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PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,230 Subscribers Daily
December 23, 2015 #5,557 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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Do you decorate your office for the holidays? |
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PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS |
CT Podiatrist Discusses Morton's Toe
The length of your toes is a big deal. If your second toe is longer than your first toe, you’re at increased risk for bunions, hammertoes, and even back problems due to how you distribute pressure throughout your body, says Dr. Robert F. Weiss, director of the Foot & Ankle Institute at Stamford Hospital in Connecticut.
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Dr. Robert Weiss |
“All the weight should push off your first toe, but when the second one is longer, it rolls and flattens, causing all kind of foot problems,” he explains. If you do have this condition, talk to your podiatrist about the best kind of footwear for the shape of your feet, since ill-fitted shoes make the condition worse.
Source: Umnia Shahid, The Express Tribune [12/17/15]
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MEDICARE NEWS |
CMS Releases Draft Plan for New Payment Models
As part of its efforts to shift Medicare payments from volume to value, CMS has released a draft Quality Measure Development Plan outlining how the agency will support the transition to a new Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and for providers who choose to participate in alternative payment models (APMs).
According to CMS, starting in 2019, the agency will apply a positive, negative, or neutral payment adjustment to each MIPS eligible professional based on a composite performance score across four performance categories: quality, resource use, clinical practice improvement activities, and meaningful use of certified EHR technology.
Source: Greg Slabodkin, Health Data Management [12/21/15]
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QUERIES (PQRS) |
Query: PQRS Registry Recommendation
Can anyone recommend a PQRS registry?
John Scholl, DPM, Lady Lake, FL
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CODINGLINE CORNER |
Query: Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Denials
We have submitted claims for diabetic shoes using the diagnosis code, E11.40 (Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy, unspecified), and it has been denied twice with remark saying "diagnosis codes incorrect." Can anyone shed light on this?
Bonnie Vader, DPM, Brooklyn, NY
Response: I would not use ICD-10 E11.40 since it is an "unspecified code", but rather use ICD-10 codes: E11.42 (Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic polyneuropathy), or E11.49 (Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other diabetic neurological complication), or E08.49 (diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other diabetic neurological complication).
Also check the DME MAC LCD on the Diabetic Thereapeutic Shoe Policy for further information on the diagnoses that can be used for New York State.
Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1A |
From: Thomas A. Graziano, DPM, MD
I think we need to know more about this patient's medical history to determine why he presented with "gouty tophus" and a normal uric acid level. For this particular patient, "normal uric acid" levels may still be too high and precipitate out into the joint. Hyperuricemia may be one of the most neglected conditions in medicine. The diagnosis of acute gout is pretty much a "doorway diagnosis" and simple to ascertain when given the patient's historical and clinical presentation. As has been suggested, we don't need a blood test to diagnose gout, but we do need it to establish uric acid levels for that particular patient. Elevated uric acid levels have dire medical consequences other than a gout attack.
As we know, more often than not, our patients with hyperuricemia have co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and kidney disease (metabolic syndrome). Uric acid has a solubility coefficient approaching 6.0 mg/dl so it's important to keep our patients uric acid at levels below 6 mg/dl. Blood tests will help monitor a patient's progress and the efficacy of the uric acid lowering agents we prescribe for them. We have to think outside the box (foot) when we manage gout. As the specialists of the foot and ankle, it is our responsibility to either manage this condition or refer it out if we see that it has been neglected or mismanaged by the patient's primary care physician.
Thomas A. Graziano, DPM, MD, Clifton, NJ
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1B |
From: Barry Mullen, DPM
Respectfully, Dr. Lewis' reply not only contains some inaccuracies, it harbors a certain sarcasm/elitist attitude not condoned by your peers, at least not this one anyway.
First, 24 hour urine uric acid clearance studies cannot diagnose gout. When ordered, they merely determine whether hyperurecemia is linked to over-production or under-excretion of uric acid. This may influence long-term uricosuric management if needed. Only joint aspirates viewed under polarized microscopes definitively diagnose gout. Furthermore, obtaining serum uric acid levels 10-14 days after an acute attack subsides is not...
Editor's note: Dr. Mullen's extended-length letter can be read here.
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 |
RE: Orthotic Scanners
From: David E Gurvis, DPM
Let me start by saying I would be the first to jump on the scanner bandwagon as soon as it comes of age. For now, imagine every cardiologist has an EKG machine that only gave him useful information, but no one else. In my opinion, this is still pretty much where orthotic scanners are. If not, why would one scanner lock me into a particular lab with a proprietary system? So even if, for some reason, that lab started to lose quality control, or raised their prices too high, I would be unable to change without losing my investment.
Recently, I am hearing about the “revolution” in the manufacturing of orthotics. I am on the list to be detailed by...
Editor's note: Dr. Gurvis' extended-length letter can be read here.
