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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 19,252 Subscribers Daily
November 07, 2017 #6,052  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2017- 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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Do you use a collection agency? |
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| PODIATRISTS AND DIABETES | |
IL Podiatrist Stresses Patient Education for Diabetics
When people with diabetes come to me for the first time, "I teach them the importance of keeping their blood glucose under control through diet, checking their blood glucose, and exercise, as well as the importance of regular doctor visits and getting into the habit of checking their feet before they go to bed every night. I also show my patients gross pictures or point out the people who are in the waiting area in wheelchairs who have had amputations or other problems. It helps them understand what could happen, and it gives them a reason to take care of themselves," says Stepahnie Wu, DPM, a podiatrist and Associate Dean of Research, Associate Professor of Surgery at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, in Chicago.
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Dr. Stephanie Wu |
"I don’t mean to scare them, but no one thinks anything is going to happen to him. Foot problems are like high blood pressure: There are no symptoms and no pain involved. People with high blood pressure don’t realize it’s causing a problem until they have a heart attack or stroke. Similarly, a patient of mine who works in a pizzeria stepped on a nail [but wasn’t in pain]. He thought he was too busy to take care of himself until it was too late. So, I tell my patients, “This can happen to you, but it doesn’t have to,” says Dr. Wu.
Source: Joy Pope, Diabetes Self Management [11/1/17]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
ID Podiatrist's Wound Care Program Receives Award
The Valor Health Wound Care program has received the distinguished 2017 Idaho Medical Group Management Association Community Health Award. The award recognizes an organization that has made innovations to improve the health of Idaho communities.
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Dr. T.J. Martin |
The Wound Program is under the direction of podiatrist T.J. Martin, DPM. The clinic treats below-the-knee wound care, diabetic foot care, non-surgical foot/ankle management, and inpatient medical management. The Valor Team was recognized for creating a wound care center of excellence in Gem County with excellent team-based patient care.
Source: The Messenger Index [11/3/17]
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| HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
NC Podiatrist Joins Bethany Medical Center
Brandon Barrett, DPM, MHA, a podiatrist, recently joined Bethany Medical Center’s practice in High Point. Dr. Barrett received his podiatric medical degree and masters in healthcare administration from Des Moines University.
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Dr. Brandon Barrett |
Dr. Barrett completed a three-year residency program at Harvard Medical School - Mount Auburn Hospital. He recently completed a podiatric surgery and research fellowship at the Duke University Medical Center.
Source: News and Record [11/1/17]
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| PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
Having Bunions Requires "Wearing Shoes Smartly": FL Podiatrist
“Having bunions doesn’t mean you can’t wear heels—it means wearing them smartly,” says Gregorio Caban, DPM, a podiatrist at the Surgery Center at Doral in Miami. That means you shouldn’t wear heels for hours on end and you need to scale back on the height. “A higher heel will make the foot slip forward on the shoe, creating pain and constriction of the toes and the bunion,” Dr. Caban explains.
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Dr. Gregorio Caban |
If you want to wear a pump at work, 2½-inch heels are the perfect height that won’t cause your feet to slip and slide. They have an almond-shaped toe, which scores high with podiatrists, and you can snag them in a wide width, too. The leather upper means the shoe can stretch to give your bunion even more room. Another plus: the padded footbed provides superior cushioning.
Source: Tamekia Reese, Women's Health Magazine [10/26/17]½
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Ways to Improve Patient Health Literacy - Part 6
6. Show charts and models
I use anatomy charts and models for education. I have found it to be very important to show the patients the anatomy of what is injured or why they are having pain. Using models and charts as an additional tool is very helpful and allows patients to see and better understand their condition." - John-Paul Rue, MD, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD
Source: Bob Sandrick, Physicians Practice [10/26/17]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Wound Care: SNF or Not?
I sometimes see patients from nursing homes at a wound care center. If the patient comes from a skilled nursing home and I bill CPT 97597, I understand that Medicare is not responsible for payment; that I should bill the nursing home. However, in the last month or so when I bill the nursing home, the nursing home states that the patient was not in a skilled bed at the time of service. Most of these have been billed to the nursing home after Medicare has sent a take-back request for payment for these dates. So Medicare sends a take back saying the patient was in a skilled bed and the nursing home states that the patient was not in a skilled bed at the time of service. What am I not understanding?
