like treating patients. Applicants must take care when doing both Surgery and/or Routine Foot Care. Must be ethical, logical and thoughtful when treating patients. This position can lead to purchase of practice. Send CV to ToeBizCenter@Yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC and SW CONNECTICUT
If you are hard-working, motivated, loyal, honest, well-trained, have some common and business sense, and have good interpersonal skills, I have a good job for you. Position is PT to start in NYC, and full-time w/CT license (or when you obtain CT license). Must be ABPS certified/ qualified. We treat from skin-to-bone and from toe-to-ankle. Work w/ nursing homes, multi-specialty medical, and orthopedic practices. Well-respected by the medical community for what we do as DPMs. Potential long-term stable career position for the right person. $50/h to start ($104K for 40h week). Email CV & letter of interest to DPMAssociate@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHEAST GEORGIA - SAVANNAH
Beautiful weather year round & near the Coast. Opportunity for Early Buy-in. Seeking associate or new residency graduate to join practice. Must be PSR-24/36 trained. Multiple locations. Full range of services with new facilities. E-mail cover letter & CV to melissafoot@pol.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS
Well established, expanding podiatric medical and surgical practice with multiple locations Northeast of Dallas, Texas. Modern offices with EHR, digital radiography, Padnet vascular studies and laser. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package for a motivated, ethical, personable and well trained PSR/36 or board equivalent. This individual will also assist managing the residency program. Send resume (CV) to northtexaspodiatry@yahoo.com along with a letter of intent.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND
Multi-office group seeks highly trained surgical associate to join us. Prefer person with frame and trauma experience. Our practice is state-of-the-art and has all modalities: EMR, PadNnet, on-site billing, diagnostic US, PRP, digital x-ray, etc. Excellent salary, bonus structure and benefits with partnership available. Please forward CV and letter of intent to docsbnb@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ILLINOIS PERMANENT P/T
Podiatrist needed for Medinah Spine/Rehab/Podiatry. Upper middle class suburb multi-disciplinary established office seeks perm P/T podiatrist to service established podiatry practice. Please call SueL 630-529-0077 or fax resume to: 630-529-0087.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK CITY/ LONG ISLAND
Seeking an ethical, competent, and responsible associate with a minimum of board qualification, who is proficient in all facets of podiatric medicine, surgery, and biomechanics for a multi-doctor and interdisciplinary medical practice in NYC with suburban NJ/NY satellite offices. Must be able to practice independently with excellent management skills. PT/FT with potential for partnership. ambulatewell@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY REGION , NY
Group of six… looking for number seven! If you’re honest, motivated and looking for an exciting opportunity, let’s talk. Please forward CV to: info@HVFA.com
SPACE AVAILABLE IN MULTI-DISCIPLINE WELLNESS CENTER- WHITE PLAINS, NY
Excellent opportunity to sublease in 2600 sq.ft high visibility, ground level walk-in wellness/medical office. WhitePlains is heart of Westchester County and has 500,000 people working here Mon-Fri. All new equipment, furniture, digital x-ray. Well-established chiropractor with large patient base looking for DPM to rent space and refer patients to. Opportunity for cross referrals from acupunturist, massage therapist, etc. Rent negotiable. Please call Dr.Tany Sutera at 914-364-2751 or email drsutera@yahoo.com
PODIATRY OFFICE TO SHARE - SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Fully equipped podiatry office in North Gate area of Seattle. Office located in medical professional building near I-5. Office has 3 treatment rooms, 3 physical therapy rooms, direct digital x-ray, PAD- net, NCV testing equipment, physical therapy equipment. Please contact us: website Tel. 425-643-8901 isbinc2006@gmail.com
SPACE AVAILABLE - NYC & LI
Office to sublet and share - East 60th Manhattan, and Plainview, Long Island. access to an MRI, Joint Commission certified operating rooms, digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and access to a multi-specialty ambulatory surgical center. Also availability E 22nd between 2nd and 3rd and E 70th off 3rd. Turn-key operation - no investment needed 516 476-1815 PODO2345@AOL.COM
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 13,500 DPM's and Students
Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 12,500 DPM's. Write to bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $109 for a 50-word ad THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: 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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