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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,391 Subscribers Daily
November 14, 2018 #6,308 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 |
Quick Poll
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What percentage of your patients use you portal to access their medical records?
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IN YOUR MAILBOX SOON |
We've just mailed the November/December 2018 issue of Podiatry Management. The cover story is titled "The Diabetic Foot: New Directions in Treatment, Prevention, and Diagnosis". In addition, you'll find our usual assortment of features, including a CPME-approved CME.
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Nov/Dec 2018 Podiatry Management |
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PODIATRISTS IAND DIABETES |
CA Podiatrist Discusses Vascular and Neurological Effects of Diabetes
According to podiatrist Aderonke Ojo, DPM, "Left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to too much sugar in the bloodstream. This makes the blood thicker, more syrupy, which often damages blood vessels and nerves in the foot. Your circulation system carries blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout your body. When you have poor circulation, your feet often suffer. You may feel pins and needles in your feet, a burning sensation at night, numbness, or a feeling like ants crawling on your feet."
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Dr. Aderonke Ojo |
"With neuropathy, there are different sensations. Sensory neuropathy is the loss of feeling, which can be extremely dangerous because pain is the body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Motor neuropathy is the loss of movement control, which can lead to conditions like hammertoe or contracted digits. Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that help the body regulate itself—this includes things like dry skin or brittle nails. Some nerve damage is reversible; some is not," says Dr. Ojo.
Source: Scott Travis, Ukiah Daily Journal
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APMA COMPONENT NEWS |
AAPSM Past President Lectures at AMTA
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) Past President Alex Kor, DPM and Selim Benbadis, MD (neurologist) MS lectured on November 11, 2018 at the Craig Broome Memorial Medical Lecture Series as part of the American Medical Tennis Association (AMTA) meeting at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Florida.
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(L-R) Drs. Selim Benbadis and Alex Kor |
Dr. Benbadis lectured on neurological conditions while Dr. Kor’s lecture focused on the lower extremity conditions that affect tennis players. The AMTA is an organization of tennis playing physicians that offers 2 CME meetings per year that include education and competitive tennis.
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INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
Aussie Podiatrist Discusses Corns and Calluses
“Corns and calluses are often related to pressures in the foot,” Ambassador for Australian Podiatry Association Christina O’Brien tells Starts at 60. “We see corns and calluses as sometimes occurring as a pattern as to how that person might be walking.” Corns can also form when people wear shoes that don’t fit properly. For example, shoes that are too big can cause rubbing, while some designs cause extra pressure in certain parts of the foot. Similarly, a callus can also develop in areas of the foot where skin rubs against something, be it footwear, the ground or even bone.
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Christina O’Brien |
“I definitely wouldn’t recommend any home surgery on corns or calluses because I’ve heard horror stories of people using razor blades and things to try and get rid of them and that’s just awful,” O’Brien says. “The best thing to do would be continually to dry your feet really well after your shower and moisturize your feet.”
Source: Starts at 60 [11/7/18]
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ON THE INTERNATIONAL LECTURE CIRCUIT |
CA Podiatrist Keynotes 19th CFPM Meeting
Dr. David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Southwestern Academic Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) at Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California provided keynote lectures at the 19th Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM) in Niagara Falls this past Friday.
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Drs. David Armstrong and Anthony Merendino |
The lectures, which featured research ranging from implantable medical devices to advances in reconstructive surgery, highlighted a meeting which attracted clinicians from across Canada and worldwide.
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HEALTHCARE NEWS |
AI System Predicts Billions of Potential Side Effects From Drug Combinations
An artificial intelligence system developed by researchers at Stanford University could ultimately help physicians make more informed decisions about which medications to safely prescribe. The AI system, called Decagon, is able to predict billions of potential side effects from drug combinations—no small feat given that there are nearly 125 billion possible side effects between all possible pairs of drugs, most of which have never been prescribed together or systematically studied.
