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PMNews
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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,383 Subscribers Daily
December 14, 2018 #6,330  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 | |
Last Chance to Vote
Quick Poll
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Have you ever been denied acceptance to an insurance panel?
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
NH Podiatrist Collects 525 Items for Homeless
Dr. Bille Bondar’s annual holiday drive collected 525 pairs of boots, shoes, and socks this year, according to the Rochester podiatrist. Bondar collects donations at her Rochester Hill Road practice every November and December to help homeless adults, children, and others in need.
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Dr. Billie Bondar |
“This is a lot of work but well worth it with the smiles to those facilities receiving the donations,” Bondar said, while thanking local residents and stores like Bootleggers and Red’s Shoe Barn for their support.
Source: Kyle Stucker, fosters.com [12/12/18]
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| PODIATRIC ECONOMICS | |
Podiatry Ranks #3 for Net Revenue Per ASC Case
VMG Health's 2018 Multi-Specialty Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Benchmarking Study broke down ASC working capital as percentage of net revenue by region. The study is based on 2016 and 2017 data collected from over 275 centers, encompassing a surgical case volume of over 1.3 million. Here are statistics on net revenue per case:
1. Orthopedic surgery: $3,458
2. Gynecology: $2,933
3. Podiatry: $2,688
4. Urology: $2,483
5. Otolaryngology: $2,543
6. General surgery: $2,235
7. Plastic surgery: $2,010
Source: Rachel Pope, Becker's ASC [12/11/18]
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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.
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Today's Featured Article |
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
Strategies for Better Billing and Collections - Part 4
Here are some resolutions that can improve your billing and collections in the new year.
4. Resolve to verify insurance.
Do this on the phone before and at every visit. Also, when you verify insurance, be sure to also confirm the patient’s contact information. People change jobs, switch email accounts, ditch landlines and move across town but don’t always remember to notify their physicians. Regardless of how you send bills, be sure to avoid sending statements to the wrong address. Be sure you have a way to follow up if patients don’t pay to avoid delays.
Source: Avery Hurt, Physicians Practice [12/3/18]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Right and Left X-rays: CPT 28309 and CPT 28308
A commercial payer is denying CPT 28308 on the left foot as a bundled component of CPT 28309 on the right foot. I performed multiple metatarsal osteotomies on the right foot and just one metatarsal osteotomy (2nd metatarsal) on the left foot. I billed CPT 28309 -RT and CPT 28308 -LT. Even after appeal with operative an report and a letter explaining separate anatomical sites, they denied the left foot as included in the right foot. Is this correct? Does CPT 28309 include both feet at once?
Jeffrey Bean, DPM, Carson City, NV
Response: The RT/LT modifier will not separate out these two codes for payment. There is a CCI edit for these codes when billed in combination. To get paid for both you need to bill CPT 28309 and 28308-59. APMA resource center is an excellent tool to find out this type of information.
Tony Poggio, DPM, Alameda, CA
For information on Codingline subscriptions, click here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: David Secord, DPM
As local anesthetics (especially Marcaine) have been shown to damage chrondrocytes, I recommend not using them intra-articularly. See effects below.
•Seen especially with post-op local anesthetic pumps
•Most especially with bupivacaine
•Chondrolysis continues even after wash-out of the anesthetic and with as little as 20 minutes of exposure
•All local anesthetics cause chondrolysis on a dose/time-dependent scale1
1. Chu CR1, IzzoNJ, Coyle CH, The in vitro effects of bupivacaine on articular chondrocytes in: J Bone Joint SurgBr.2008 Jun; 90(6):814-20
David Secord, DPM, Corpus Christi, TX
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Howard Bonenberger, DPM
When I suspected a torn plantar plate, I injected Marcaine into the dorsum of the capsule and tried to overfill the joint. If the joint became tense and required more effort than expected, then a tear was very unlikely. If the plantar soft tissues became engorged, then a tear existed. It is easy to do, costs pennies versus thousands of dollars, and is easy for the patient to understand and see.
Howard Bonenberger, DPM (retired), Nashua NH
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) | |
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM
I would like to thank Linda McSmith from PICA for contributing to this forum regarding the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act of 2018. We don’t only need clarity regarding medical professionals traveling to other states. As podiatrists, we need clarity on telemedicine, and scope issues.
