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The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 16,733 Podiatrists Daily
December 13, 2014 #5,242  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2014- 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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What do think Congress will do with the SGR Medicare formula in 2015? |
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| THE ROAD TO RECOVERY | |
IN Podiatrist Shifts from Physician to Patient After Crash
Dr. Tom Freeman is used to helping people get back on their feet. So when another doctor told him he had to stay in a wheelchair and off his own feet, the veteran podiatrist faced a challenge, for sure. "I'm used to being mobile," Freeman said. "So this is hard." Freeman was in a serious motorcycle accident on Oct. 17, on U.S. 35 between Muncie and Richmond. The recovery and rehabilitation have been long and complicated, but it's better than the alternative that so many feared in mid-October when word spread of the veteran physician's accident.
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Dr. Tom Freeman (Photo: Jordan Kartholl) |
The time in the hospital and in the wheelchair as well as trips to the doctor for rehab have kept Freeman out of work for an extended period. His patients have been temporarily cared for by another podiatrist who has offered her services to help out. Freeman's recovery has coincided with a new chapter of his life, too. One day after being released from the hospital, he married his longtime girlfriend, Lori. "We had dated hard for several years," Freeman said of his new bride, who is a postal employee in Ohio and awaiting a transfer to Muncie. A trip to the doctors in Dayton this week will hopefully advance Freeman from the wheelchair to crutches and help identify how quickly he can return to work.
Source: Phil Beebe, The Muncie Star Press [12/11/14]
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| APMA COMPONENT NEWS | |
AAPSM Well Represented at 22nd Annual German Foot Conference
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM) was well represented among the speakers in the English speaking track at the 22nd Annual Foot & Ankle Conference with the German Association for Foot Surgery held recently in Munich, Germany. The speakers in the group photo include Ludger Gerdesmeyer, MD, PhD, one of the world's foremost experts on shockwave therapy. Dr. Gerdesmeyer headed a study on shockwave. A paper concerning that study will be published soon in the prestigious Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
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(L-R) Drs. Ludger Gerdesmeyer, Amol Saxena, John Grady, and Stuart Metcalfe |
A new device from Storz Medical (about to receive FDA approval) was evaluated in a Level 1, double-blinded protocol study that included AAPSM members Drs. Amol Saxena, Rich Bouche, Lou Galli, and Brian Fullem. Dr. Saxena gave several lectures and headed a cadaver lab at Arthrex headquarters in Munich. Dr. John Grady spoke on heel pain that is not plantar fasciitis, and British Foot Surgeon Dr. Stuart Metcalfe gave a highly entertaining lecture on surgical complications in hallux valgus. The lecture hall was standing room only during this portion of the meeting.
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Malta Podiatry Grads Claim Vacancies Arose but they Haven’t been Asked to Fill in
A number of new podiatry graduates said that they could have easily been asked to fill in the vacancies that presently exist in the govenment sector. Patients requesting their services have to wait for as long as three months or more in some health centers, compared to previous months when patients waited for up to one month. Their complaint comes in the light of the 90 or so allied healthcare professions, including podiatrists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists, who claimed that they have been left in the dark on whether they would be given a job with the government, as is normal practice.
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Matthew Camilleri |
Last month, Matthew Camilleri, a student who graduated in health sciences, had told this newsroom that interviews were conducted some three and the half months ago, with graduates but they hadn't received any solid acknowledgement which would determine their future in terms of jobs. "Normally," he explained, "such students are given a job with the government despite the fact that there's nothing that officially binds the government to have to do so."
Source: Duncan Berry, Independent.com.mt [12/11/14]
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| IN THE COURTS | |
OH Podiatrist Testifies in Infant Injury Trial
A Cuyahoga County foot doctor testified Tuesday that he referred a couple’s infant son to Akron General Hospital for a leg injury in 2008, sparking the court case being heard this week against the child’s father. Kenneth Alex Grad, 44, is standing trial on eight charges of child endangerment and felonious assault — six second- and two third-degree felonies. Grad is accused of breaking two dozen of his infant son’s bones and lacerating the baby’s scrotum.
Dr. Richard J. Berkowitz, who practices at several Cuyahoga County locations, was called as the first witness in the case, which has awaited trial for six years and is the longest ongoing criminal case in Medina County Common Pleas Court. Berkowitz said he received a call from Grad’s father, a fellow podiatrist and former classmate, who asked Berkowitz to treat the infant as a “professional favor.” Berkowitz said Grad’s father told him the boy was suffering from heel pain. “This was not a heel problem, as I’d been told,” Berkowitz told the jury. Under questioning from Medina County Assistant Prosecutor Scott Salisbury, Berkowitz said he suspected the child had a fracture.
