RE: Source for Sclerosing Solution
Can someone recommend a compound pharmacy/company where one can purchase an alcohol-sclerosing solution to be utilized for neuroma therapy?
Larry Zonis, DPM, Scottsdale, AZ
Query: Best and Quickest Course for Renewal of DME License
What is the best and quickest course to meet the requirement for renewal of a DME license?
Frank DiPalma, DPM, Athens, GA
Query: Online CME Lecture Course
Could someone recommend an online source to watch lectures for CME requirements?
Tip Sullvan, DPM, Jackson, MS
Query: Diabetic Foot Exam as a HEDIS Measure?
I started inquiring about getting the diabetic foot exam approved as an official HEDIS Measure about 10 years ago to both the ADA, APMA, and the NCQA. My multiple attempts at getting any meaningful updates have been futile. Could anyone please provide an update on this very important topic?
Tom Hardiman, DPM, Plymouth, MA
Query: Have self-pay practitioners been deemed a “non-covered entity” under the HIPAA laws?
While reviewing the HIPAA Act on the CMS site, I filled out their "Covered Entity Decision Tool: Providers". It seems that as long as a provider is NOT transmitting HPI electronically, that provider is NOT a covered entity. The determining question in this decision tool is, "Does the person, business, or agency transmit (send) any covered transactions electronically?" The answer to that question [yes or no] is also the answer to the question of "is this provider a covered entity."
This, to me, is another strength in favor of the 'pay to play' providers. Thoughts to consider.
H. David Gottlieb, DPM, Baltimore, MD
Query: On-Call Stipend
Our organization is looking at providing us with an on-call stipend. Any information from colleagues currently receiving an on-call stipend would be greatly appreciated.
Brent Haverstock, DPM, Birmingham, AL
05/01/2026
QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL)
Query: Controlling Theft of Instruments in Treatment Rooms
My office has been in the same location for over 35 years. This year, for the first time, I am running into a new problem: theft of instruments. The one instrument that they tend to be stealing the most are curettes. I wonder if they have some special use in legal or illegal drugs paraphernalia.
Has anyone ran into this problem and if so, how have you handled it? I cannot see myself and staff, having to put locks on drawers. Any ideas would be helpful.
Elliot Udell DPM, Hicksville, NY
04/24/2026
QUERIES (CLINICAL)
Query: Source for Hyfrecator for Partial Nail Matricectomies
I appreciate the feedback from everyone. For those who have had success with radiofrequency, would you be able to share the specific brand unit you have used? The only one I have come across in my research that was geared towards podiatry was from Ellman, which has been discontinued as of 2024.
Anas Khoury, DPM, Passaic, NJ
04/20/2026
QUERIES (CLINICAL)
Query: Hyfrecator for Partial Nail Matrixectomies
I’m looking for advice/feedback regarding using a hyfrecator for partial nail matrixectomies versus phenol/alcohol. I would appreciate procedure protocols, outcomes, and pros/cons.
Anas Khoury, DPM Passaic, NJ
04/14/2026
QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL)
Query: Podiatric College Applicants/Enrollees
I would like to know the total number of applicants that applied to all podiatry colleges and the actual number of students that enrolled in all podiatry colleges for the Class of 2029.
Royce W. Wilhelm, DPM, Homestead, PA
Editor’s Response:
Number of applicants for the Class of 2029: 752
Number enrolled for Class of 2029: 519*
*Includes deferrals from previous cycle plus leave of absence returns.
Source: AACPM
04/01/2026
QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL)
Query: How Much Notice of Closing Practice Required
I am retiring and have done multiple public notices of this. I am wondering how many months/years back everyone goes to notify the active patients in writing? It can be a costly endeavor and I would like to get the consensus view on this.
Connie Lee Bills, DPM, Mount Pleasant, MI
04/01/2026
QUERIES (CLINICAL)
Query: Source for Monochloroacetic acid 80%
I am writing to inquire if any subscribers or advertisers can recommend suppliers for Monochloroacetic acid 80% used in wart treatment. I am currently looking for companies that carry this specific concentration.
David Chung, DPM, Aloha, OR
03/30/2026
QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL)
Query: Repair of Old Midmark Chair
Does anyone have a recommendation to repair a Midmark 417 chair? It just stopped working but the chair has power. Midmark won’t repair it stating that it’s too old. It was fine one day and the next no movement at all. I thought maybe the foot controls went bad so I bought a hand controller and still nothing. The outlets on the chair have power so I know it’s not the primary plug in the wall.
David Krausse, DPM, Flemington, NJ
03/17/2026
QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL)
Query: Who's Performing the Procedure?
One of my patients told me that she is scheduled for her first diagnostic colonoscopy this coming summer. She specifically chose a doctor who is well reviewed, and the procedure will be done at a teaching hospital. She is concerned that since she will be under anesthesia, she will not know if the person doing the procedure will be the doctor she is hiring, or a PA, nurse practitioner, or even a GI resident. How can this patient or any patient ensure that a procedure will be done by a physician and not a PA,, NP, or GI fellow doing it for the first time?
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
03/13/2026
QUERIES (CLINICAL)
Query: Bleomycin Injections for Verrucae
Is anyone using bleomycin injections for verrucae? What is your protocol and success rate?
Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN
03/09/2026
QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL)
Query: Why does an insurance company require high limits of liability for providers who are being credentialed?
