The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 10,000 Podiatrists Daily

December 29, 2007 #3,129 Editor-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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Latest Results of Ongoing PM News Poll

Are you in favor of the new ACFAS policy of no longer requiring APMA membership as a prerequisite for ACFAS membership renewal?

PM News Poll Results 12/27/07

With 620 votes cast so far, our poll shows that podiatrists oppose ACFAS’s policy by a little less than than a two to one majority. PM subscribers can vote until 12/31/07 at:

www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=pFcQKhw8XPkJI_2btWM7MjQA_3d_3d

Texas Podiatric Medical Foundation Continues Mission in Mexico

The Texas Podiatric Medical Foundation, made up of the residency programs, volunteers and members, has provided a mission in Mexico for 8 years. The first 4 years were started by Dr. Joe Caporusso and the Foundation in the border town of Reynosa. When the clinic was torn down in 2005, the Foundation looked for another opportunity and took over a fledgling mission in 2006 started by Dr. Greg Still of Colorado in San Miguel de Allende, interior Mexico. Dr. Jason Miller and Scott McKinney of Houston have continued to head up this project and the many volunteers that keep it going!

Mission volunteer photo (Dr. Jason Miller is in back, wearing baseball cap)

The Foundation has committed to 3 trips per year to the CASA clinic in San Miguel that provides medical services and birthing for the indigent in the surrounding areas. TPMF provides forefoot and rearfoot surgery, as well as full clinical services and orthotic fitting for 100’s of patients each trip. The next trips for the mission are: Feb 9-16, July, and November – 2008. For donation of supplies, money or time contact 800-TEX-FOOT to help with this great charitable effort.

Former OH Podiatrist is Now Bandleader in FL

Dr. Frank Michota, a retired podiatrist from Ohio, is the bandleader of the Gulfcoast Big Band.

Dr. Frank Michota

During season, the Big Band performs at Mackle Park and the Golden Gate Community Center, among other Naples, FL locations.

Source: Marco Island Eagle [12/25/07]

Query: Cryotherapy Machine

Does anyone know the company or name of the machine that is used for cryotherapy for neuromas or heel pain?

Brian Kashan, DPM, Baltimore, MD

Query: Facility Billing

I am currently in the process of obtaining surgical accreditation (JCAHO office-based surgery accreditation) for my office. I am interested in a source of information and resources concerning billing, including revenue codes, etc.

Todd Rotwein, DPM, Hempstead, NY

Response: The number one question you should be asking JACHO is, in New York, does a JACHO office-based surgery accreditation allow for my office to be defined as a "facility" for payment purposes (such as an accredited ASC?), or does a JACHO office-based surgery accreditation primarily denote that a high standard for an office-based surgery suite/room has been met?

If the State of New York does not consider your office-based surgery suite/room to be defined as a "facility," you, in all likelihood, will not be able to bill payers as an ASC or outpatient hospital facility bills.

I would recommend you review office-based information available at:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/professionals/office-based_surgery/2007-12-03_dear_doctor_letter_obs.htm
http://www.op.nysed.gov/podiatryguidesedation.htm
http://www.health.state.ny.us/professionals/office-based_surgery/law/230-d.htm
http://www.health.state.ny.us/statistics/sparcs/amb_surg/definition.htm

From my reading of the above linked information, a podiatrist in the State of New York with an accredited office-based surgery suite/room (vs. a free-standing ASC) would NOT be able to bill payers as a "facility." In the Q/A's regarding the new law regarding office-based surgery, the following statement was made:

"Reimbursement and Licensure in other Settings - It is important to recognize that nothing in this legislation affects how physicians are reimbursed for OBS procedures nor does it affect the definition of, or criteria for, a diagnostic and treatment center or any Article 28 facility under the Public Health Law. Accreditation by one of the NYS designated accrediting bodies does NOT imply or support in any way Article 28 status."

If you are not a defined healthcare-type facility in New York, I would presume your billing for supplies, staff, your surgical room/suite would be similar to that of a podiatrist with a non-accredited office-based surgical room/suite, and be payer-specific. I would recommend you confirm this by contacting obs@health.state.ny.us, getting an opinion from a New York-based healthcare attorney, and contacting some of your largest payers.

Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Cerritos, CA

[Dr. Goldsmith will be a featured speaker at the Codingline-NYSPMA 2008 "Strictly Coding*" Seminar (www.codingline.com/events-ny.htm)...as well as a Codingline coding workshop to be held in Napa, CA in the spring (contact: hgoldsmith@codingline.com)...as well as the Codingline-PM News Hawaii Post-APMA Meeting Coding and Practice Management Seminar on Kona (The Big Island - www.podiatrym.com/hawaii)]

Codingline subscription information can be found at:
http://www.codingline.com/subscribe.htm

RE: Obituary - Joseph Nemiroff, D.P.M.
From: Joel Lang, DPM

This is to let you know that Joseph Nemiroff, D.P.M. died on December 24th after a prolonged illness. He served on the faculty of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine for many years. He practiced in New York and later moved to Silver Spring, Maryland. He served in many volunteer capacities for APMA over the years.

Dr. Nemiroff was a dedicated podiatrist with a particular interest in podopediatrics and biomechanics. He is survived by his wife Rose who was always at his side, and his two sons Mark and Ronnie and their families. He was a kind and gentle man and a caring doctor. He will be missed.

Joel Lang, DPM, Cheverly, MD, langfinancial@verizon.net

Home Physicians, a medical group specializing in house calls is looking to hire podiatrists. We are located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Full and part time positions are available. Competitive Compensation including malpractice. Contact Scott Schneider. Phone-773-342-4201 FAX 773-486-3548-E-Mail sschneider@homephysicians.com -- www.homephysicians.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION- KANSAS CITY, MO

Excellent opportunity for a hard working, ethical podiatrist to join a vibrant, successful and growing podiatric medical and surgical practice. Dedicated, supportive staff with strong marketing and medical knowledge. Must be board eligible/certified. PSR/24. Partnership opportunity. Competitive salary, bonus structure, benefits. Wonderful place to raise a family. Fax CV to 816-455-8901

ASSOCIATE-TO-PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY NEW HAMPSHIRE

Established practice located 1 hour north of Boston in tax-free New Hampshire is seeking a well-trained graduate of a 24-month surgical/general podiatry residency. This is a practice with a nice mix of surgery, biomechanics, injuries, diabetic and general care. No nursing homes. Very modern office with EMR, US, excellent referral base, and a well-trained staff. E-mail inquiries howardbon@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION/ BUY-IN -COASTAL SE NC

Excellent opportunity for well trained, articulate, hardworking individual competent in all phases of practice. Long term position available with buy-in also an option. Strong salary and benefits. Gorgeous coastal area. Don't miss this one! Contact kinggy@atmc.net

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