Source: Nick Glunt, The Medina Gazette [12/10/14]
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS AND FOOTWEAR | |
Fake Ugg Boots Create Winter Health Hazard: UK Podiatrist
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Dr. Tariq Khan |
They might keep us warm but fake Ugg boots can cause problems. "They make you lopsided, in a pigeon-toed way, which forces women to walk abnormally," says Dr. Tariq Khan, podiatrist at the Marigold clinic at University College Hospital. "The wearer's feet slide around. This can cause feet to splay and lead to wear and tear on joints. I'd recommend something like the FitFlop boot. As long as your boots give the correct support, you will be okay."
Source: Daily Mirror [12/10/14]
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT NEWS | |
Survey Reveals Patients' Biggest Gripe About Physicians
In a national survey, Consumer Reports asked 1,000 Americans to rate typical complaints about doctors on a 1 to 10 scale with 1 meaning "you are not bothered at all" and 10 meaning "you are bothered tremendously." Seminar audiences of physicians often guess "waiting," or "inconvenient office hours." They're indeed bothersome to people, but not as much, it seems, as an "unclear explanation of problem," which was number one on the list of patients' gripes with a score of 8.3 on that 1 to 10 scale.
Other complaints included being "rushed during office visit" (7.8); "side-effects (of medication) not fully explained" (7.6); "long wait for doctor in exam or waiting room" (7.6); "inconvenient office hours" (6.5); and "doctor takes notes on device, not looking at patient" (6.2).
Source: Bob Levoy, Physicians Practice ]12/10/14]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Can I Defer Meaningful Use Attestation?
I successfully attested for meaningful use for Stage 1 for 2011, 2012, and 2013, but feel that my records are and will not be up to snuff in a timely manner for Meaningful Use attestation for Stage 2 for 2014. Is there anything wrong with not doing Stage 2 this year, and waiting to do it in 2015? Will I lose the final stimulus check by doing that?
Steven D Epstein, DPM, Lebanon, PA
Response: If you do not attest to Meaningful Use for 2014, two things will happen.
First of all, you will not get your scheduled incentive payment for your fourth year of attesting to Meaningful Use. If you attest in 2015, you will get the fifth and final payment for MU (you simply skip the fourth payment and lose that amount).
The second thing that will happen is that by not attesting to MU in 2014, you will be subject to the MU penalty in 2016 (a 2% reduction in all of your Medicare Part B payments for that year). Attesting in 2015 to MU will avoid the MU payment reduction in 2017 (3% of all Medicare payments).
Jim Christina, DPM, Bethesda, MD
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription
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ACE USA and RPS Healthcare Expand Podiatrist Professional Liability Coverage
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid guidelines and rules resulted in a record number of investigations and enforcement actions in 2011. ACE Medical Risk, a division of ACE USA, has responded through an endorsement that increases limits on Medicare/Medicaid legal expense reimbursements, raising coverage limits from $30,000 to $50,000 per action, with an annual aggregate of $50,000. This product is underwritten by companies within the ACE Group, an A.M. Best “A+” rated carrier, and is offered to podiatrists exclusively by RPS Healthcare, National Program Administrator of the Podiatry PLUS programs and one of the largest wholesalers and the largest Managing General Agent in the country. For more information Call 800-397-9697 ext 2646.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (MEDICAL/LEGAL) ) | |
From: Gary Hoberman, DPM
I think the elephant in the room is not what criteria is needed for a home visit but the fact that most doctors we interview to work in nursing homes who are currently doing home visits are billing for an E&M visit EVERY single visit along with the at-risk palliative care they may be providing. Somehow they find tinea, or some other emergent problem that just happens to pop up on the 60-day cycle with the necessary and presumed covered palliative care. This leads to a higher average fee per patient and a competitive advantage for those practices seriously engaged in home visits. I’m glad these E&M codes are now being more closely scrutinized.
Gary Hoberman, DPM, Chicago, IL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EMR) | |
From: Michael L. Brody, DPM
Ken Katz provided a great service by pointing out that even those of us who have not reported PQRS Measures using claims this year can still use the ICS Registry to report PQRS for 2014. By reporting, we will be able to avoid a 2% payment adjustment (penalty) in 2016. But there is another very important reason to report PQRS in 2014 that may have an even greater financial impact upon our practices. Our PQRS activity will be reported on a CMS website Physician Compare.
