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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,694 Subscribers Daily
November 23, 2019 #6,555  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2019- 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 recommend or dispense cannabidiol (CBD) products?
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Hair Loss on Toes Could Indicate PAD: FL & MD Podiatrists
If you notice bald toes, it could be arterial disease. If the fuzz on your toes suddenly disappears, it could signal poor blood circulation caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD). “Signs of PAD can include decreased hair growth on the feet and ankles, purplish toes, and thin or shiny skin,” says Suzanne Fuchs, DPM, a podiatric surgeon in private practice at Luxe Podiatry in Palm Beach, FL. A buildup of plaque in the leg arteries, PAD affects about 8 million Americans. Symptoms are subtle, but doctors can check for a healthy pulse in the foot. In severe cases, they may spot PAD on an x-ray.
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Drs. Suzanne Fuchs and Gary Pichney |
“If I take an x-ray of a broken foot, and I see a hardening of the arteries, 99 percent of the time, the same thing is happening in the heart blood vessels,” says Gary A. Pichney, DPM, a podiatric surgeon of The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.
Source: Kelsey Kloss, MSN Lifestyle [11/20/19]
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| PODIATRISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE | |
MN Podiatrist Discusses Causes of Arch Pain in Runners
High arches can cause pain if you don’t have the right footwear to support them. Conversely, low arches or flat feet can also contribute, especially in the wrong shoe, says Judith Sperling, DPM, a podiatrist at the Twin Cities Foot & Ankle Clinic in Woodbury, MN, who has worked as part of the medical teams for the New York City, Boston, L.A., and Twin Cities Marathons.
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Dr. Judith Sperling |
As your arch caves in, your posterior tibial tendon — which attaches the calf to the inside of the foot—works overtime to support it, and eventually can become fatigued and painful. Arch pain can also result from osteoarthritis in the joints across the middle of the foot, she says.
Source: Cindy Kuzma, Runner's World [11/14/19]
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| RELEVANT RESEARCH | |
Effect of Simple Interrupted Suture Spacing on Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes of Skin Closures
In this prospective study, half of the elliptical surgical wounds of the trunk and extremities was repaired with simple interrupted sutures spaced 5 mm apart, and the other half was repaired with simple interrupted sutures 10 mm apart. There were no significant differences in minor wound complications between high-density and low-density suture spacing. At 3 months post-surgery, physicians and patients preferred the cosmesis of the low-density suture placement, but this preference disappeared by 6 months.
While no functional and complication differences were observed between 5-mm versus 10-mm suture placement, placing sutures farther apart may result in better initial cosmesis and help conserve time and suture material.
Source: InYoung Kim, MD, PhD, Practice Update [11/18/19] via Dr. Allen Jacobs
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Tips to Boost Billing and Collections - Part 6
It’s that time of year again when everyone is planning ways to make the upcoming year their best year yet. If your practice is like most other practices, then one area where you could use some work is billing and collections. Here are some resolutions that can improve your billing and collections in 2020.
6. Designate a go-to person for billing.
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Make sure you have one person on your staff who is thoroughly trained and experienced in all things billing.
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Refer any staff and patient questions or issues to this person.
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Spend the time and money to train your go-to person, too, as your revenue depends on her capabilities. It's also wise to cross-train in case your billing pro has to miss work for a lengthy period.
Source: Avery Hurt, Physicians Practice [11/4/19]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Metatarsal Fractures
How would you code non-displaced fractures of third and fourth metatarsals of the right foot? The patient also presents with a mildly displaced second metatarsal fracture of the right foot. After a local anesthestic block, I attempted an unsuccessful closed reduction of the second metatarsal. X-rays were taken initially and after attempting closed reduction. I do not plan to take this patient to the operating room. This is a Medicare patient.
PM News Subscriber
Response: Here are the ICD codes:
S92.334A: Non-displaced fracture of second metatarsal bone, right foot, initial encounter for closed fracture
S92.334A: Non-displaced fracture of third metatarsal bone, right foot, initial encounter for closed fracture
S92.344A: Non-displaced fracture of fourth metatarsal bone, right foot, initial encounter for closed fracture
The CPT code: CPT 28475 (Closed treatment of metatarsal fracture; with manipulation, each)
Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Bilateral Foot Pain in Metadductus Foot
A 62-year-old male complained of bilateral forefoot pain and pain in the arches. He also said that he walks on the lateral side of his feet. He is obese and on his feet quite a bit during the day. He wears supportive, stiff soled, New Balance athletic shoes and has worn either over-the-counter or custom inserts for the last 15 years. He says the over-the-counter versus custom inserts do not make a difference regarding relief of pain. What helps him the most with his pain relief is 75 mg diclofenac daily that he has been taking for 10 years.
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Bilateral Foot Pain in Metadductus Foot |
However, he is beginning to get ringing in the ears which he attributes to the diclofenac. Radiographs of the feet show metadductus deformity bilateral as well as degenerative changes at the midfoot bilaterally. His shoes show abnormal wear on the lateral plantar heel and lateral plantar midfoot. Physical examination is unremarkable except for bunion deformity, both feet. Upon stance, his arches show mild collapse. I would like to get him off the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that he has been on for 10 years. Does anyone have any suggestions on orthotics/bracing for this patient?
