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The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 16,814 Podiatrists Daily
December 31, 2014 #5,257  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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How many bone surgeries per month do you perform? |
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
UK Podiatrist Discusses Use of Orthotics to Correct Structural Misalignment
"Feet are fairly delicate structures," says consultant podiatrist Simon Costain of the Gait & Posture Centre in Harley Street. "Damage may be painless in the foot but felt elsewhere in the body." For instance, collapsed foot arches - also known as flat feet - which can be inherited or brought on by weakening of the muscles in the feet through sustained strain caused by wearing high heels, aging, and weight gain, are a common cause for knee pain."
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Simon Costain |
We can track even further up the body, to lower back pain caused by the feet. For example, leg length inequality can cause a tilt in the pelvis. If the legs are functionally different because of a collapsed arch in one of the feet, we can use orthotics."
Source: Kevin Braddock, Daily Mail
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
UK Podiatrists Spend the Holiday Treating the Homeless
A team of kind-hearted podiatrists gave up their time on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to run a foot care clinic for homeless people in Edinburgh. Lecturer, and lead podiatric volunteer for Crisis, Evelyn Weir, and 12 Queen Margaret University students provided a specialist service for individuals who live on the streets. The Crisis at Christmas project provides companionship and support to tackle loneliness and isolation, and helps people take their first steps out of homelessness. As well as offering some much needed foot care over the winter months, the 12 hour long Christmas Day and Boxing Day events this year offered homeless people services such as hairdressing and massage, as well as providing breakfast, a hot Christmas meal, and supper on each day.
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Evelyn Weir |
Ms. Weir, lead for interprofessional education, has spent the last twenty years volunteering with homeless charities and is delighted that a team of university podiatry students have again offered to support her work at Christmas. She said: “People who are homeless tend to have specific foot health problems. Many walk for miles every day but don’t have access to foot healthcare or good quality footwear, and may not have a change of shoes. Also, most people are out in all weathers; they spend large amounts of time standing on hard pavements, and often they have no place to dry shoes or socks. These difficulties can lead to quite significant foot problems.”
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| FOOT-RELATED PRODUCTS IN THE NEWS | |
Mettis Trainer
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Mettis Trainer |
Mettis Trainer comes to us courtesy of Flexpoint Sensor Systems Inc. and Bend Tech. Mettis will offer its wearer wireless, real-time feedback on a variety of metrics including balance, speed, and power. These smart shoe pads can help runners and walkers redistribute their weight as well as monitor their cadence and foot landing technique as a means to prevent injury.
Source: Submitted by Bob Levoy
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| E-HEALTH NEWS | |
2015 Could Be Key Year For Electronic Health Records Program
Politico reports that widespread dissatisfaction with the Administration’s “$30 billion” effort to digitize health records combined with a “hungry new Congress” could pose a threat to the program. While “many believe digital health will eventually bring huge benefits, physicians have seen few of them to date,” and with the government set to cut payments to those not significantly adopting such records, “physician groups are fighting mad.”
Next year “promises to be a critical year for determining whether electronic health records will enable physicians to communicate with each other efficiently to create better care,” and if they “can’t get their systems to interact, the program may be seen as largely a waste.”
Source: Arthur Allen, Politico.com via The Daily [12/29/14]
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: Annual Lower Extremity Examination
A patient with diabetes and the appropriate class findings (excluding neuropathy) returns for treatment of painful mycotic hallux nails (laboratory +) and plantar hyperkeratosis. Assuming there are no new complaints and no significant changes in medications or medical status, can an "annual lower extremity examination be performed (E/M code CPT 99213) as well as nail debridement (CPT 11720) and debridement of the hyperkeratoses (CPT 11056)?
Charles F. Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA
Response: It is good medical practice to perform at least a yearly (or more frequent) lower extremity examination or what Ken Malkin, DPM termed a comprehensive diabetic foot exam (CDFE) based on your patient's diabetic symptoms. However, based on some MAC LCDs and other retired LCDs from previous Medicare carriers, it is my suggestion that you perform that examination on a different day from the day you perform covered routine foot care services. Some LCDs and a lot of the retired LCDs (or their associated articles) say that you cannot perform (and be paid for) an E/M visit on the same date as the covered foot care services for the purpose of qualifying the patient for that covered service.