This website can be used by anybody to research a provider. Currently, when we Google our own name, the top results are likely to include sites such as healthgrades.com, wellness.com, ucomparehealthcare.com, ratemds.com, and other doctor information sites. Many of these sites already collect information from databases such as the National Practitioner Data Bank, and present this information to current and potential patients.
Our PQRS participation may soon be reported on the websites. It is imperative that our web presence put us in the best possible light in order to help ensure the financial health of our practices. We need to consider participation in the PQRS system as part of the practice marketing plan and report PQRS in 2014; otherwise the financial impact may significantly exceed the Medicare payment adjustment.
Michael L. Brody, DPM, Commack, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PM NEWS QUICK POLLS) | |
RE: PM Quick Poll on Physician Burnout
From: George Jacobson, DPM
In yesterday's PM News, there were three main posts related to government and insurance 1) Provider Enrollment Requirements for Writing Prescriptions for Medicare Part D, 2) Medicare Challenging Home Visits to Patients, and 3) PQRS Registry). This reinforces a recent PM News poll which listed government as #1 contributor of burnout (44%) and insurance #2 (30%). When we finally retire, I believe 100% of us will not miss the constant dictatorial governmental mandates.
George Jacobson, DPM, Hollywood, FL
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 1
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Celebrity Shoe of the Day
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Autographed Donnie Osmond Shoes |
When Donny and Marie Osmond open their week-long Christmas show this week in Toronto, I hope Donny doesn't have to perform barefoot because I have his stage-worn, autographed shoes.
Hartley Miltchin. DPM, Toronto, Canada
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST POSITION – CHICAGO AREA
Well-rounded urban practice with hospital affiliation looking for Associate to cover 2 offices. All phases of podiatric practice. Four day week schedule. Must have 3 year residency and proficient in rear foot surgery. Six figure base income, health, malpractice, 401K Contribution. Joint Commission Accredited on-site surgical suite. Interested podiatric physician can fax your resume to: 773-374-5860 or e-mail drjenkins@southchicagofoot.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - FULL TIME/ PART TIME WISCONSIN
Opportunities to serve residents of long-term care facilities in Madison and Milwaukee Wisconsin. High earning potential with competitive benefits as part of a 40 year old company for the right candidates. Contact ckestner@preferredpodiatry.com for additional information.
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – MARYLAND (FULL-TIME/PART-TIME)
Are you motivated, personable and enjoy working with the elderly? We are offering part-time positions in Maryland. Podiatry Management Services provides care in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Senior Homes, Adult Daycare and other similar facilities. Please e-mail your CV to: drhprosen@verizon.net or fax to 410-486-2049 or call Dr. Herbert Rosen at 410-580-0255.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – GEORGIA
Join our Team! Thriving, five location, progressive, podiatry practice seeking a family-oriented Associate Podiatrist to build career and long-term relationship. Must be surgically trained (PSR-24/36) and have EMR experience. Position available in our Statesboro, GA location, one of the fastest growing cities in Georgia and home to Georgia Southern University. Associate will have full range of services and access to Surgical Center along with access to all of the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Email CV with Cover Letter to hr@atlanticfeet.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NORTHWEST PA
Seeking associate leading to possible partnership in northwest PA. Individual must be: Minimum two-year surgical trained with proficiency in forefoot, rearfoot, ankle and trauma. Applicants must be self-driven and motivated to step into a high-volume position. Contact: nwpadpm@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE- NORTH GEORGIA/CHATTANOOGA AREA
Busy group practice located in Chattanooga area seeking a growth-oriented individual with a strong work ethic to join our expanding 5 physician TEAM. Must have PM&S 36. Established patient base with tremendous growth opportunity. Associate with partnership potential. Chattanooga offers a strong music and arts culture, unrivaled outdoor amenities, and a government/populace committed to sustainable development. Competitive Salary and benefits. Email cover letter and CV tohr@advfootcare.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FREDERICK, MARYLAND
Exceptional opportunity for an associate Podiatrist who is trained in all aspects of trauma and podiatry. ER call is required. Salary with bonus structure and benefits package is offered. Please send CV and case log with cover letter to drsteinberg@mynewfeet.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - OHIO
Well-established group practice in Ohio seeks a well-trained surgeon, PSR24/36. Our practice provides all of the latest technology needed to provide patients with the best care, including ultrasound, lasers, PAD testing, DME, EMR and digital x-ray. Competitive compensation package including salary and bonus. Please send CV to: DPMgroup1@yahoo.com
PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN WANTED - CHICAGO/SUBURBS
