


|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 11,000 Podiatrists Daily
December 06, 2008 #3,418 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A service of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2008- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the express written permission of Kane Communications, Inc.
|
CaerVision Podiatry Network…Delivering Your message to Your patients
NEW service provided by CaerVision educates your patients while they wait maximizing the time you spend with them. Our service includes a 32” flat-panel digital media system that receives customized programming via the Internet. Provide us with digital photos and our production team will create a custom clinic profile highlighting your staff, services and promoting your practice. Your patients will feel they know you before being seen. You decide what information will be used to promote your practice; we manage and operate the content on the network.
It is absolutely hassle-free. Introductory price of $995 for a 5-year term! Installation and an Internet connection is required.
For more information on how to get a CaerVision System of your own, call us at 888-841-CAER or logon to caervision.com
|
|
RETIRED PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
FL Podiatrist Uses CPR to Save Victim of Cardiac Arrest
The world of jazz is relatively small and at its best has always been characterized as a loving and supportive community. A perfect example occurred several weeks ago. Mel Rosen and his wife, Peggy, had attended Jebry’s Sunday jam session at Norm’s. Trained ballroom dancers, Peggy and Mel were on the dance floor, when Mel collapsed with a cardiac arrest. Dr. Frank Michota, also at Norm’s that afternoon to sit in on drums and vocals, rushed onto the dance floor, gave Mel mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR. Michota’s quick thinking and medical skill brought Mel Rosen back to life.
|
Dr. Frank Michota |
Frank Michota, a fine drummer and vocalist, has been involved in music since childhood. A retired podiatrist from Toledo, OH, Michota is a skilled and studied performer who has played in settings that range from big bands and symphonies to country groups and barbershop quartets. He’s active in several Naples bands, including the Jazzmasters Dixie group and the Gulf Coast Big Band.
Source: Bruce Klauber, Naples Daily News [12/3/08]
|
UNIVERSAL ULTRASOUND
ON-SITE TRAINING WITH 34 Years in Business
High Quality Podiatric Digital Diagnostic Ultrasound
PICO Upgrade 12 mhz probe – Only $320/month with trade of your old unit
One Duplex Case per day is $50,000 additional revenue
40,000 Image HD, Multi-View 3d, Dicom, Color/PW Doppler
FREE Certification with every purchase. Optional On-Site Training
UMS 700 - $200/month for 60 months No Trade
Shimadzu 350XL - $120/month for 60 Months No Trade
(CPT for Diagnostic Medicine 76880 avg. $113.60 Per Foot)
(CPT for Vascular Studies 93922 avg. $138.14 Bilateral)
(CPT for Duplex Limited Arterial Studies 93926 avg. $213.31)
Visit our Website Info: 800-842-0607 Email: Sales@universalultrasound.com
Trade-Ins Welcome in Good Working Order
|
|
ON THE LECTURE CIRCUIT |
NJ Podiatrist Conducts Workshop at Rehabilitaion Conference
Stuart W. Honick, DPM, PT on staff at Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation, Pomona, NJ recently presented a workshop at the national conference of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in San Diego, California.
|
Dr. Stuart Honick |
Dr. Honick lectured and demonstrated the principles of spasticity treatment with serial casting in the neurologically involved patient.
|
Revolutionary Tie-Less Lacing System
Orthofeet is Introducing a revolutionary patent-pending system that combines laces with a hook and loop strap, and eliminates the need for lacing up. Additional comfort features include: Breathable, stretchable upper; Soft, seamless fabric lining, padded with foam; Washable. For more information click here.
Orthofeet offers an unparalleled diabetic shoe program: ? The ultimate comfort & protection ? The most stylish design ? The best prices. To learn more about the Orthofeet Difference click here. Prices: Shoes - $42 to $52; Prefab Inserts - $8.95; Custom Inserts - $23.00; Special Display Offer: $99 (Attractive narrow design, with 25 samples used for both display & measuring).
www.orthofeet.com 800-524-2845
|
|
PODIATRISTS AND THE LAW |
ID Activist Podiatrist Found Guilty of Trespass/Battery
A jury found Twin Falls podiatrist and anti-nuke activist Peter Rickards guilty of battery and trespassing at a public meeting. Rickards was arrested June 16 while passing out leaflets at a public information meeting put on by Alternate Energy Holdings Inc. He was also accused of shoving Doug McConaughey, a former AEHI consultant . AEHI is seeking to build a nuclear power plant in Elmore County, a project Rickards deeply opposes.
|
Dr. Peter Rickards |
The trespassing conviction sets a worrying precedent for similar meetings, said Rickards, who represented himself. He blamed his convictions partly on allowing the county prosecutor to toss out half his evidence and accused both the prosecutor's office and the jury of simply looking out for the building's owner, state Rep. Richard Wills (R), "This decision means that next time a Sempra Coal company holds their public information at a local hotel, they can ban anyone they want as they come in the door!" Rickards wrote in an e-mail Wednesday.