Researchers contend that the predictions generated by the deep learning approach, once provided to doctors in a more user-friendly format, would significantly improve the current capability available to clinicians—namely, mere chance.
Source: Greg Slabodkin, Health Data Management [11/8/18]
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY |
CMS Finalizes 2019 Rules - Part 3
3. Changes to the 2019 PFS include the following:
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Elimination of the requirement to document the medical necessity of a home visit in lieu of an office visit.
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For established patients, when relevant information is already in the medical record, practitioners can focus documentation on what has changed since the last visit. Practitioners don’t need to re-enter the defined list of required elements as long as they have reviewed and updated the previous information as needed.
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Practitioners need not re-enter information on the patient’s chief complaint and history that has already been entered by ancillary staff or the patient.
Source: Todd Shryock, Medical Economics [11/2/18]
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CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Bundling and Unbundling of Toe Surgery
Our doctor is going to be preforming a surgery on a patient and a couple of the codes have an edit. He is going to correct the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th toes (left foot), hammertoes, and metatarsal osteotomies on the 2nd metatarsal and 3rd metatarsal (left foot) and open reduction of the 2nd and 3rd MPJ dislocations (left foot). Can we get paid separately for the metatarsal osteotomies since we are billing the MPJ dislocation reduction as well? I know there is an edit there but I am wondering if a modifier will help at all. It is more work obviously than just doing the hammertoes and dislocations, so I want to double-check that we can’t get paid for all three codes.
Jessica Diaz, Billing Specialist, Office of Jonathan M. Little, DPM, Bellevue, NE
Response: I suggest billing the hammertoe and metatarsal osteotomies only. CPT 28285 is hammertoe correction. It does not say arthroplasty. So all aspects of correcting the hammertoe are bundled within that code especially if the MTPJ work is minimal.
Now, if the work at the MTPJ is significant, then in theory it could be billed separately. BUT, in order to do the osteotomy, you would need to enter the joint and then afterwards repair the joint. This is included in the osteotomy procedure allowance. So how is this different than the repair of dislocation? By billing both you are in essence double billing for the same work.
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL) |
Query: Universal Format for Radiographic Evaluation?
After reading x-rays, I list the findings in a paragraph titled “radiographic evaluation” which is in the patient's note. I have been doing this for years. In another area titled "plan," I list the views and location where the x-rays were taken.
I just had to refund monies for an x-ray evaluation because my information didn't meet the standards set forth by the AAOS Bulletin dated Jan/Feb 2007, which listed that the interpretation must include views, anatomic location, diagnosis, reason for the x-ray, and interpretation. This information is to be listed in a separate document.
Does anyone have experience with this situation? Is there a universal format which meets this criteria?
Frank DiPalma, DPM, Athens, GA
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QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) |
Query: Affordable Ultrasound Machine
My old ultrasound machine finally died. As much as I would love to get a $16,000 machine, it is impractical at this time. There are a number of lower level machines in the $6,000 range that are probably more technically advanced than my old one. What can my colleagues who use US regularly suggest for a new machine?