Martin Lesnak, DPM, Huron, OH
Response: You are correct in your understanding regarding skilled nursing facility services that fall under Consolidated Billing, involving codes like CPT 97597. The nursing home is paid by Medicare Part A for those services. And you are not. You cannot bill CGS Medicare Part B. You could try to bill the nursing home for your selective debridement services, but unless you have a prior arrangement with the nursing home, the most you may get is a “thank you for your service; no, we are not obligated to pay you.”
The question you posed that needs to be resolved is the status of the bed in which the patient resided on the day you performed the selective debridement service. You should go to the nursing home business office, and have them pull the accounting/business records on the patient. If the patient was not in a skilled nursing facility bed at the time of service, copy the records and ask the head of the business office or administrator of the nursing home to write a short note to that effect. Send the copy of the patient’s status and the note, along with a request for reconsideration and a letter of explanation, to CGS Medicare Part B.
If, however, the records show the patient was a skilled nursing facility patient at the time of your services, you have to sit down and let the nursing home administrator know, and see if you can get them to retroactively reimburse you for your services, given the confusion. It might be a longshot, but you never know.
Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Omaha, NE
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) | |
RE: The Passing of Frederic Malmberg, DPM
Dr. Frederic Malmberg, 63, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on Sunday, October 29, 2017, at his home in York. He practiced podiatry in York, PA for over 30 years.
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Dr. Frederic Malmberg |
In his free time, he excelled at a variety of pursuits, including wood carving, and was highly regarded around the world for his fine boomerang craftsmanship and won several world bommerang championships. He was an avid table tennis player, and a formidable chess player.
Source: York Daily Record [11/5/17]
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MACRA) | |
RE: 2018 MIPS Rule Could be Murphy's Law for Many Podiatrists
From: Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM
On November 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule governing its Medicare Quality Payment Program in 2018. Among other changes, the CMS has changed the low-volume threshold that excludes participation in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) to $90,000 or less in Medicare Part B allowed charges, or 200 or fewer Part B beneficiaries. The current threshold is $30,000 or less in allowed charges, or 100 or fewer beneficiaries.
I am sure many podiatrists affected by this rule will not cry over not having to comply with MIPS requirements to avoid Medicare payment cuts. But on the other side of the coin, how will this affect the many podiatrists thinking they are doing the right thing for their practices by already participating in the 2017 MIPS performance period based on the current low-volume threshold? It looks like raising the low-volume threshold in 2018 would prohibit those below the threshold from opting into and having their payments adjusted under MIPS. This begs the question of the status of those already participating. Are practices that are above the threshold in 2017 -- but below the new 2018 threshold -- now not qualified to participate in MIPS in order to receive future payment increases?
Lawrence M. Rubin, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Let's broaden the question. What protection is there from any patient who might post untrue malicious information on the Internet about any healthcare provider? If the information posted is untrue and malicious, can a patient or the Internet service he or she posted it on be held liable? It sounds like the patient described in the original query could be guilty of extortion.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
The survey quoted said that the reason why so many physicians are cutting back on their hours or opting out of medical practice is due to psychological burnout. The causes given in the paper published by the Mayo Clinic were varied. I know two general surgeons in my area who gave up doing general surgery and only do wound care. I know one young internist who was quite successful who gave up. Many internists are now opting to no longer see patients in the hospital, something which has sadly become a trend.
The article said that the clerical work which burdens physicians such as EMRs is one piece of the puzzle. Another cause is that to escape from the obscene burden of paperwork and low payments due to Obamacare plans, many physicians are joining hospital- or corporate-run practices hoping to avoid stress and increase their income only to find themselves with other burdens and no ability to control them.
I wonder how large is the "burnout" problem that affects podiatrists. How many of us reading this have experienced feelings of burnout that have caused you to consider reducing your hours or to enter a different career?