The battery conviction came despite testimony from McConaughey's own daughter that Rickards did not shove him, Rickards said. He said he will probably appeal both convictions. "There is a chance I will just grin and accept that justice is not always served," he said Wednesday evening. Rickards' sentencing is set for Jan. 12. He faces up to six months in jail and a $500 fine for each charge.
Source: By Nate Poppino, Twin Falls Times-News (ID) [12/4/08]
|
MICROMAT NAIL-DRILL SYSTEM
FOR PATIENT COMFORT
Med-Pro Corporation features the Micromat 3000 Nail Drill System for debriding patients' nails by using a controlled water and alcohol combination spray. The spray also keeps the dust away from the doctor and down on the patient's feet, to be wiped away with a piece of gauze. Patients will love this drill as the combination of water and alcohol reduces the friction heat, allowing the doctor to work more aggressively. The Micromat features include variable speed control, spray adjustment, forward and reverse and a foot control. The nail drill system is manufactured in Switzerland . Med-Pro Corp. includes a two-year warranty on both parts and labor and a 30-day, money-back guarantee. All service is performed by Med-Pro Corp. in the USA . This drill can be used with your standard podiatry burrs, but watch for our new line of burrs coming soon. For further information go onto our website at or phone us at 800-633-7761.
|
|
BILLING AND CODING ISSUES |
Physician Documentation For Established Patients Is Still Lacking
Even with the risk of Medicare audits and the potential loss of money from under-coding, physician documentation improvements have fallen short of expectations, experts say. Inadequate documentation is not uncommon — whether it's too little overall or not sufficiently descriptive of the patient's problem. There are, however, key points to hammer home to physicians that may eventually have an impact, especially if they start to feel the heat from recovery audit contractors and Medicaid integrity contractors.
One of the major physician documentation challenges in medicine is eliciting all the documentation requirements for an established patient. "Established patients are most often under-documented," Lynn Myers, M.D., vice president of coding, compliance and education at Medical Edge Healthcare Group explains. The reason: Doctors remember so much about a patient's history when they see a face or name (e.g., that patient has high blood pressure, smokes, is at risk for diabetes). "Because it's in the doctor's head, she doesn't feel like she has to write it down," Myers says.
The documentation with established patients tends to focus on medical decision-making — new tests ordered, prescriptions refilled. "But they forget the auditor doesn't have that knowledge," she says. It isn't necessary for the physician to recreate the entire history, but she should update what's new. With electronic medical records, it's a no-brainer to bring forward past history into the new visit. New items are date-stamped so the auditor will know what has changed.
Source: Nina Youngstrom, Report on Medicare Compliance [12/4/08]
|
New or Part-Time Practice?
Some offices lose new patients because their front-desk staff is trying to do many things at the same time. They are checking patients in and out, answering phones, scheduling appointments, and dealing with other requests.
Improved patient service, cost savings, and reduced confusion can be obtained by off-loading the answering of phone calls for patients seeking appointments.
Off-loading these calls to the Appointment Desk Co. can also free up office space and staff for other uses in a growing office.
The US-based, friendly, professional personnel at the Appointment Desk Company remotely schedule appointments for podiatrists and other doctors across the US . For larger clinics, we use the clinic’s practice management system to schedule the appointments. Visit us at appointmentdesk.us or call 888.244.5150 for details.
|
|
CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Medicare Denial of Foreign Body Removal
I submitted a claim to Medicare billing CPT 28190-TA (removal of foreign body, foot; subcutaneous; left hallux) with a diagnosis of ICD-9 917.6 - superficial foreign body. This was denied. The EOB denial code stated that the procedure code was inconsistent with the modifier used or that a required modifier was missing.
There were no other codes billed. This was not performed in the global period of another procedure. The last service billed was a vascular study on October 16, 2008. I've been searching the carrier's website for the coverage policy. I've had no luck! Help!
Lisa Maynard, New York, NY
Response: The CPT code is already site-specific. Modifier "-TA" is not needed or required to report the code.