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 |
From: Jarrett Hamilton DPM
I am currently employed by a hospital-sponsored medical group. I am very happy with my work arrangement. I previously had been employed with a multispecialty group, which I also liked, but prefer my current situation. While I have never been employed by another podiatrist or as part of a podiatry group, I have had friends who have. It seems their experiences range from horrible to okay. Most seem to end up moving on.
The incentives to hiring a new DPM are different for hospitals than they are for other podiatrists. A hospital is glad to have you make them money by utilizing their OR and ancillary services, whereas another DPM will only look at how much they can make by paying you as little as possible and keeping the difference. I advocate a multispecialty group as an option over working for another DPM. Good Luck in your job search.
Jarrett Hamilton, DPM, Sierra Vista, AZ
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS (YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP) |
RE: Outrageous ICD-10 Code of the Day
From: Jeffrey Kass, DPM
Am I the only one who finds the "outrageous ICD-10 codes of the day" highly irritating? Someone should educate those in charge that we have "outrageous codes" but are lacking basic codes, i.e. tailor's bunion, sinus tarsi syndrome, etc. Are those in charge of the making of these codes really that dumb? Never mind, scratch that question.
Jeffrey Kass, DPM, Forest Hills, NY
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Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgeon - Massachusetts
The Division of Podiatric Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School are recruiting a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon to work in a multi-specialty, hospital-based group. Minimum requirements include completion of a residency in an accredited three-year podiatric surgical residency program and experience in hindfoot reconstructive surgery. Academic appointment at Harvard Medical School at the rank of Instructor or Assistant Professor will be commensurate with experience, training, and achievement in the field. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women and minorities are particularly encouraged to apply. Letters of application or nomination should be sent, together with a CV to: Eileen Rose, Administrative Director erose@bidmc.harvard.edu
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Shoes of the Day
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Would you say these shoes are eye-popping? |
Source: Pinelopi Loizidou for Onfoot via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE POSITION - INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Available in busy three office practice Leading to Partnership. Position available for graduate in 2016. Two locations in Indianapolis and 1 location outside of Metro area. Competitive salary and benefit package including 401, profit sharing, Health insurance. Surgery Center Ownership Available If interested forward letter and resume to Imalament1@comcast.net
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
PART TIME PODIATRIST POSITION - CHICAGO SUBURBS, WILL & LAKE COUNTIES
Part time, excellent supplemental income opportunity in an established podiatry practice. Must be hardworking, personable and self-motivated. Please send your CV to CHIFOOTCARE@YAHOO.COM
PODIATRIST WANTED - NORTHERN NEW JERSEY and NY
Must have NJ and NY licenses and better if already involved/established with insurance and hospitals. Can be part time. Must be go getter and work well with others in great opportunity. Confident forefoot and rearfoot /ankle/arthroscopy training a must. podiatrydocsnj@gmail.com
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 – 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 to familyfootcenter@verizon.net
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE- INDIANA (NORTHWEST) AND ILLINOIS (SOUTH)
Looking for an associate to work at our established offices in Indiana and Illinois. Individual must well rounded, personable, good ethics with medical and surgical skills and must be have PSR-24 or greater training. Duties include hospital calls, office patients, wound care, routine foot care, surgical cases in office and hospital setting. Practice has EMR, digital x-ray, pinpoint laser, and all aspects of DME, vascular testing, ultrasound and more. Competitive salary with benefits. Please send CV to: vipul65@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PENNSYLVANIA
A well-established, podiatry practice located in Delaware County, PA, is seeking a BE/BC podiatrist to join our team. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician with an interest in partnership. Please forward cover letter and a current CV via email to podiatrymgmt@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – YONKERS, NY
Well established podiatry practice is looking for part-time podiatrist to work 2-3 days per week, including some Saturdays. Will work to get you on as many plans as possible. Competitive compensation package with bonus structure and partnership/ownership opportunity for the right individual. Please submit resume to: Podiodoc@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
available immediately in a busy, 30 year established, single location, high visibility office with digital x-ray, DME, diabetic shoe store, and EMR. Good patient volume and potential for partnership or purchase. Contact samuel10530@yahoo.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 - 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
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 2 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PART TIME OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE – PHILADELPHIA, PA
Podiatry office space available for use more than half the week in downtown Philadelphia. More than 2,000 square feet of treatment space with digital x-ray, diagnostic US and EHR available. I am looking to segueway out of practice in the next several years and this could be a beginning opportunity for an individual to gradually purchase the practice and create their own right now. Also seeking a preceptor to be involved with the practice. For more info: ediamond7@comcast.net.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PINPOINTE FOOT LASER
$14,500 OBO, The Original FDA approved Laser to treat Onychomycosis. Pristine condition, fully serviced & upgraded late 2013, Machine has been well maintained under warranty. Includes; manuals, keys, thermometer, 1 hand piece, new fibers, cleaver. Contact 801-870-4161 or email: dapodman1@yahoo.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
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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