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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 22,112 Subscribers Daily
November 22, 2024 #7,900 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management® https://podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2024- 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
Have you been sued for malpractice? |
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
Chat with Your Doctor Before Trying OTC Foot Products: IL Podiatrist
If you have foot pain or are interested in making walking more comfortable, you may be tempted to try insoles or other over-the-counter foot gadgets from the drugstore. But Patrick McEneaney, DPM, a podiatrist and owner/CEO of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, said you should chat with your doctor before buying. “With so many things on the market, just buying an insert or buying something over-the-counter, it might not be the type you need,” Dr. McEneaney told HuffPost.
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Dr. Patrick McEneaney |
In addition, McEneaney said, “[I commonly see] people will wear shoes that are wrong for their foot types. Having an appropriate shoe for the activity, also having the appropriate shoe for your foot is almost even more important. It’s a good idea to get evaluated and see if there are any problems.” However, McEneaney and other podiatrists said there are some unlikely non-medical items that can make walking feel better for your feet.
Source: Griffin Wynne, Huff Post [11/16/24]
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PODIATRIC SUPERGROUPS IN THE NEWS |
Hugar Foot and Ankle Specialists Merges with Weil Foot and Ankle Institute
Hugar Foot and Ankle Specialists joined Weil Foot and Ankle Institute, a multi-physician group practice of podiatrists with over 20 locations across the Midwest in April of this year. Ronald Hugar, DPM has continued on as staff podiatrist and surgeon in Elmwood Park, IL and has kept the same hospital affiliations.
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(L-R) Drs. Ronald Hugar, Nicolas Beci, and Nader Sadi |
New associates Nicolas Beci, DPM and Nader Sadi, DPM have recently joined the Elmwood Park staff as well. Dr. Beci specializes in bunions, wounds, plantar plate repair, biomechanics, and sports injuries. Dr. Sadi specializes in bunions, diabetic foot care and Charcot reconstruction, rearfoot reconstruction, sports medicine, and wound care.
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY |
NJ Podiatrist Retires After 48 Years
After nearly five decades of dedicated service, Bayonne native Schail C. Frank, DPM, is retiring, marking the end of an era in local healthcare. Born and raised in Bayonne, Dr. Frank has spent his life living and working in the community he has always called home. Throughout his career, he became a fixture in the Bayonne community, providing expert foot care with a personal touch. From addressing everyday ailments to more complex issues, his attention to detail and patient-first approach earned him lasting respect and gratitude.
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Dr. Schail Frank |
“I’ve loved every minute of serving this community,” said Dr. Frank. “It’s been a privilege to care for my patients and their families over the years.” In retirement, Dr. Frank looks forward to spending more time with his wife, three children, and seven grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence and deep commitment to Bayonne, where his contributions will not be forgotten.
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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 |
How to Talk with Patients About Billing
You know how much you have invested in your career and how much money it takes to run a medical practice, but your patients may not. If you let patients know from the beginning that you are running a business and expect to be paid, you’ll have far fewer collections problems in the long run. Fortunately, having this conversation is not as difficult as you may think.
3. Give people a chance
The majority of patients take their financial obligations seriously. They value your services and expertise. They just need to understand what they are responsible for paying. It’s your job to explain that to them. “The conversation doesn’t have to be all ‘Thou shall,’ ‘Thou shall not,’ and ‘We reserve the right,’” Hertz says. “Be up front, human, and matter-of-fact. It’s just a matter of person-to-person communication.”
Source: Avery Hurt, Physician's Practice [7/9/24]
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PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW |
Prosecutors Say NY Podiatrist Involved in Foot Bath Fraud Scheme
A federal grand jury seated in Harrisburg returned indictments earlier this month against seven people, including the owner of the Sterling Pharmacy, in Jermyn, PA, where several of the purportedly fraudulent foot bath orders were routed. A Brooklyn-based podiatrist, Diana Castro, 53, approved hundreds of unnecessary prescription foot bath orders for patients recruited at health fairs in New York and by a diabetic shoe salesman in Scranton. Castro also allegedly used another physician's national provider identifier without their knowledge.
