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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,222 Subscribers Daily
December 10, 2015 #5,546  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2015- 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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How will the shift from fee-for-service to value-based payments affect podiatry? |
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| APMA COMPONENT STATE COMPONENT NEWS | |
PA Podiatrist Receives PPMA Rising Star Award
Dr. Zachary Ritter, DPM, of Susquehanna Health Foot & Ankle Specialty Care recently received the Rising Star Award from the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association (PPMA) at its Annual House of Delegates Banquet, held at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia, PA.
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(L-R) Dr. Zachary Ritter and PPMA Executive Director Michael Davis (Dr. Mark Pinker in background, center) |
Dr. Ritter received this award due to his active involvement in PPMA and his accomplishments as a podiatrist in practice less than 10 years. A member of the PPMA Executive Board since 2014, Dr. Ritter is a frequent speaker at Goldfarb Foundation seminars, completed a reconstructive surgical fellowship at the Foot Disorders Research Academy (FoDRA) in Rome, Italy in 2011, and serves as Susquehanna Health’s chief of Podiatric Surgery.
Source: Andrea Campbell, NorthcentralPa.com [12/9/15]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
NY Podiatrists Walk to Cure Pancreatic Cancer
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Dr. Arthur Gudeon (center with white hat) and his team, Sue's Crewsers |
Recently, Dr. Arthur Gudeon and his team, Sue's Crewsers, again did the Lustgarten Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research & Awareness. They and other supporters collected over $4,600 for the Foundation. ALL the proceeds go towards research to find an earlier diagnosis, treatment, and eventually a cure for this terrible disease that his amazing wife Sue fought for almost 3 years before passing. Podiatrists on the walking team included Drs. Paul Kesselman, Wayne Axman, and Jane Pratt-Grippi, besides many other DPM donors.
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| IN THE COURTS | |
Supreme Court to Rule on Theory Underlying Many Healthcare Fraud Suits
A case now before the U.S. Supreme Court could mean fewer fraud lawsuits filed against healthcare providers. Or it could at least give them more clarity about what constitutes a violation of the law, experts say. The Supreme Court announced Friday it would hear Universal Health Services v. United States ex rel Escobar, a case that focuses on one theory whistle-blowers and the government use in bringing False Claims Act cases to court. The act makes it illegal to knowingly submit fraudulent bills to the government, such as for services not actually performed.
In a variation of fraud claims, some whistle-blowers allege that providers submitted false claims by failing to follow certain regulations. Providers sometimes are held liable for not following such regulations even if the government never explicitly stated that following a regulation was a condition of payment, and even if the provider never explicitly vouched that it had complied with the regulation. The Supreme Court will consider whether whistle-blowers and the government should be allowed to bring FCA cases under this theory, known as implied certification.
Source: Lisa Schencker, Modern Healthcare [12/8/15]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF OF THE DAY | |
Maximize Your Practice Management System - Part 4
3. Patient registration using a patient portal
A practice recently paid to have online registration forms custom built and linked from the practice's website. Each day, the front-desk staff logs in and checks an online queue for completed forms, prints them, enters only the demographic information into the practice management system (PMS) and sends the printed form to the medical assistant to enter the medical history responses. After all the information is in, the first printed forms are shredded and a new set of forms is printed from the PMS. Upon arrival for the appointment the patient signs the forms, which are then scanned in to the patient's account. The second set of paper forms is shredded.
All this time-consuming work was created because the administrator didn't want to pay $50 per month for the patient portal features. Patient portals save staff time and enable patients to register themselves directly into the PMS. Although you'll still need to obtain some patient signatures, asking patients to do the work instead of the front-desk staff is not only a timesaver; it's the way all modern practices operate.
Source: Karen Zupko, Physicians Practice
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: James Koon, DPM
I have enjoyed success in using the TCC-EZ for acute Charcot. Insurance pays for the application (including removal, which is where the fee is “earned”) of the cast AND the casting supplies. They don’t pay for the outer boot which is a charge to the patient. We use the TCC-EZ very frequently in our office. It’s great.
Everybody needs to also acquaint themselves with the TOAD antigravity brace. I have used it in the past with great success as well. This brace is nothing short of incredible. It offers COMPLETE off-loading of the foot. It is a great brace for total off-loading of the foot.
James Koon, DPM, Winter Haven, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: David E Gurvis, DPM
I am going to leave it to others to reply to the question about weight-bearing in the active phase of Charcot of the ankle in a TCC. What I want to reply to is the statement that the patient didn’t like any of the suggestions for off-loading.