So as not to confuse the issue and run the risk of having the E/M denied or worse, bring the patient in and do your evaluation on a different day.
Paul Kinberg, DPM, Dallas, TX
Codingline subscription information can be found here
APMA Members: Click here for your free Codingline Silver subscription
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
RE: Holding of 2015 Date-of-Service Claims for Services Paid Under the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee
From: Joseph Borreggine, DPM
On November 13, 2014, the CY 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule was published in the Federal Register. In order to implement corrections to technical errors discovered after publication of the MPFS rule and process claims correctly, Medicare Administrative Contractors will hold claims containing 2015 services paid under the MPFS for the first 14 calendar days of January 2015 (i.e., Thursday January 1 through Wednesday January 14). The hold should have minimal impact on provider cash flow as, under current law, clean electronic claims are not paid sooner than 14 calendar days (29 days for paper claims) after the date of receipt.
MPFS claims for services rendered on or before Wednesday Dec 31, 2014 are unaffected by the 2015 claims hold and will be processed and paid under normal procedures and time frames.
Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2 | |
RE: We Are Physicians, Not Pedicurists!
From: Duane L. Isaacs, DPM
The text in the long "letter" following this introduction addresses a part of the settlement of a suit I successfully prosecuted pro se in federal court in the '90s with which Medicare authorities have failed to comply. Although the bargained-for recognition that debridement services are not "RFC," and for proportionate reimbursement were complied with, the removal of the arbitrary bimonthly limit on debridement reimbursement was not. It needs to be re-litigated, and I'm too old to do it.
All reference to "RFC" by our profession should be dropped, even when applied to all of our elderly patients, regardless of whether they are diabetics or have PVD. We don't perform "RFC." People trim...
Editor's note: Dr. Isaacs' extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) | |
The Passing of C. Errington Williams, DPM
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Dr. C. Errington Williams |
It is with sad heart I announce the passing or Dr. C. Errington Williams, NYCPM Class of 1985. Errington practiced in New Rochelle, Bronx, and Manhattan. A celebration of his life will be on Saturday, January 3rd at the chapel at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY, at 10:30 AM, followed by his entombment. Friends and family are welcome.
Bill Greco, DPM, New Rochelle, NY
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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
Nick Cannon's shoes are encrusted with 340 karats of diamonds. America's Got Talent has been good to Nick!
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Nick Cannon's diamond-encrusted shoe |
Hartley Miltchin, DPM, Toronto, Canada
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MEETING NOTICES - PART 2
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Choose any or ALL from 30+ CME Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
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 toamanda.murden@utsouthwestern.edu. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
30 year old general podiatry practice. State-of-the-art medical suite renovated 4 years ago Modern equipment, prime location, large physician referral base, full hospital privileges. No house calls, nursing homes or hospital ER call. Established patient base and unique opportunity for surgically-oriented podiatrist in the Berkshires (Western MA) Priced to sell and will transition, if desired. Additional info best achieved via conversation. Contact: dross@albany.twcbc.com or cross12@nycap.rr.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 POSITION – UPSTATE and DOWNSTATE NY
A growing practice is seeking a motivated podiatrist to treat patients in Nursing Facilities in both Upstate New York and Downstate New York. Excellent opportunity for an energetic, ethical, and personable individual. Please send your CV and Cover Letter to doconcall02@aol.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION- NORTHERN NJ - MORRIS COUNTY
31 year old established, respected office with 4 DPMs. Large referral base from PCPs, Vascular, Peds and Orthopedists. A well-rounded hospital and surgical center based podiatry practice encompassing all aspects of foot and ankle care. Large number of new patients weekly, solid surgical schedule. Large modern office with digital x-rays and EMR. Involved with residency program. Looking for a personable individual with strong ethics and high motivation. Seeking serious associates only leading to partnership. Must have PMSR/RRA or equivalent training. Very competitive compensation package. Starting July 2015. Please email CV and references to Northnjpod1@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TAMPA FLORIDA
Beaches, great weather, great restaurants, culture , all year! – Be part of a unique thriving practice model that will survive any environment. "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
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 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 to hr@advfootcare.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.
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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