Source: Joe Kohut, WNEP.com [11/19/24]
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CODING & BILLING) |
From: Charles Morelli, DPM
Don't bill for a "flatfoot", but rather bill for the patient's conditions that either are instrumental in having caused the flatfoot, or are a painful sequela of the flatfoot. I don't believe I have ever had a "flatfoot patient's" claim denied as I have yet to see a flat foot that doesn't have one or more of the following: an equinus, PTT dysfunction, PT tendonitis or partial tear, os naviculare, ligament laxity, LLD, or degenerative joint disease. Using any of the above should result in your claim not being rejected.
Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY
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Job Title: Podiatrist, 2 Open Positions
Location: Portland and The Dalles, Oregon
Join Our Growing Clinic!
We are an expanding podiatry clinic located in the beautiful Portland and The Dalles areas, and we’re looking for 2 dedicated podiatrists to join our team! If you’re passionate about providing comprehensive foot and ankle care and want to be part of a supportive and dynamic environment, we want to hear from you!
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A |
From: Allen M. Jacobs, DPM
Dr. Roth expresses his "disgust" at the treatment of plantar fasciitis by a colleague. He opines that the "younger podiatrists" are motivated by money rather than patient well-being. He states that the patient consulted with an insurance covered podiatrist rather than "me", (that is) Dr. Roth. What was most disconcerting to me was the statement that Dr. Roth reviews anything for the purpose of making a judgment on the necessity of care and, hopefully not, standard of care.
Dr. Roth is critical of the utilization of ECSWT for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. In point of fact, while I personally do not employ ECSWT due to the general difficulty in obtaining insurance coverage for this modality, it is an acceptable and not-infrequently utilized modality for the management of plantar fasciitis. There is reasonable literature support for this modality in the management of...
Editor's note: Dr. Jacobs' extended-length letter can be read here.
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1B |
From: Charles Morelli, DPM
I'd like to echo Dr. Roth's sentiment and experience when it comes to the fact that "the medical billing rip-off is rampant in medicine and podiatry." Yes, every profession has their bad actors, but sometimes you come across with a story that makes you shake your head. I'll try to be brief.
A patient was seeing the same podiatrist every 6 weeks, for over 22 years. He was treating her for a chronically ingrown nail, was cutting the corner of her nail, charging her the $25.00 co-pay and I imagine also billing her insurance carrier. She called one day for an appointment and asked to be seen as she was in pain, and felt it was an emergency. According to the patient, no matter how hard she pleaded, she could not be seen and...
Editor's note: Dr. Morelli's extended-length letter can be read here.
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1C |
From: Adam M Budny, DPM
I read this post earlier today and quite honestly I was perplexed, as I am one of the "insurance podiatrists" who I believe represent the majority of the profession, as opposed to a boutique/direct pay" podiatrist (which seems to be Dr. Roth's implied practice model?). I see nothing wrong with billing a new patient visit or x-ray as a diagnostic study. How else would a practice run if you did not bill new/established visits of one sort or another?
Specifically, in my experience and clinical practice, stretching exercises are actually the mainstay of management for plantar fasciitis, and all of my patients are given literature and a home exercise program (HEP) for performing this at their initial visit. Regarding shockwave therapy, this is also a well accepted treatment option per the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Clinical Consensus...
Editor's note: Dr. Budny's extended-length letter can be read here.
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1D |
From: Robert Maccabee, DPM
In Ivar Roth’s recent post, he claims "the medical billing (in his mind) is a rip off”... One of his 411 posts to PM News. Not exactly the guy I would expect to do forensic reviews regarding toxic billing. He claims to be out-of-network and his Concierge Podiatry and “SPA” giving mani and pedi treatments. This just doesn’t seem like the practitioner to be reviewing billings. So if a patient comes in, as he mentions in his post, don't use shockwave as it’s not covered via insurance - but you’re out-of-network and charging them even if they might not want an injection initially. I gather he’d nail them for orthotics even before attempting what he calls a worthless therapy program.