Sometimes, I don’t expect my patients to “like” my suggestions. But somehow, I expect them to accept them when we are in a situation that can lead to loss of limb if inadequately treated. In the back of my mind, although I rarely say it in this fashion, I did not choose the patient’s disease, but I do know how to treat it if they allow me to do so. If it is a critical situation, and they will not “allow me”, then occasionally it is time to lay down the law vis a vis a detailed discussion of possible consequences, and then see if they listen, or I will transfer the patient to another doc, that is, discharge them.
David E Gurvis, DPM, Avon, IL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
RE: It's Time to Re-open the Degree Change Issue
From: Edwin Oghoorian, DPM
For those who still think that we are at par with MDs/DOs and that a degree change is not important, here's an incident that occurred to me recently. Before the ICD-10 codes became effective, I decided to apply for a business loan to be prepared for the unexpected. I spoke to my banker who informed me that they have a "special" loan for doctors and that I should apply for that. After submitting the application and all the paperwork, I received a call from the bank manager who Informed me that I did not qualify for that particular loan because it was only for those with MD, DO, DDS, and DVM degrees.
Last month, I switched my business liability insurance to a new company. After signing the agreement and making a payment for the policy, I received an email two weeks later informing me that they mistakenly categorized me as "physician's office" instead of "podiatrist's office", which resulted in a 40% increase in my premium. I requested that their underwriter send me in writing how a podiatrist's office risk is any different than any other medical specialty, that our rate has to be higher. I have still not received that letter.
After decades of public education and constant battles for recognition, I find it hard to believe that there are still organizations that don't know what a DPM is, or that we ARE indeed doctors. It's clear that it's not only the government and insurance companies that discriminate against us. Perhaps it's time to renew the discussion and actions of the change in degree.
Edwin Oghoorian, DPM, San Dimas, CA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
RE: No More Insurance Cards?
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM
Today, I visited a patient at his home at his request. It so happens the patient is blind from his diabetic retinopathy, is on dialysis from kidney failure, and has no feeling in his feet from diabetic neuropathy. I asked the patient if I could see his insurance card, to which he responded he doesn't have one. The patient informed me his insurance doesn't supply an ID card.
I started getting annoyed with him as I had many calls to make and informed the patient he had to be mistaken. I politely insinuated that perhaps he didn't realize he received one due to the fact he couldn't see. To make a long story short - He was right. I called his insurance, which was VNS Choice. They informed me they no longer give out ID cards. It took me twenty minutes of hold time to find that out from the first rep who couldn't give me the patient's ID number as I had to get that from the authorization dept (which took another five minutes). No ID cards... how do you like them apples? One would think with so much technology things would be easier.
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PQRS) | |
RE: PQRS Insanity
From: James Breedlove, DPM
I just had an interesting conversation with my medical software vendor regarding the PQRS requirements. Although they have been extraordinarily helpful, I will probably not meet the program requirements this year, due to my own fault. However, some interesting information was relayed to me. Please, someone correct me if I heard wrong but apparently the PQRS requirement will be from year to year, every year with no end in sight. 2% reduction every year, potentially forever. Mathematically, we may have to pay Medicare to see their patients in the future.
How long will it be before we get NO reimbursements from Medicare? How did our associations (all medical associations, not just ours) allow this? How can this possibly be justifiable as legal? The software vendor has spoken to many doctors who are frustrated with this. Apparently, it is designed to remove the “Doc fix” as well as any incentives we got by complying with the meaningful use compliance that many of us put so much effort into to be compliant with the new world insurance order.
Interestingly, even doctors who do not accept Medicare are also required to report PQRS or face reduction, even if their patients are paying cash and submitting the bill themselves to Medicare. Any comments, questions, answers, discussion would be welcome, especially to the various medical associations (not just ours). The infighting between the various medical degrees needs to stop, and we need to unite as a force and stop this.
James Breedlove, DPM, San Luis Obispo, CA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (ICD-10) | |
From: Paul Kinberg, DPM
Thanks to the efforts of APMA, the association’s members were among the best prepared physicians for the transition to ICD-10. APMA has been working actively to prepare its members for years, and we continue to address the very few concerns that have arisen among our membership.
APMA does in fact provide a list of codes for which there is not a crosswalk, along with APMA’s action on each of those codes. Members can find this information, along with many other helpful ICD-10 tools, on our ICD-10 Resource Page, www.apma.org/icd10. APMA’s Coding Resource Center (CRC, www.apmacodingrc.org) does provide a crosswalk from ICD-9 codes to ICD-10. In addition, APMA offers more than 20 free webinars (including the most current from December 10, www.apma.org/icd10webinars); countless ICD-10 InSight seminars; our ICD-10 FAQs; ICD-10 Test Your Knowledge; and other resources.