In reality, if all states had the same scope, no clarity would be needed. If all podiatrists are graduating from the same schools, we are taught the same stuff and we should all have the same scope of practice - that my friends is clarity.
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1A | |
From: John Chisholm, DPM
In his well worded and thought out reply to the question of diagnosis and treatment of DVT by podiatric physicians, Dr. Levy references the ongoing discussion regarding a non-restricted license, more specifically, an MD or DO. I wanted to take this opportunity to remind my colleagues that there is another, more obtainable option than changing our degree - to change state law to make our current DPM degree a plenary (non-restricted) license. The current education and training of podiatric physicians makes us, after 3 years of residency training, virtually indistinguishable from our MD and DO specialist colleagues.
Here in California, we have been working with our state medical and orthopedic associations to change our current restricted DPM license to a plenary license, and we now have agreed on all of the points to a pathway to lead to this change. Our next step is to work to allow DPMs to sit for the USMLE, and we have broad support from all the stakeholders here in California. I urge the profession to support the California initiative and make DPM=MD=DO a reality in each individual state.
John Chisholm, DPM, Chula Vista, CA, President, California Podiatric Medical Association
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1B | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Dr. Markinson is asking a question that is absolutely critical to whether we should continue supporting giving MD or DO degrees to students pursuing careers in podiatry. Are these students with duel degrees staying in a career where they are addressing foot problems, or are they veering off into other medical specialties potentially leaving a void in the area of foot care? If Dr. Levy or anyone else has such statistics, now is the time to come forth with this data.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) - PART 1C | |
From: Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH
I initiated the DO Program for DPMs in 2005 at Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. It was my intent to enroll applicants who had just completed their podiatric medical degree but I received considerable negative pressure from the podiatric medical educational establishment. As a result, the program offered required that candidates would be DPMs who were about to complete 3 years of residency training. Approval of this program came from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) which limited the number of students who entered to no more than two per year. Those accepted would complete the last three years of osteopathic medical school, given credit for the first year. No MCAT was required since podiatric medical students had taken that examination when applying to podiatric medical school.
Few applicants applied to the program which was not surprising since most matriculants had accumulated large debts during attendance at podiatric medical school and then looked forward to three additional years of osteopathic medical school with an annual tuition of $52,990 for Florida residents and $59,385 for out-of-state students. Traditional osteopathic medical students have average loan debt of about $250,000. The viability of the program could not compete with this huge financial responsibility. Also, to my knowledge, few if any of the DPMs graduating from the program continued with their podiatric medical career, instead entering unrelated specialties (e.g. internal medicine). As a result, the program has essentially fizzled out.
Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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What to wear to a modern art museum? |
Source: Tymon Ferenc De Laat via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART1 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE - BARRY UNIVERSITY IN FLORIDA
Barry University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the School of Podiatric Medicine. See complete search information by clicking here E-mail myersmcrae@myersmcrae.com to request a confidential conversation with Emily Myers or Jennifer Barfield of Myers McRae Executive Search. www.myersmcrae.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MANHATTAN
Busy NYC Midtown office seeks full or part time podiatrist. Must participate in-network with all insurance. Please email resume and contact number to footcare44@hotmail.com
GOOD PODIATRIST WANTED – CALIFORNIA / SF EAST BAY
We’re seeking a doctor to join our growing multi-office practice, immediate opening. Must have great people skills, bedside manner, and positive demeanor. California license required. Prefer private practice experience, credentialed with insurances. Production-based Full or Part Time. Send CV and cover letter to: ebpod2008@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS
Group practice seeking motivated DPM. Only 25% Medicare (no Medicaid) so excellent compensation resulting from substantive workload with good surgical balance. No travel and includes malpractice coverage, health insurance, 401k, and all professional fees. Please send CV to stlouispodiatrists@gmail.com.
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 POSITION - WESTERN PA
Seeking a full-time BQ/BC associate to help grow a multi-office practice in Western PA. Must be competent in conservative/surgical treatments of the foot and ankle, along with wound care. Competitive salary with benefits (health insurance, mal-practice, CME, 401k, state licensing) offered. Email CV to wpafootdocs@gmail.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
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 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
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.
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| CLASSIFIED ADS PART 2 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - NORTHERN INDIANA
Closing satellite office. Selling misc medical and office equipment including Xanar 15 watt laser, 3 treatment chairs, x-ray machine. Email for complete list of items available. Fwfeet7@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@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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- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
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