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The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,509 Subscribers Daily
December 29, 2016 #5,829 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com E-mail us by hitting the reply key. COPYRIGHT 2016- 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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For what reason will you likely (or did you) retire? |
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Proper Achilles Stretching Can Resolve Many Foot Problems: IL Podiatrist
"One piece of advice I give to a lot of patients in order to maintain foot health is stretching. Of the many biomechanical problems I address, equinus, or a tight Achilles cord, is the most common," says Dr. Kellen Cohn, a podiatrist at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, IL.
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Dr. Kellen Cohn |
"In fact, most people have inadequate flexibility in their Achilles. This can exacerbate many problems including heel pain, forefoot ailments, tendonitis, or shin splints. Proper Achilles stretching techniques can help resolve many of these problems."
Source: Liz Donofrio, Daily Herald [12/19/16]
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| PODIATRISTS OVERCOMING ADVERSITY | |
MD Podiatrist Has Baby Following Cancer Battle
Few things that happened over the last few years of Dr. Kerry Becker’s life fall under “expected.” It started with the shock after the initial mammogram, which Becker, a podiatrist, underwent at a radiology office that employs her husband, Randy. Becker’s surgery, on July 3, 2013, was just a few weeks after her diagnosis, which had categorized her breast cancer as the less common and less understood “triple-negative” variety.
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Dr. Kerry Becker with Jacob (photo: Kevin J. Parks) |
The final surprise, Jacob, an unlikely conception just months after Becker’s chemotherapy ended, has brought the most happiness of all. “When he smiles, his face just lights up the whole room,” Becker said. “He enjoys every moment, and that’s what I’m trying to show my kids.”
Source: Erik Zygmont, Catholic Review [12/27/16]
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRY IN THE NEWS | |
Lack Of Enough Podiatrists In Oman Barrier To Diabetic Foot Care: Expert
Infections of the foot are one of the most common concerns for those suffering from diabetes worldwide. But experts say preventive measures can reduce the risk of lower limb ulcerations and amputations by 45 to 85 per cent. However, lack of sufficient podiatric professionals in Oman is being cited as a barrier to providing care for patients with diabetic foot diseases. A study conducted by Ibrahim al Busaidi, Nadia Abdulhadi, and Kirsten Coppell at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in 2016 outlines this as a main challenge associated with diabetic foot diseases.
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Ibrahim al Busaidi |
According to Busaidi who is working at the Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch Hospital, in New Zealand said, “A shortage of podiatrists is common in many countries worldwide, particularly in developing countries.” He added that there are 16 podiatrists employed in the public health system in Oman, of which 13 are based in Muscat and the other three are located in Dakhliyah, North Sharqiyah, and North Batinah governorates. “This equates to approximately one podiatrist per 5,000 patients with diabetes in Oman.
Source: Hamood al Breiki, Muscat Daily [12/27/16]
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| PODIATRIC EMPLOYEES AND THE LAW | |
Employee Stole $58G from NY Podiatrist's Office, Police Say
A Bay Shore woman faces arraignment Tuesday after she stole more than $58,000 from the podiatrist office where she worked in Freeport. She tripped up when an investigation found she’d deposited stolen checks into her own bank account, police said. Ana Carrera, 46, surrendered to Nassau County police early Tuesday and was charged with second-degree grand larceny. They said the scheme began in 2014 and involved more than 300 stolen checks. Police said thefts occurred while Carrera was employed as an office manager responsible for medical billing for Twin County Podiatry.
Source: John Valenti, Newsday [12/27/16]
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| HEALTHCARE NEWS | |
AMGA 2016 Survey Reports Average Increase in Physician Compensation at 3.1%
74% of specialties saw increases in compensation. AMGA announced findings from its 2016 Medical Group Compensation and Productivity Survey, conducted by its consulting arm AMGA Consulting. Findings show that 74% of physician specialties experienced increases in compensation. The overall weighted average increase in 2015 compensation was 3.1%, similar to 2.8% from 2013 to 2014.
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Primary care specialists saw an increase of 3.6%, up from a decrease of 0.3% in 2014 (weighted average).
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Other medical specialties saw an average increase of 3.0%, comparable to 3.2% in 2014.
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Surgical specialties saw an average increase of 3.6%, up from 2.0% in 2014.
Specialties experiencing the largest increases in compensation in 2015 were Emergency Medicine (9.6%), Cardiac/Thoracic Surgery (8.1%), Cardiology (6.9%), and Hypertension and Nephrology (6.7%). Data represent responses from 260 medical groups (a 3% increase from last year's survey), representing more than 92,000 providers (a 26% increase). The data are representative of large multispecialty medical groups and integrated health systems.
Source: American Medical Group Association News via MDLinx
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
4 Branding Tips for Medical Practices - Part 4
Your brand isn't just what you say your practice is about. Your brand is about your relationship with your patients, and the emotional response they have to your practice. You can influence it through branding efforts, but the patient ultimately decides his perception based on his own experience. Here are four ideas that can help you meet your goals for branding, while minimizing wasted time, money, and effort.
4. Make time to regroup and refresh. When you go through the process of introspection and investment required to commission and evaluate logos, website designs, and other marketing materials, it's natural to feel a sense of completion. But branding is never really done. Over time, the way you think about your brand will gradually evolve. Design trends will, too. Make a point of taking a fresh look at your brand and marketing at least every five years or so, to be sure your materials represent who you are today.
