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PM News

The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 18,353 Subscribers Daily


December 12, 2018 #6,328 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2018- 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

 
Have you ever been denied acceptance to an insurance panel?
 
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 1
IN Podiatry Group Collects Socks for Homeless Veterans
 
Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation, a non-profit organization based in the state’s capital city, is dedicated to helping homeless veterans find jobs and provide them with food, shelter, and necessary items. When Indiana Podiatry Group decided to do something to assist the organization four years ago, more than 1,100 socks were collected and distributed along with blankets and Rx Crocs. That jumped to 2,800 pairs of socks in 2016 and nearly 4,000 in 2017. The goal this year is to continue that upward trend.
 
(L-R) Drs. Nathan Graves and Walter Warren
 
Once again, there is a competition between the group's offices to see who collects the most. The Tipton office, led by Dr. Nathan Graves, has won for the past two years. “He has gotten pretty cocky about it,” Dr. Walt Warren of the Seymour office said, smiling. “Actually, last year, we did a little trophy for it and gave it to him, and he said, ‘Just leave it in my office.’ We want to dethrone him, if you will, at least give him a run for his money. Now, it’s someone else’s turn. That’s why we want to unseat him.”
 
Source: Zack Spicer, The Tribune [12/7/18] 
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PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 2
NY Podiatrist Helps Raise Money for Charity Which Aids Teen Mothers
 
Members of the NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Medical Staff Society recently gave a generous donation of $5,000 to a Brooklyn-based organization that supports and inspires teen mothers. “It represents leadership,” said Steven Yager, DPM, President of the NYP Queens Medical Staff Society. “Our physicians wanted to recognize an organization that inspires the community.”
 
Dr. Steven Yager
 
It is the first charity, of hopefully many others, that the New York Presbyterian Queens Medical Staff Society has donated to, according to Yager. “We are actually inspired by the community, and if the community gets inspired from us…all the better,” said Yager. “We just wanted to do the right thing and maybe others will follow in our footsteps. Hopefully there will be other charities in the future.”
 
Source: Carlotta Mohamed, Times Ledger [12/8/18]
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PODIATRIC SUPER GROUPS IN THE NEWS
FASMA & NMS Capital Announce the Formation of USAF
 
NMS Capital ("NMS"), in partnership with Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic (“FASMA”), and its existing shareholder physicians, together have formed US Foot & Ankle Specialists (“UFAS”), a new venture focused on building the leading physician-owned podiatry platform in the country. FASMA currently provides services to over 400,000 patients annually through 36 offices and 59 podiatrists. Dr. Gene Mirkin, President of FASMA believes, “NMS’ extensive physician practice experience will allow us to accelerate growth both organically and through acquisitions and to expand the resources available to our patients and network of physician partners.”
 
FASMA Podiatrists
 
David Peterson, NMS Principal added, “We are incredibly excited to partner with FASMA. Combining their commitment to clinical quality with our resources, business support and capital, US Foot & Ankle Specialists will be able to rapidly expand, enabling us to reach a larger patient base across several geographic regions.” NMS, management and the physician leadership will focus on growing USFAS through investments in new affiliations organically through new provider recruitment and development of new strategic locations. 
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MEETING NEWS
13th Annual IEFS Held in San Antonio
 
On December 6-8th, 2018, the 13th Annual International External Fixation Symposium (IEFS) sponsored by the UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine hosted hundreds of participants from around the world. In collaboration with the Diabetic Foot Society of India (DFSI) and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), the event was a huge success. It featured lectures from world-renowned physicians and surgeons, hands-on intensive training for external fixation, flap dissection, intramedullary nailing, and a poster abstract competition showcasing the research of several academic programs. 
 
Attendees at 13th Annual IEFS
 
Luca Dalla Paola, MD, of Cotignola, Italy, was honored as the recipient of the 2018 Ilizarov Award of Excellence. IEFS has united the world over the years by bringing together 32 countries for unparalleled surgical training on the diabetic foot and ankle. The legacy will continue with next year’s 14th Annual IEFS to take place on December 12-14, 2019, in San Antonio, Texas.
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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.
 
Today's Featured Article
 
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY
Strategies for Better Billing and Collections - Part 2
 
Here are some resolutions that can improve your billing and collections in the new year.
 
2. Resolve to talk to your patients in an effective way.
 
Make sure your staff knows how to communicate with patients about their bills. Never ask patients whether they want to pay their bill now. Instead, offer a choice of two options for paying. Instead, assume that they're going to pay and ask them if they prefer to pay by check or credit card. Lake says this gentle nudging has worked wonders with her clients.
 
Source: Avery Hurt, Physicians Practice [12/3/18]
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CODINGLINE CORNER
Query: Neuropathy Diagnosis
 
I received a referral from a primary care physician for toenail care, with a diagnosis of G62.9 (polyneuropathy, unspecified). Unfortunately, my state’s LCD does not list this as a qualifying condition. Can I take the liberty of adding a diagnosis code that is covered on the LCD, such as G63 (Polyneuropathy in diseases classified elsewhere) and be safe in case of a Medicare audit?
 
Troy Harris, DPM, Jacksonville, FL
 
Response: This may depend on the payer, but I do not think the diagnosis code that the referring physician sends has any impact on your coding or payment. You can select whatever diagnosis you want as long as it is consistent with your findings and documentation. 
 
Jeffrey D Lehrman, DPM, CPC, Fort Collins, CO
 
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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QUERIES (CLINICAL)
Query: Arthrogram of the 2nd MPJ
 
I am looking for instructions on performing an arthrogram of the 2nd MPJ. How much contrast should be injected into the joint? Any tips on imaging technique? I am looking for a plantar plate tear, planning to inject the joint with contrast, and have an MRI performed.
 