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
From: Keith L. Gurnick, DPM, Allen Jacobs, DPM
It would be a better and more accurate and honest representation of who he is if his nameplate read "Brad Wenstrup, DPM" and not "Dr. Brad Wenstrup". That alone would do a lot to promote podiatry. Typically, nameplates for medical doctors read “MD," not "Dr.”
Keith L. Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
Yes, I was proud of Brad Wenstrup’s actions in the recent impeachment hearings. However, that pride was as an American not as a podiatrist. Dr. Katzen points out that the name plate states “Dr.” not DPM. I watched numerous interviews in all of which representative Wenstrup refers to himself as a surgeon, a doctor, or as a healthcare provider. The term podiatrist or podiatry never is utilized. While I am personally proud that a fellow podiatrist has risen to such prominence, and while I would believe that Dr. Wenstrup is likely in a position to assist the advancement of our profession, Brad Wenstrup, DPM on that plate would have been nice. His self-identification as “doctor” may be appropriate, but let’s not anoint him as an ambassador of podiatry.
Congresman Wenstrup is typical of today’s students who “graduated medical school" or have “ Dr.” prefixing their name. The issue is not whether you are a graduate of a podiatric medical school, whether you are a “foot and ankle surgeon”, or if you are a doctor. The issue is that ultimately you hold a DPM degree. Not MD. I ask how in the world do you expect recognition of the DPM degree and the excellent care the DPM provides when no one hears or is aware of the degree and the training and excellence in care which that degree represents.
Allen Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
From: Bill Beaton, DPM
I use DoctorDefender.com which is not a collection agency, but a collection tool that is more effective and far more affordable than collection agencies. I designed the system and had it built several years ago to help solve my personal patient collection issues and when I saw how well it worked for me. I decided to share it with other providers as an add on service through my partner's billing company, PracticeDefender.com. After two billing statements, I send a DoctorDefender notification letter for best results.
Disclosure: I am co-owner with PracticeDefender.com
Bill Beaton, DPM, Saint Petersburg, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 3 | |
RE: The Richard O. Schuster Memorial Seminar
From: Kevin A. Kirby, DPM
I have been reading with interest about the discussions regarding the biomechanics education within podiatry here on PM News. Drs. Ross, Jacobs, and Udell have all made some very good points which I would also like to elaborate on.
I have spent the last 35 years of my professional life teaching podiatry students, podiatric surgical residents, and podiatrists here in the U.S. about the intricacies of foot and lower extremity biomechanics. I have also had the honor of lecturing abroad multiple times over the past 28 years to podiatrists in other countries who consider biomechanics of the foot and lower extremity to be a very important subject, and not a subject that is somehow secondary or isolated from surgical correction of...
Editor's note: Dr. Kirby's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CODINGLINE) | |
From: Ron Werter, DPM
I do not take issue with Dr. Busman's comments about bundling. I do take issue with his surgery...a toe exostectomy taken to the OR and the patient sedated and having a painful recovery period? Does he also take a patient to the OR and sedate them for a P&A. What’s wrong with just a digital block for an exostectomy or even an arthroplasty? We can debate whether the digital exostectomy should be done in the office as podiatrists have been doing them for the past 50 years, but to sedate a patient for that is just wrong.
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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Futuristic Shoe? |
Source: Naveed Nizami via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ANKLE & FOOT ASSOCIATES DEFORMITY CORRECTION & ADVANCED SURGICAL SKILLS FELLOWSHIP - SE GEORGIA
Fellow position available for the year 2020-2021. Focus on deformity correction, orthoplastics, minimally invasive surgery, and trauma. Interested candidates should send CV to AnkleandFootFellowship@outlook.com. Fellow to be chosen by mid-December.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS
Is your ideal practice opportunity one with all aspects of podiatry included? We are a group practice with 6 offices looking for the right surgically trained board qualified/certified doctor to join our family. Forefoot and rearfoot surgery, as well as, wound care and limb salvage with privileges at 2 local hospitals are available. Partnership is certainly part of the long-term plan. We are looking for the right candidate. Send all inquiries and CVs to sgrulke2002@yahoo.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY - MISSOURI, MINNESOTA AND KENTUCKY
Looking for reliable and ethical podiatrists to service Skilled Nursing Facilities, Nursing Homes, and Assisted Living Centers. Generous compensation offered. Positions available immediately in Kentucky, Minnesota, and Missouri. Send inquiries and CV to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MARYLAND
Perfect opportunity for highly motivated individual with excellent clinical skills and bedside manner. Candidate must be proficient with inpatient management, wound care and all aspects of podiatry. Competitive compensation package which includes base salary and bonus structure. Email letter of interest/CV to contact@shadygrovepodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION PART-TIME – BROOKLYN, NY
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (LONG BEACH)
Established busy practice looking for a full-time podiatrist. This special doctor should be personal, teachable, motivated and independent. Five or more years of practice experience welcome. Need someone immediately. Please submit a CV with a cover letter and three professional references to PodiatristLB@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SAN ANTONIO, TX