If you are working in private practice and have the time to see more patients; we can significantly increase your income. Chicago Podiatric Surgeons is looking for a minimum of two days per week commitment to work at one of our offices located in Chicago, Tinley Park or Lombard. Enjoy a full schedule and high compensation immediately. We would consider part or full time employment, independent contracting, partnership or merge. If interested or want more information contact, Thomas Carr, DPM at dr.tcarr@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION, IMMEDIATE – NORTHERN CALIFORNIA/SF EAST BAY
We are seeking podiatrists to join our multi-office practice, immediate opening. Must have great people skills, bedside manner, and positive demeanor. California license required. No nursing home visits. Prefer private practice experience, credentialed with insurance. Full and Part Time positions. Send CV and cover letter to: ebpod2008@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE FOR SOUTHEASTERN PA
General and surgical podiatry practice providing comprehensive patient care with hospital privileges available. Must be surgically trained. Send letter and CV to podmedsurg@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE PART-TIME POSITION – PHOENIX ARIZONA
Seeking part-time associate in a group practice. Board Qualified/Certified , motivate, ethical, hard-working. Established 30 + year-old practice with diverse patient demographics with large referral base. Letter/CV to pdxbaba@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK
Well- rounded, hospital based podiatry practice. Large number of new patients monthly, digital x-rays, and EMR. Team Podiatrist for Division 1 College Sports Program. Currently have 3 DPMs and 3 offices. Senior partner is Chair of Pod Dept.; Partner & Associate are involved in wound center. Offices located 75 miles north of New York City, in the beautiful Hudson Valley. More affordable cost of living; great place to live. Looking for a personable individual with strong ethics and high motivation. Seeking an associate leading to potential partnership. Must have PM & S- 36 training. Please call (845) 471-2243 or email eriksims@hotmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA FLORIDA
Beaches, great weather, great restaurants, culture – Be part of a unique thriving practice model that will survive, all year! "Old-style" work ethic. Associate to "Buy-In" Opportunity. Customer service, sense of humor detailed, driven, laid back personality. Market yourself and the practice. Good surgical skills, Great practice management ability. Email, "I'm the ONE!", why you want to join this practice, CV, docmkatz@gmail.com
IMMEDIATE OPENING – WASHINGTON, DC.
Active DC License required now. Foot and Ankle Associates of Washington is growing. All facets of podiatry including office, ER, hospital surgery, and nursing homes. We are in three offices in the DC area. Applicants should be PSR-24/36. Competitive salary. Significant patient flow. EMR. Opportunity to get cases for boards. Hospital based practice.. Come grow with us. Send CV and references to DCMDfootdoc@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Salary range $120k-$140k (base + bonus) and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to scdpmjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY
Kansas City may be the perfect move for you and your family. We are looking for an entrepreneurial-minded associate who wants to grow and then own part of an already successful practice. If you are the right candidate for this associate position, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package and you will be working with doctors who are as committed to your success as we are to our own. Go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – MARYLAND
Well established, turn-key busy podiatry practice with accredited hospital-grade ASC is available for sale. Situated in a full service medical building located in a very desirable and convenient area of Northwest Baltimore County. Strong referral base and modern facility with EMR, digital x-rays, hi-def ultrasound and multi-use laser equipped. A great opportunity for a group to expand services into this area or for a very motivated and well trained individual. For more information contact Mr. Jesse Delanoy, attorney representative c/o Offit/Kurman Law Group: jDelanoy@offitkurman.com or at his office 301-575-0301.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - DALLAS/FT WORTH MID-CITIES
This practice has been a satellite location and is growing more than we can staff it. Has three rooms and is fully furnished with podiatry chairs and x-ray machine. Grosses $100,000 on less than one day per week.Tammi@AshtonPodiatry.com
DIABETIC FOOT AND WOUND FELLOWSHIP – DALLAS, TX
One position for a 12-month TMB-approved Diabetic Foot and Wound fellowship beginning July 1, 2015. Candidate must have completed a podiatric residency/plastic surgical residency/general surgery residency and be eligible for Texas Medical License. Training involves all aspect of diabetic foot management. Curriculum focuses on surgical limb salvage, and medical management of the complex wound patient. Interested candidates should email their CV, personal statement and 3 letters of recommendation to amanda.murden@utsouthwestern.edu. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
PM News Classified Ads Reach over 16,000 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 16,000 DPMs. 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
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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