After, if I read correctly, an injection that didn’t work, prescribe an orthotic that for this guy didn’t work, but when all else fails, don’t attempt surgery but go to you (as you’re the be all and end all), but charge him out-of-network and call all this toxic. Really? Come on - sounds like a little B.S. to me from the guy who's promoting mani, pedis, facials, or what you call hydro facials and inject some wacky “Paincur” that he seems to have invented as the website has him as the inventor. I know of no real pain management “physician” who has ever heard of it, but I gather he's charging multiple visits for that. Really? and he claims other podiatrists are charging “Toxically”.
Robert Maccabee, DPM, NY, NY
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Sneaker with built-in x-ray machine? |
Source;: kicksinfire.com via Dr. Jason Homan
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MEETINGS & WEBINARS
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Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
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CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 22,000 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 22,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - ANNAPOLIS, MD
26 year old practice grossing over 7 figures, newly renovated, turn-key protocol-based practice ½ mile from hospital. 8 treatment rooms with space for more, ultra sound, x-ray and on-site ASC with 1st floor parking. Owner doc staying to help transition amazing team. Contact annapolispodiatry@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BAYONNE, NEW JERSEY
Bayonne’s own Dr. Schail C. Frank, a trusted podiatrist serving the community for 48 years, is selling his beloved practice. All essential equipment included for a seamless transition. Don’t miss this opportunity to continue his legacy. Contact Dr. Frank at 201-858-4600 or broadwaypodiatry@yahoo.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BERGEN COUNTY, NJ
Established practice with two locations for sale. ully equipped and staffed practice locations. Opportunity to purchase, generate immediate cash flow and grow the business. Full range of service offering with surgery center and hospitals conveniently located. Contact: MCrosby518@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - NY CITY - MANHATTAN PRIME LOCATION
Established practice for sale. Owner desires to sell and transition. Opportunity to take over established patient base and ground level location. Well-pointed office with consistent retentive patient flow. Contact: MCrosby518@gmail.com
OFFICE FOR RENT - PARAMUS NEW JERSEY
Beautiful Office for rent configured for podiatry. All other offices in the building are medical. Four treatment rooms, waiting room, reception, storage room, private office, x-ray room, lab, kitchen, two private bathrooms with public bathroom in hallway. Beautiful glass building, exceptional amount of parking right off 17 North next to Paramus Park and close to VALLEY HOSPITAL. Reserved doctor’s parking space under building. 2300 ft². If interested, send text to. 201.452.2774.
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CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE AND FACULTY POSITIONS, AND FELLOWSHIPS |
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 20,000 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 21,900 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
POSITION WANTED: FACILITIES IN CLEVELAND AREA/NORTHEAST OHIO
BALANCE HEALTH SURGICAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Balance Health is dedicated to supporting our future and has developed multiple one-year surgical fellowships with some of the brightest in our field. Fellowship opportunities exist in Chicago (Weil fellowship) and in California in the San Francisco area, Sacramento, Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego for the 25/26 year. We offer a competitive fellowship salary and benefits while offering in depth surgical training. Balance Health, the largest podiatry majority owned and operated practice in the nation with nearly 250 doctors, over 100 offices, a dermatopathology lab with an on-staff dermatopathologist and operates in nine States. Interested candidates can email Devon Glazer, DPM at fellowships@balancehealth.com or learn more at https://balancehealth.com/surgical-fellowship-program/
ASSOCIATE WITH PARTNERSHIP POTENTIAL! - SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Busy six doctor, well established, state-of-the-art equipped, 2-location practice in Southwest Florida. Seeking a motivated, surgically trained, team player to join our Foot And Ankle family. Unrestricted wide scope of podiatric privileges at three local hospitals with corresponding emergency department call. Full variety of clinical options from sports medicine, wound care, trauma, forefoot/rearfoot/ankle surgical pathology, and professional high risk preventative management. Base salary, incentive bonus schedule, 401(k), medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, uniforms, and all marketing as well as professional dues provided. For more information or interview, contact 941-626-2997 by text.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND, NY