Source: Joe Capko, Physicians Practice [12/14/16]
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) | |
From: Dieter J Fellner, DPM
Thank you, Dr. Peacock, for the additional information and references, specifically in regard to the SERI procedure as described and advocated by Dr. G. LaPorta whose teachings I follow. This is a hybrid modification for minimally invasive surgical correction of bunion deformity with a small medial incision large enough to accommodate a power saw.
Editor's note: Dr. Fellner's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CODINGLINE CORNER) - PART 1A | |
From: Harry Goldsmith, DPM
I disagree with Dr. Landsman. If you are performing a destruction of neuroma (I am presuming it is an interdigital [Morton's-type neuroma]), you would look to the nerve destruction codes. In this case, CPT 64632 is described as "destruction by neurolytic agent; plantar common digital nerve." CPT 64632 falls under the heading "Destruction by Neurolytic Agent (e.g., Chemical, Thermal, Electrical or Radiofrequency)."
The original post in Codingline noted the author was using the Neurotherm unit for radiofrequency destruction. However, the Neurotherm website/page notes that the unit is a radiofrequency generator, delivering "pulsed or pulsed dosed treatments to painful nerve sites to help manage chronic pain."
CPT instructions for the “destruction by neurolytic agent” section specifically say, "Do not report a code labeled as destruction when using therapies that are not destructive of the target nerve (e.g., pulsed radiofrequency), use CPT 64999." Unless there is something about the Neurotherm machine's radiofrequency delivery beyond what the company included in their website, the proper code to use in this case is CPT 64999 (unlisted procedure, nervous system).
Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Cerritos, CA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CODINGLINE) - PART 1B | |
From: Marc Katz, DPM
The correct code is CPT 64632. This is specific to the common digital nerve. CPT 64640 applies to nerves other than interdigital nerves. Here is the description: "CPT 64632, Under Destruction by Neurolytic Agent (e.g., Chemical, Thermal, Electrical or Radiofrequency)."
Marc Katz, DPM, Tampa, FL
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Something seems "screwed up" with these shoes (photo. Elixabete Lopez) |
A special hydraulic spring system has been developed for this style, absorbing the impact at each step.
Source: Silvia Fado via Virtual Shoe Museum
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MEETING NOTICES
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Choose any or ALL from 30+ CME Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 1 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA
Large Practice in East Central Florida has a fulltime position open. Responsibilities include servicing patients in ALF and SNF facilities along with inpatient hospital responsibilities. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com
ASSOCATE POSITION – GEORGIA
Village Podiatry Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Extremity Healthcare, Inc. is seeking board qualified/certified associates with a Georgia license. Ideal candidates have 3-5 years’ experience and knowledge of coding/billing, and desire to excel while utilizing our practice owned ancillaries. Our successful model is built to enrich the physicians and their efforts. Serious inquiries only to Tony Brzezicki, Human Resources, at tbrzezicki@extremityhc.com or fax (770.874.1748). Starting salary will be based on experience and the value you bring to the practice. EHI also offers a competitive benefits package.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – BROOKLYN, NY
Full time position available for a motivated podiatrist in a growing podiatry practice in Brooklyn, NY. Excellent compensation and partnership opportunity available. Please send your resume to Footcareemployment@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NY & PA
3 doctor, multi-location practice in NY & PA seeking associate. Partnership available after 1 year. Email CV and contact information to atuccio@stny.rr.com
IMMEDIATE ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE – INDIANAPOLIS
For motivated, hard-working residency-trained podiatrist in busy 3-office practice leading to partnership. Would consider 2017 residency graduate. 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. Forward letter and resume to Imalament1@comcast.net.
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST - FREDERICK, MARYLAND
Group practice seeks well-trained podiatrist to join our group. Our practice has all the bells and whistles. Hospital emergency room call is required. Must be confident in Trauma, Ankle Fractures and Diabetic Limb Salvage. Drsteinberg@mynewfeet.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ST. LOUIS, MO
Expanding group practice seeks full-time podiatrist to join our team, we have state of the art facilities with EHR, lasers, EPAT, digital x-ray, etc. Candidates must have completed a PSR/36 residency and be well-trained, ethical and collegial.
Competitive salary with incentives and benefits. If interested, please Contact CHARLENEW@FACSTL.COM.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - KANSAS CITY
You're not looking for a typical podiatry practice. We're not looking for the typical podiatrist. We’re busy and still growing and need another doctor who understands the importance of creating an amazing patient experience as much as providing great medical care. You will be working with doctors who are committed to your success. Go to: www.YourFutureInPodiatry.com for full details
POSITION AVAILABLE - LOS ANGELES, CA
Multi office, multi physician foot and ankle surgical practice looking for highly trained foot and ankle surgeon to join our growing group. Practice emphasis on sports medicine, reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and revision surgery. Prospective candidate must have excellent personal skills and work well with a team. Competitive compensation and 401K, profit sharing, health insurance, dental and vision insurance. Surgical center partnership potential and full scope hospital privileges available. Facility is state-of-the-art with PT, CT, MRI, ultrasound and digital x-ray all in office. New graduates are welcome. Interviews prior to and at ACFAS in Las Vegas. Contact us at: bbaravarian@mednet.ucla.edu
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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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