Stefan Lorincz, DPM, Minden, LA
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLLS)
From: Al Musella, DPM
 
This is a very important topic that is going to affect the future of our profession. Like most of us in practice for over 10-20 years, I have never been denied acceptance into an insurance panel. In the old days, the insurance plans sought us out and tried to get us to participate in their plans.
 
However, it is very hard for the younger generation to get into these panels. My son joined my practice recently. When he applied as an individual, he was refused by most of the insurance plans. Only by applying as a member of...
 
Editor's note: Dr. Musella's extended-length letter can be read here
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
 
Elliott Udell, DPM, asks if we are out of scope if we diagnose and treat DVT. This seemingly simple question is a good segue into the ongoing discussion regarding whether DPMs should have a non-restricted license more specifically, an MD or DO. A DVT certainly can be diagnosed by practitioners from many specialties of medicine such as but not limited to orthopedic surgeons, general surgeons, primary care physicians, and, yes, podiatric physicians. But most often a general internist, family physician, cardiologist, or hematologist manages patients with DVT. 
 
However, even if once and for all we finally had an unrestricted license, unless podiatric physicians had considerable experience managing DVTs, it would not be good practice for the DPM to treat such disorders. On the other hand, if they did have such experience, why not? Having an unrestricted license would remove any legal concerns from such a decision.
 
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Fort Lauderdale, FL
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 2
From: Janet McCormick, MS
 
Dr. Anderone's statement, "when cosmetologists aren't following regulations, they could be putting your body at risk" is certainly true. Many short cut salons don't perform proper infection control practices and do put their clientele at risk. However, it is not true that all nail technicians are to be painted with the same broad brush - which many of you do. Many technicians are taking advanced courses to expand their awareness on safety practices and then only perform safe practices. 
 
Rather than warning patients "do not go to nail salons," it is more positive and productive to...
 
Editor's note: Ms. McCormick's extended-length letter can be read here
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP

RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day

Worn for Swan Lake on a frozen lake?

Source: Alice Potts via Virtual Shoe Museum

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MEETING NOTICES

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CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NASSAU COUNTY, NY 
 
Busy practice seeking full time Podiatrist. Competitive salary. State of the art facility. Please email resume to: Medicalofficeinquiry@gmail.com or call: 516-902-1073.
 
POSITIONS AVAILABLE – ROCHESTER and SYRACUSE, NY
  
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities in and around Rochester and Syracuse, NY. Great opportunity for part-time income. Positions available immediately! Send inquiries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
 
MULTI-LOCATION GROUP - CHICAGO/NEAR WEST SUBURBS 
 
Seeking F.T. ABFAS Board Certified/Eligible associate- P.T. available. MINIMUM 2 year practice experience required. Surgical/ortho patients. Great staff. DME, MIS, EMR, ultrasound, PRP, shockwave, digital x-ray, laser, sx center & Physical Therapy- Top pay, associateship & practice equity available for experienced candidates. Contact podiatryoffer@gmail.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY 
 
Multi-office podiatry practice in Central/Eastern Suffolk County seeks full/part 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 - EAST LOS ANGELES
 
Join the Group and Limb Preservation team. Must be trained in Limb Preservation and completed PMSR/RRA residency. Send CV to podiatricri@yahoo.com.
 
ASSOCIATE NEEDED - NEW JERSEY/PHILADELPHIA AREA 
 
Doctor needed to take over busy existing patient load. Multifaceted work. NJ license mandatory. Highly Competitive package. Please email sjfootdoctor1@gmail.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, CA 
 
Busy practice looking for a bilingual, Spanish speaking, part or full-time associate for a multi-office practice. Both Non-surgical & PSR-24-36 Board qualified/certified foot and ankle physicians and/or fellowship trained surgeons wanted. Candidate must be personable, outgoing and motivated with excellent bedside manner with ability to be busy from day one. Must be competent in all areas of conservative, wound care and surgical treatments of the foot and ankle. Competitive salary offered. Email CV to:  ocfootdoc27@gmail.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TUCSON/ SOUTHERN ARIZONA
 
Busy practice. Medical, surgical and wound care, with hospital call. Board eligible w/ good surgical skills .Ethical and motivated. Busy now w/ excellent growth potential. Base salary w/ incentives.  email your CV to associatessaz@gmail.com
 
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA 
 
Relocate to Santa Cruz, California to enjoy your profession and your life. We are a podiatric group seeking a forefoot/rearfoot surgically trained podiatrist. The practice covers all aspects of podiatry. We offer a highly competitive salary and many perks including healthcare and 401k. Contact us at: thefootdocs@outlook.com  
 
FULL-TIME or PART-TIME PODIATRIST - DALLAS/FORT WORTH AREA 
 
PSR 24-36 Trained Multi-dimensional, Multi-office group treating a wide range of patients to include: forefoot, rearfoot, diabetic wound care, sports medicine and work-related injuries. A great opportunity for driven personable individual. Please e-mail CV, Letter of references, 1 minute Video Introduction Email: cnunez1940@gmail.com
 
ASSOCIATE WANTED – NEW JERSEY 
 
Looking for full-time podiatry associate in East Orange, NJ. Associated with Wound Center. Competitive Salary and benefits. Looking for someone interested in long term arrangement, with buy in option in 2 years. Send CV and cover letter to  drfoot44@gmail.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 18,500 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.
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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Barry H. Block, DPM, JD
 
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