Remove the modifier, and resubmit the claim. Don't forget to complete Block 10-C and Block 14 on the claim form, as the carrier may require accident information when reporting 800 and 900 series ICD-9 codes.
Karen Hurley, CMM, CPC-I, Waldorf, MD
Codingline subscription information can be found here
|
Deactivated - Reenrolling - Applying
For a DME Supplier Number???
Let SureFit take the guesswork out of Medicare’s DME application process for you! Our in-house billing department specialists will personally assist you in the preparation and completion of your DME supplier number application. We do more than simply send you the application form or refer you to a website! The entire process takes less than 15 minutes and when it’s done you will have the confidence that your application is accurate, complete and ready for submission. SureFit will even help you complete your NPI registry to receive Medicare reimbursement.
No Facility Accreditation Required!
Call SureFit at (800) 298-6050 to get started today!
|
|
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (CLINICAL) |
RE: Comparators in Podiatric Research
From: Michael Turlik, DPM
Descriptive studies, such as case reports and case series do not use a comparator. All other therapeutic study designs to include case-control studies, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials use a comparator. Of the available study designs, only a randomized controlled trial is a true experiment; all other studies are observational. Basically, there are two types of comparators in podiatric research: placebo and a gold standard.
A placebo study is useful to determine if the intervention under investigation is an upgrade over normal background improvement. Sometimes, watchful waiting may be used as a placebo treatment. For example, verruca and mechanically-induced heel pain are recognized as improving or resolving over time without treatment. Another type of comparator in clinical trials involves the use of a gold standard. Is the intervention an improvement over what would normally be done to treat this clinical condition? For example, would cryotherapy be more effective than plantar fascial release for mechanically- induced heel pain? Gold standard comparators allow for greater external validity of the results.
While early randomized controlled trials involving surgery have employed sham surgeries as a comparator, it is unlikely to find examples in the modern medical literature today. Inferences regarding treatment efficacy are best drawn from comparator trials which minimize bias.
Michael Turlik, DPM, Cleveland OH, mmturlik@aol.com
|
MEETING NOTICES
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Medicine
....................4th Annual International External Fixation Symposium (IEFS)
.........................................“Excellence in Limb Preservation”
.....................Thursday December 11 - Sunday December 14, 2008
Join leading UTHSCSA, USA & International Faculty for four days of lectures, discussion and workshops, where participants will share their expertise in the comprehensive management of the Diabetic Foot.
Topics to Include:
• Diabetic foot & Ankle Injuries
• Revisional & reconstructive surgery
• Contoversies in the management of the Charcot foot
• Indications and principles of current orthobiologics, bone growth stimulation, &
negative pressure therapy treatments for complex foot & ankle pathology.............................. “This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit and CPME Credit”
For more information visit our website
|
|
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) |
RE: Online Backup (Arthur Lukoff, DPM)
From: Walter Roth, DPM
I have been using MozyPro (mozy.com) for online backup for about a year. It is HIPAA-compliant, relatively cheap, and very easy to use. It received a favorable review from Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal in his technology column.
Walter Roth, DPM, Lake Mary, FL, weroth3@mindspring.com
|
Trade in your shovel for one of ours! Snow shovel vs. sand shovel. Ixtapa, Mexico Winter-in-the-Sun Seminar, January 24-31, 2009
NORTHWEST PODIATRIC FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION & RESEARCH
The Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo Winter Seminar is being held this year at the incredible Presidente InterContinental All-Inclusive Resort, on Palmar Bay, which is close to shopping and golf, 3 miles to Ixtapa and 10 miles from Zihuatanejo Airport. Bring the family; children under 13 years are free. Meetings: January 26-30: Monday through Friday 7 AM-11:00 AM Daily
20 Continuing Education Hours - Tuition Fees: $480 Before 1/03/09 and $530 After 1/02/09 Speakers: Drs. Bradley Bakotic, Peter Blume, Mary E. Crawford, G. Dock Dockery, Ed Glaser, Marc Kravette, Steve Mariash, Rex Nilson, Stephen Schroeder & others.
Register here or e-mail podfound@aol.com (866) 286-6973
For Travel & Best Group Rate Hotel: NWPF Travel with Tangerine Travel – Don’t be afraid to get a quote, call Cathy now at 800-678-8202 or Email: cathyf@tangerinetravel.com
|
|
YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: The Mother of All Pads
After dispensing thousands of pairs of orthoses over my 23+ years of practice, I thought I had seen everything in regard to patient-made orthosis modifications. However, yesterday, a 72 year old lady came in for her first orthosis follow-up visit saying the orthoses worked well but felt they need a little "padding," so she added some "pads" herself. Expecting to see some foam drug store insoles on top of the orthoses, I instead found what you see in the image below.
|
Orthoses with Pads |
Obviously, this sweet lady had nicely demonstrated to me an example of one of my favorite sayings....."Necessity is the mother of invention."