Advanced Foot Care seeks a FT Podiatrist for its upscale 8 Location Long Island practices. Excellent work environment in our newly renovated modern offices with excellent company culture. Work with the Latest technology and Billing Software. Must be motivated with a superior work ethic and positive energy. Competitive W-2 Compensation with benefits. Visit www.AdvancedFootCare.com and email dr.pedramh@advancedfootcare.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CONNECTICUT
Well established, busy three office private practice seeking a surgically trained podiatrist. Very competitive salary. Benefits include 401k with match and fully paid malpractice and health insurances. Gas for travel reimbursed. Must be ABFAS qualified/certified. Please email any questions or CV and references to pferrantedpm@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SYRACUSE, NY
Exciting opportunity for a motivated individual in a well-rounded podiatry practice. We are looking for someone who is motivated to help the practice grow and be part of our team as we continue to help the community and enjoy what we do. Ample opportunity for surgical skills, wound care, and/or primary podiatric care. Please email: docryanlee@gmail.com with resume.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA
Small multi location practice seeks podiatrist, non-surgical/surgical. Flexible schedule with percentage based salary. Licensed in Florida with immediate start date. Please send resumes to nppodiatry@gmail.com
PER DIEM POSITION – CENTRAL NY
Bassett Healthcare Network, a progressive, academic health system in central New York, major teaching affiliate of Columbia University, is seeking a per diem podiatric surgeon to join our staff. Bassett Healthcare Network is an integrated healthcare system that provides care and service to people living in an eight-county region covering 5,600 square miles in Central New York. Rotational On-Call expectations will be required • 180 Bed Primary Hospital with Level III Trauma Center • Instant Referral Base provided by over 300 Primary Care Clinicians • Salary Range: $130/Hour For confidential consideration, please contact: Ashley Camarata, Medical Staff Recruiter 607-547-6982 or Ashley.camarata@bassett.org
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW JERSEY
Well established podiatric, surgical and medical practice located at the Jersey shore. Over 30 years in practice with over 30,000 charts. Two fully equipped office locations, including x-ray highly trained office staff with in-house billing, fully electronic medical and billing system, grossing approximately $500,000. Practice for sale. Contact at drkachmar@icloud.com
MOBILE PODIATRISTS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY! – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Home Foot Care, Inc. Mobile Podiatry Co. is hiring FULL OR PART TIME Podiatrists to treat home bound patients throughout SoCal. Choose your own days/hours, excellent GUARANTEED DAILY RATE, benefits, cloud based EHR, equipment/supplies, support staff, we teach billing/coding. Great opportunity! Email CV to: homefootcare@hotmail.com Check out www.footdocs2u.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS
Full-time position available for two-office practice. Practice sees 50% general podiatry conditions and 50% wound care. Our practice is looking for a self-motivated go-getter podiatrist who is friendly with great bedside manners as well as excellent podiatric skills. Candidate must be willing to accept consults at the hospital. Email: totalfootandanklecare@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – DAYTON, OHIO
Well established, fully equipped single office private practice looking for part/full time associate. Candidate should be highly motivated with strong surgical and clinical skills. Competitive salary, bonus structure, paid malpractice and benefit package. Potential for buy-in available if interested. Please email CV to schapman1@woh.rr.com
MOBILE PODIATRIST - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Leading mobile podiatry practice in California. Positions available in Los Angeles County and San Diego County both full/part time. The most competitive compensation, bonus opportunities. Great for new graduates, those with families or anyone wanting to increase their revenue. Podiatrists love working with us! Unique opportunity with a flexible environment and full support of a well-established healthcare team. Access to full office staff and AI tech. Email info@anywherefootandanklecare.com
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – AL, GA, IL, KS, LA, MO, MS & TN
Aria Care Partners is seeking Mobile Podiatrists to work 1-2 days/week in skilled nursing facilities. You will have autonomy and focus on clinical care while we take care of all scheduling and billing. Guaranteed daily base rate plus competitive compensation. Electronic charting and all equipment provided. Make a true difference in an under-served population. New graduates or experienced practitioners are welcome! Email CV to: kcampbell@aria.care.