If members have questions about ICD-10, they may contact APMA’s Health Policy and Practice Department directly at coding.hpp@apma.org.
Paul Kinberg, DPM, Chair, APMA Coding Committee
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous New ICD-10 Code of the Day
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| Was the patient's name Jonah? |
Source: Keith L. Martin, Medical Economics
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WEBINARS
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 2 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOWER HUDSON VALLEY, NY
Multiple locations. 50 minutes from NYC. PMSR RRA. Surgical practice, strong surgical volume. Must be willing to perform all phases of Podiatry. New graduates or experienced practitioners. Salary 110k-120k plus bonus. Please email letter of intent, CV and surgical logs to podiatrypractice@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CONNECTICUT
High volume practice seeking a hard working, motivated, Connecticut licensed podiatrist. Duties to include diabetic foot care, wound care, and minor office procedures, nursing homes, and house calls. Please submit CV to: podiatrypeople@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Full-time associate leading to partnership. Immediate position available. Busy office with multiple locations. Full scope practice. Three year residency preferred. ABPS Board qualified/certified. California license required. Benefits included. Inland Empire. Please forward resume tofamilyfootcenter@verizon.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW JERSEY
Well established Podiatry practice in NJ is looking for hardworking and very energetic Full-time podiatrist to do House-calls In Nothern part of NJ. Salary 100k plus Bonuses. Must have NJ Podiatry license and NJ Medicare number. Full-time position available starting immediately. Please email your resume to lraginsky@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE TO PARTNERSHIP POSITION – SOUTH FLORIDA
Rapidly growing, cutting edge south Florida practice seeks well rounded, personable, hard-working surgical podiatrist for immediate start and for July 2016. Practice is involved in all aspects of podiatry, foot and ankle surgery and resident training. Clear, successful model for partnership with competitive salary, incentive and benefits..please send CV and cover letter to kkinmon@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MARYLAND, DC SUBURBS
Large, well established, multi-office practice looking for an Associate to begin July 2016. Looking for a highly motivated, surgically trained, outgoing, ethical Podiatrist to join us. Walk in day one with a full schedule. Must be at least Board Qualified by start date with Maryland license. Competitive compensation package with excellent base salary, bonus structure, benefits, and partnership opportunity. Well rounded Practice that covers all aspects of Podiatry. Cover Letter and CV to Sharon at MarylandPodiatry@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA
Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, great benefits including malpractice coverage. Excellent opportunity for a promising future. To apply, go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - BANGOR, MAINE
Seeking personable, well rounded individual to join our well established, modern three-doctor practice performing all aspects of foot and ankle care. Digital x-ray, EHR, DME, etc. Competitive salary with bonus structure and benefits. Early partnership opportunity for the right person. Send letter of interest and CV to: Mainoffice@acadiafootandankle.com
ASSOCIATE WANTED - SOUTHWEST, FL
Associate position: now or July '16: must be BC or BQ by ABFAS, ability to work independently on complex cases. Hospital rounds, ER calls, great work ethic, team players needed. Fellowship experience preferred, not mandatory. LOI, LOR from director, CV. great salary + bonus, partnership buy-in. Naples, FL klamdpm@hotmail.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@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS PART 1 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE- SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Busy well established successful turn-key Podiatry practice for sale. Active adult community. Professionally designed and decorated. Office is immaculate. Good yearly gross with many new patients. Medicare and cash patients. No managed care. Owner willing to stay for transition. Excellent well trained staff. Click on link to view website. www.turnkey-podiatry.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SUFFOLK, LONG ISLAND, NY
Well established, 30 year Multilocation (will separate) in Smithtown & Medford LI, NY. Doctor retiring. Grossing $970,000 ($650,000; $320,000). Both locations newly renovated: full operatories, all new MTI chairs, Full Zimmer Micro surgical set, Yag PINPOINTE laser (fungus TNs) and CO2 laser. Excellent dedicated staff. Low overhead. wjbpod@aol.com
PART TIME OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE - LODI, NJ
Podiatry office space available for use more than half the week in Lodi, NJ. 2 fully stocked treatment rooms, digital x-ray and EHR available. Perfect for someone looking to expand their practice into the Northern NJ area in Bergen County, or just starting out. Currently only seeing patients on Mondays and Thursdays. If interested please email lodipodiatrist@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@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451.
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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
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