Well established practice seeks full-time podiatrist in San Antonio, TX. Recent expansion to second office location offers exclusive opportunity for growth. Candidate must possess strong surgical and clinical skills and have a team player attitude. Salary with incentive structure and benefits. Please send description of your background, training, practice expectations and CV to: lisa.baine@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – LOS ANGELES, CA
Established multispecialty private practice group seeking well trained and ambitious specialist to treat podiatry and wound care patients. Expertise in complex and chronic wounds is needed but residency or wound care certification not required. Full-time and well compensated based on a private practice productivity model with salary and benefits guaranteed. Our experienced team provides beautiful, fully equipped offices with on-site ASCs. We provide trained office staff, marketing and expert revenue cycle management, ensuring doctors can focus on patient care. Excellent opportunity to build a great wound care and podiatry practice as part of a reputable and established company. TWCCJobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PISCATAWAY/HILLSBOROUGH NJ
Come join our fun-loving team. Looking for a full-time or part-time podiatrist for a well-run established practice. You will immediately be busy with new patients. Only serious inquires please. Send your CV to drwishnie@stopfootpainfast.com and write “I am your next shiny star” in the subject line and tell me why in the body of the email.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ROCKLAND/WESTCHESTER/SUBURBAN NYC
Well-established foot and ankle surgery/sports medicine practice looking to hire a Talented Team Player to add to our successful family. Must be surgically trained, willing to work hard, and grow with us. Highly competitive salary. Modern, advanced equipment, including PinPointe Laser. Terrific opportunity for the right doctor. Signing bonus. Partnership potential. Please send Cover Letter and CV to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY
Multi-office podiatry practice in Suffolk County seeks full time associate, leading to partnership. New York State license required. Must be self-motivated and energetic. Competitive compensation package. Please email CV to newpodiatrist@optimum.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION – CALIFORNIA
Seeking a professional full-time Associate Podiatric Surgeon to join our cutting-edge, well-established and respected team on the Central Coast, California. We are looking for a well-rounded individual to perform all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. The candidate must have excellent diagnostic and interpersonal skills. We offer a competitive compensation package. Applicants must submit a CV and cover letter in PDF format. Professional references must be provided at the time of submission. Submit to: heather@ccfaas.com
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST - METROPOLITAN MARYLAND
Established practice (3 locations) looking for a full-time podiatrist with opportunity for partnership. Must be motivated, personable and dedicated to our growing practice. Must have strong skills in wound care, diabetes, general podiatry and surgery. The ideal candidate will be able to merge into an already protocol-based office. State of the art, fully staffed facility including EMR, PadNet, DME, digital x-rays and shoe stores on premises. Staff privileges at 3 local hospitals. Great location close to Washington D.C. and Virginia. Please send CV to marylandpodiatryjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NAPLES, FL
Immediate and July 2020 associate positions for busy practice in SWFL. ABFAS or ABPM BC or BQ. Interpersonal skills and willingness to work as a team a must. Cloud EMR, Digital x-rays, Ultrasound, DME. Base salary, bonus, health, 401K, Paid vacations etc. Our practice cadaver surgical labs to enhance everyone's skills as a group exclusively available. If you like FL sunshine, fishing, golfing, beaches and to live and work in paradise. Also 1 fellowship position: ACFAS-approved surgical fellowship open for 2020 yr. MIS, RRA Surgery, Practice Management w over 1,200 procedures/450 cases/yr. Must have foot/RRA ABFAS qualified status by 8/2020. DrLam@NaplesPodiatrist.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ALABAMA
Love the beach? Busy, established practice located in a coastal community is looking for a full-time or part-time podiatrist! ABFAS board qualification or certification is required. Must be motivated, hardworking, positive, and dedicated to growing the practice and individual career and reputation. Must have great people skills, caring bedside manner, and positive demeanor. Must work well with staff and local medical community. Competitive pay and partnership track available. Send CV and contact information to: manager@southbaldwinpodiatry.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. 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 |
PODIATRY PRACTICE FOR SALE – WESTCHESTER, NY
Well established, successful, located downtown in growing major city Westchester, NY. Parking, public transportation. Retiring due to health reasons. On surgical staff of close major hospital, On ALL major health insurances, four treatment rooms, power chairs, EMR with Dragon, Electronic Billing, ERx, Digital Xray,Vascular Testing, Fluoroscopy, RSWT, Ultrasound, Radiofrequency, Cryoprobe, Autoclave, Whirlpools, Footmax Metascan, complete surgical (with power) and conservative care instruments. PRICED TO SELL. Will introduce. E-mail: lifehope53@yahoo.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - CUTTING EDGE MLS MPHI 5 LASER
Pre-owned Cutting Edge MLS Mphi 5 Laser, with upgraded Battery and new features for treatment of most all Inflammatory Conditions. New $48k. Now $21,500 obo Shipping included. Contact: surgeonman@aol.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. 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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