Ron Werter, DPM, NY, NY
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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No x-ray machine needed! |
Source: Submitted by Dr. Brian Kiel
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Diabetic Limb Salvage Fellowship
Two positions for a 12-month Diabetic Limb Salvage fellowship beginning July 1, 2019. Candidates must complete a podiatry residency by June 30, 2019 and be eligible for a Texas Podiatric Medical License. Training involves all aspect of diabetic foot management. Curriculum focuses on surgical limb salvage, and medical management of the complex, high-risk diabetic patients at risk for limb loss. Interested candidates should email their CV, personal statement and three (3) letters of recommendation to Tomeka.bennett@utsouthwestern.edu UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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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 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MARYLAND
Established practice looking for a full-time podiatrist for our three Maryland locations. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical skills including ulcer care, diabetes, surgery and general foot care. Must have a strong office personality with the ability to maintain and attract patients. Must be willing to merge into an already established protocol based office. Please send C/V to podiatristsmd@gmail.com
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 – HOUSTON, TEXAS
Busy podiatry practice seeks motivated DPM to join our team. Amazing opportunity for someone looking to grow with us. Incredible company culture. Suburban outpatient practice in an active part of town. Sports medicine and lots of kids. No weekends or hospital call. Interested applicants invited to send CV's to: HoustonDPMJob@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOS ANGELES CA
Excellent opportunity for hard working, ethical rearfoot and ankle trained foot & ankle surgeon. Full scope practice including fore/rearfoot surgery, trauma, biomechanics. Located across the street from a major hospital. Associateship leading to partnership. Email CV to lafootanklesurgeon@gmail.com
MULTI-LOCATION GROUP - CHICAGO/NEAR WEST SUBURBS
Seeking F.T. ABFAS Board Certified/Eligible associate- P.T. available. MINIMUM 2 year practice experience required. Surgical/ortho patients. Great staff. DME, MIS, EMR, ultrasound, PRP, shockwave, digital x-ray, laser, sx center & Physical Therapy- Top pay, associateship & practice equity available for experienced candidates. Contact podiatryoffer@gmail.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 - LOUISVILLE, KY
Immediate opportunity to walk into a busy three doctor practice to take over for an established podiatrist moving back to his home town for family reasons. Multifaceted well-equipped office centrally located with a local residency. Send resume and letter of interest to benfeet@yahoo.com.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE – BROOKLYN, NY
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities in Brooklyn, NY. Great opportunity for part-time income. Position available immediately! Send inquiries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – WESTERN PA
Well-established podiatry practice in Western, PA looking for a full-time Podiatrist to join their team. Position will involve seeing patients at multiple hospitals, wound care centers and satellite offices. Basic qualification: Graduation from an accredited medical school and completed accredited residency program. Board Certified/Qualified. Certificate/license medical license to practice in State of Pennsylvania. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to our team members. email CV to: dysteindpm@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – PHOENIX
Phoenix office seeking the services of podiatrists. Practice offers a great opportunity to the right physicians to establish and grow. Physicians holding an Arizona State license preferred. IMMEDIATE full and part-time openings available. Please email your CV and cover letter to FootAnkleRescue@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 POSITION – NORTH CAROLINA
Great opportunity in rural Northeastern NC! 20 year, well established practice with multiple locations, ready to continue to grow, seeking hard working podiatrist/s just entering practice or with experience, to join us. North Carolina license a must, Send questions and/or CV to iiicms@aol.com
FULL-TIME or PART-TIME PODIATRIST - DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA
PSR 24-36 Trained Multi-dimensional, Multi-office group treating a wide range of patients to include: forefoot, rearfoot, diabetic wound care, sports medicine and work-related injuries. A great opportunity for driven personable individual. Please e-mail CV, Letter of references, 1 minute Video Introduction Email: cnunez1940@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - EASTERN SHORE of MD
Multiple office practice located on the Eastern Shore of MD near beaches. Seeking motivated, energetic individual to join our three existing physicians willing to start within 3-4 months. We are an expanding practice with focus on all aspects of Podiatric care. Offices equipped with ultrasound, digital imaging, 3-D scanners, onsite ambulatory surgery center and many other state of the art amenities. Excellent salary with bonus and benefits package. dpmkthomas@gmail.com
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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CLASSIFIED ADS PART 2 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE – BLOOMINGTON, IN
A well-established, profitable 47 year-old podiatry practice is for sale in Bloomington, Indiana. All office equipment and inventory is separately for sale, including but not limited to a digital x-ray, c-arm, laser, and power chairs. Inquires can be made to blmpodiatry@gmail.com
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
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
Have retired. Selling surgical instruments and Ellman Surgitron For pictures and prices. Contact. Ksherkin@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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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.
| Guidelines |
- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
other publications or listservs without our express written
permission.
- Notes must be in the following form:
RE: (Topic)
From: (your name, DPM)
Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use
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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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