From: Joseph Borreggine, DPM
Recently, I have come across information indicating that health insurance companies may mandate providers on their panel care high liability limits regarding malpractice insurance. Certain companies based on geographic area or nationally are requiring a $1 million to $3 million liability limit to even consider credentialing a physician. I am uncertain whether this requirement applies universally or is specific to certain insurance companies. However, I find this development intriguing, as there are many podiatrists who do not participate in surgery and primarily just practice general podiatry.
This situation is appropriate regarding podiatrists who are foot/ankle surgeons, but I am confident that there are many of us who continue to practice general podiatry without performing surgery for various reasons. This limits access to a number of qualified experienced providers with certain carriers who do not carry these high limits of liability on their policy. Additionally, I am also curious to see if this has affected any of my colleagues and prevented them from being credentialed?
A search on the Internet yielded the following response to my query regarding obtaining high liability limits: “Credentialing organizations often mandate higher liability limits to ensure that healthcare providers can cover potential claims. This requirement helps maintain a standard of care and protects both the provider and the institution.”
Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Fort Myers, FL
02/20/2026
QUERIES (CODING AND BILLING)
Query: Podiatry Billing Company Recommendations
I’m a solo practitioner looking for a new billing company, preferably one with strong podiatry experience. A relentless effort in fighting denials is crucial. Solid customer service and communication are also key. Any recommendations?
Chris Seuferling, DPM, Portland, OR
01/20/2026
QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL)
Query: American Association of Surgical Foot Specialists
While going through some of my father's papers, I stumbled across several correspondences regarding the American Association of Surgical Foot Specialists ranging from the 1950s to 1970s. This is NOT the American Ambulatory Foot Surgeons group. I'm curious if it's still around somewhere. Would there be any interest in creating an online documentary repository?
H. David Gottlieb, DPM, Baltimore, MD
01/14/2026
QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL)
Query: AI Scribe Systems
What AI scribe system have other podiatrists set up? How much does it cost and how private is it?
Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY
01/12/2026
QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL)
RE: HIPAA and Credit Cards
From: Daniel Chaskin, DPM
Does HIPAA allow a podiatrist to mandate a future or current patient give their credit card information for a podiatrist to keep so that patients can be charged for missed appointments, co-payments, and deductibles?
Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Ridgewood, NY
Editor’s Comment: PM News does not provide legal advice. HIPAA generally allows podiatrists and other healthcare providers to require a credit card on file for future charges, as long as the information is handled securely. However, New York State law (where you are currently located) significantly restricts this practice.
• Patient's medical identity must still be protected under HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.
• Authorization: Providers must obtain clear, written consent from the patient that explicitly details when and how the card will be charged (e.g., for no-shows or after insurance has paid its portion).
New York Specific Restrictions
In New York, recent legislation (General Business Law § 519-A and Public Health Law § 18-c) provides much stricter...
Editor’s Note: This extended-length letter can be read here.
01/10/2026
QUERIES (CREDENTIALING BOARDS)
Query: CMS Withdraws BOC’s Status as an Accrediting Organization (AO)
We recently received notification of the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) no longer being an approved accrediting organization by CMS. I completed my re-credentialling with BOC in 2025 prior to the December 2nd announcement. I have two questions.
First, BOC has filed a lawsuit against CMS for this ruling. Should I proceed with credentialling with another organization, or wait for the outcome of the lawsuit? The CMS website says to re-credential immediately, but this is a large and expensive task.
Second, for those using another organization for their credentialling, are you happy with them? I found ABC difficult to work with in the past, which prompted my switch to BOC more than 10 years ago.
Michaele A Crawford, DPM, Butler, PA
01/07/2026
QUERIES (MEDICAL LEGAL)
Query: Nail Biopsy Results – Candida Parapsilosis
We received nail biopsy reports these days that are filled with information and treatment recommendations. From a medical-legal point of view, what should be done in the following scenario. A healthy 35-year-old female's nail PCR report indicates: "isolation of Candida parapsilosis. This should always suggest careful evaluation of the patient, as Candida onychomycosis is frequently associated with diabetes or immunodepression."
This patient is not a diabetic. This patient has no systemic symptoms that would indicate immunodepression. Is there anything else to do to protect oneself?
Name Withheld
12/30/2025
QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL)
RE: Should We Dispense Products from Our Office?
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
At board meetings of the American Society of Podiatric Medicine, a specialty group dating back to the 1940s, there was constant arguing and finger-pointing at doctors who sold products from their offices. All of the board members were in podiatric academia. The argument against dispensing is that most doctors from all facets of medicine and dentistry do not sell products to their patients; I was the black sheep in the room.
Recently, I went to a new dental office for a cleaning. After cleaning my teeth and gums, the hygienist asked if I was using an electric toothbrush. I told her that mine broke six months ago and I never replaced it. She was quick on the draw and let me know that the office sells them to patients and I bought one for fifty dollars. I was happy for the service and do not think any less of any of the dentists or hygienists.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
12/18/2025
QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL)
Query: Alternative to Cantharidin
Our Canadian supplier of Cantharidin is no longer servicing the U.S. Does anyone have an alternative?
Dieter Fellner, DPM, NY, NY
12/16/2025
QUERIES (MEDICAL-LEGAL)
Query: Duty to Report Changed Status When Employed by Practice Buyer
I recently sold my practice and I am now working for the purchaser who has a different NPI and Tax ID.
1) Do I have to notify the various insurance companies of the sale or is the fact that I won't be submitting claims any longer under my NPI/Tax ID sufficient?
2) I have to download the Electronic Remittance Advice (ERAs) from my EMR vendor. How many years of ERAs should I save?
Name Withheld
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