ASSOCIATE POSITION OPEN IN DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA
Join our dynamic multi-specialty group, spanning 6 locations in DFW, equipped with cutting-edge technology, physical therapy and an established patient base. Our practice also includes a surgery center. We offer a competitive starting salary with bonus and benefits. Send your CV to Cnunez1940@gmail.com.
TEXAS THE WOODLANDS - WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY!
Successful, multi-location, expanding, innovative, well respected, patient centered, podiatric practice seeking well-rounded physician. Must be personable, skilled, ethical, proactive, versatile, and well-trained. Live, work, raise your family in the Woodlands, TX …voted the “Best City To Live In America”. Texas does not have personal income tax, the economy is always strong, and everyone is moving here. We are thriving and building the future. We have our own surgery center, physical therapy imaging center, and in-house billing. We offer competitive base salary with bonus and benefits. Become one of the BEST! Immediate Opening. Send Resume to: alexandra@nevillefeet.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – VIRGINIA
Growing podiatry practice is seeking a high energy associate interested in providing care to multi senior living facilities as well as working into a partnership to own the practice in 2 to 4 years. The office is located in Annandale, Virginia. Great opportunity to add a surgical aspect to the practice as surgery is currently referred out. Compensation is personal productivity commission based. There is a 1,000 dollar sign on bonus. Please respond to: DrBreiner@AOL.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND
Immediate associate position to join our team. An expanding, dynamic podiatry practice with lots of room to grow. Limb salvage, deformity, trauma & clinic. Multiple hospitals to take call, hospital call required. Maryland license preferred, BQ preferred, not required. Full benefit package available. Please email CV to footanklerecon@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WASHINGTON STATE
We are a busy, 4 office practice in Western Washington with free standing surgery center, seeking a board qualified/certified podiatrist to begin as soon as possible. Please send CV to bbrickman@pacpodgroup.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LAS VEGAS, NV
Busy and well-established practice located in a medical district and two blocks from the hospital. Must have excellent bedside manner. Send cover letter and CV to: SIERRA@LASVEGASACFAC.COM
FULL TIME PODIATRIST - NEW JERSEY
Established Podiatry practice in New Jersey with multiple locations and Doctors. We are currently looking for a full-time motivated and caring Doctor to join our busy practice. Benefits include: competitive six-figure compensation ranging from $155,000-$250,000, health insurance (including vision & dental), paid vacation time off, paid malpractice insurance and 401(k) plan. Great prospects for experienced Doctors as well as new Associates. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your podiatric medical experience in an office-based practice! If interested, please submit your CV to DrSamofal@PodiatryCenterNJ.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
Well-established, busy podiatric group seeking surgically trained podiatrist. Multiple locations, full patient schedules, lower extremity MRI, state-of-the-art technology, competitive compensation. Lexington is located within a few hours' travel to approximately two-thirds of the U.S. population and provides healthcare needs for Southern, Central and Eastern Kentucky. Submit CV and 3 references to dr.allen@LFAAC.com
POSITION AVAILABLE – MARYLAND
Great opportunity to join a well-rounded, growing, podiatry practice in Maryland. We hire employees with high integrity, a belief in teamwork, and a passion for our brand. We strive for accuracy and consistency. We desire a physician who is centered on patient commitment. Cleanliness is a must. If you are an energetic, enthusiastic, and tenacious, podiatrist, email us your contact information and resume. Text 410 459-4909 or Info@HLESfootcare.com
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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.
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