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoes of the Day
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Perfect for training to walk on stilts? (photo: Riccardo Nieddu) |
Source: Alejandra SimonettaVirtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1 ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
Group practice seeking hard working associate after January 1. ABFAS certified or 3 year residency preferred. Should have exceptional interest in forefoot and rearfoot surgery and wound care. Competitive salary and benefits with bonus and partnership opportunities. Near mountains and lakes. Forward letter of introduction and CV to: scsoledocs@gmail.com.
MOBILE PODIATRISTS NEEDED - LOS ANGELES, CA
Full Time Position available for podiatrists to visit home bound patients in the LA area and surrounding areas. Excellent compensation, flexible schedule, dedicated office support staff, cloud based EHR system. Email CV to: homefootcare@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MARYLAND
Come join our team of top docs. Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, LLC is proud to announce the need for help in our busy, multi-faceted group practice (Maryland location). Doctor leaving busy, established practice. You will have immediate patient volume to fill your schedule. We have all the administrative, marketing, and assistant help in place to help make your practice a success. See patients, do your charting, and leave the rest to us. Email your resume and cover letter to mddpm@comcast.net . We look forward to receiving your information!
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - BUFFALO, NORWICH, SCHENECTADY AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities in Buffalo, Norwich, Schenectady and their surrounding areas. Great opportunity for full-time or part-time income. Positions available immediately! inquiries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST AUGUSTINE FLORIDA
Busy practice looking for a full-time associate. PSR-36 Board qualified/certified foot and ankle surgeon. My practice has state-of-the-art equipment with the latest technologies and cutting edge procedures. Candidate must be personable, outgoing and motivated with excellent clinical and surgical skills. Ability to be busy from day one. Partnership opportunity. Must be competent in all areas conservative and surgical treatments of the foot and ankle. Competitive salary and benefits. Email CV to drfootwound@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SAN FRANCISCO, CA
We have an immediate, full-time opening in our fast-paced, technologically driven, Sports Medicine Practice. If you’re looking for a collaborative team environment, with an emphasis on work-life balance then we want to hear from you. No travel. No wound care. No Medicare. Candidate must have strong biomechanical and surgical background. Generous salary and benefits. Applications accepted online at http://www.fdfac.com/z/about-careers.html
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEBRASKA
Busy practice in Central Nebraska looking for a full-time associate. Board qualified/certified necessary. Ability to step right in and be busy from day one. Partnership opportunity. Buy-in to surgery center and/or physician owned hospital possible. Competitive compensation with good benefits. Must be competent in all areas conservative and surgical treatments of the foot and ankle. We are looking for a positive and upbeat doctor who is ready to work. Email CV to footdoc5020@gmail.com.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - MISSOURI, KANSAS, OKLAHOMA
Preferred Podiatry Group is seeking providers to join our growing practice servicing long term care facilities in several areas. We offer a competitive commission based income as well as a benefit package to our employed podiatrists. Full-time and part-time positions are available. Contact Dr. Chris Kestner at ckestner@ppgpc.com .
ASSOCIATE POSITION – DELAWARE, OHIO
Do you dream of practicing in a beautiful environment with three supportive, qualified colleagues and staff who are passionate about providing exemplary care? We have been thriving in Delaware, Ohio, near Columbus, for 35 years. Senior doctor retiring July 1, 2021. You could be a co-owner in 3 ½ years. If you’re passionate, positive, ABFAS qualified, and want to learn the “business” of practicing medicine, we should meet. Visit us at www.FAAWC.com. Contact Elia Ali at elia@faawc.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW YORK CITY
Manhattan, Bronx, & Brooklyn practice looking for highly trained DPM. Seeking excellent professional skills and communication with a team. Send CV, salary requirements to pmrbfootdocs@gmail.com
PRECEPTOR POSITION – RICHMOND, VA
Busy Podiatric office is looking for someone who is interested in working in a preceptorship role with our Doctors. If interested send CV to P O Box 8211, Richmond VA 23226 or odiel@comcast.net.
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 – WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY
Are you ready to be your own boss? Well-rounded, successful practice located in Westchester County, NY. Turnkey opportunity. Will stay as long or as short as needed to allow for a smooth transition. Fantastic location, modern office and favorable lease terms. Email letter of intent and C.V. to DPM626@yahoo.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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| 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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