Kevin A. Kirby, DPM, Sacramento, CA
|
Register Today For Dr. Zatcoff’s Aetrex WebEx Session on December 9th
On December 9th at noon EST, Dr. Richard Zatcoff will host a 30-minute interactive Webex training session on the research, features and benefits of Copper Sole Technology. Dr. Zatcoff has conducted several clinical studies on copper and its application into a variety of products including the Aetrex Copper Sole Sock Program.
To register for this 30-minute session contact Dan Bacher at Aetrex at dbacher@aetrex.com
To see a brief demonstration of the Evolution RX iStep program or to schedule a presentation in your office click here or call Aetrex at 800 526 2739 and speak with Stu Wittner, Director of Podiatry.
|
|
CLASSIFIED ADS |
NJ PODIATRY PRACTICE WANTED
Two eager podiatrists are looking to acquire another podiatric practice in New Jersey. Not interested in a partnership, just a complete buy out. The practice must be participating with Aetna. If interested, please call (917) 301-1919 or e-mail at NJFootDoc@hotmail.com
ASSOCIATE MONTANA
Great opportunity for a PSR-24 or 36 residency trained individual to join a dynamic two doctor group with physical therapy. Needs good FF surgical skills, RF a bonus. Beautiful office and great area of the country for outdoor recreation minded individuals. Opportunity for partnership after employment. Reply to: jclough@sofast.net
PRACTICE FOR SALE – CONNECTICUT
Well-established. Grossing 200K; Norwalk/Westport CT. Dr. recently deceased. High Volume Medicare ; NO BROKERS; Please email: berist92@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
Excellent opportunity for PSR 24-36 foot and ankle surgically-trained physician. Looking for hard-working, personable, highly-motivated individuals to join our group and build their own practice. Position leading to partnership. Great opportunity with excellent salary and benefits. Please e-mail CV and references to cavallinig@foothealers.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION –GEORGIA
A well-established practice in South Georgia seeks a full time PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist. Excellent benefit package. Please send CV to agriffin@southernpodiatry.com. For more information, visit our website
ASSOCIATE POSITION- BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Busy practice in the Pikesville/Owings Mills area located in 1st class medical building seeks motivated individual to work PART-TIME. Must be surgically trained. Must have a great personality and a good sense of humor. State-of-the-art office with hospital-grade ASC. Good mix of general podiatry, sports medicine and surgery. Competitive salary. Benefits for malpractice and health insurance allowances are available and negotiable. Please forward your CV by fax to 410-602-9781 or by email at mwaiken@comcast.net
ASSOCIATE - METRO NEW YORK--LONG ISLAND & NEW YORK CITY
Excellent Opportunity for immediate partnership with established practice. Excellent Salary arrangement, serious inquiries only. Send CV along with response. E-mail: rrranch7@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MASSACHUSETTS
Excellent opportunity for a highly-motivated, entrepreneurial individual to join a very successful, rapidly growing multi-office practice, North of Boston. Seeking a PSR-24/36 trained podiatrist to join our group. We offer a competitive salary/benefit package with the opportunity of partnership after one year, for the right individual. Send CV and letter of interest to drfleishman@nefootankle.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CHICAGO AREA
Join one of the most successful, long-established podiatry practices in the Chicago area, with excellent salary and benefits. We have an immediate opening for part-time podiatrist in a multi practice location in Chicago. Must have two years of surgical residency. Please e-mail resume to f-massuda@footexperts.com
PODIATRISTS NEEDED - CHICAGO -- NW IND & BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON, DC
Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Baltimore, MD. Full and part-time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com Visit our website
EQUIPMENT FOR RENT - EXTREMITY MRI
Now you can rent an extremity MRI, have the scan performed, read by a board-certified radiologist and derive all the income. two convenient locations, Manhattan East 60th street between Park and Lexington, and Plainview, Long Island. Conforms to the Stark amendment; call for information (516) 476-1815.
PM Classified Ads Reach over 11,500 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 11,500 DPM's. Write bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451 Ext 110.
|
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
Spellchecker
Your name, DPM City/State
- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
|
|
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
|
|
|
|
|