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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 17,262 Subscribers Daily
January 22, 2016 #5,584 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 | |
FINAL CHANCE TO VOTE
Quick Poll
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Do you use or prescribe HBO treatments in your practice? |
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| PODIATRY IN TE NEWS | |
Podiatry Among 12 Entry Level Jobs With High Salaries
How much do you like feet? For many, it's not the most attractive part of the anatomy, but the lure of a big payday can change that opinion. Few professions offer six figure salaries for newbies, but podiatry is one of them, giving entry-level professionals over $100,000 per year. It's hard work, and can often have demanding hours, with daily duties that include diagnosing and treating foot diseases, injuries, and deformities, as well as performing complex surgeries.
More money can be earned by specializing in sports injuries, especially for major sporting teams. But of course, a doctorate is required to enter the field, and that can take many years to acquire.
Source: Paul Michael, Wisebread [1/20/16]
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| PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
CO Podiatrist Opens New Clinic in Littleton
Foot and ankle surgeon Christina Garvin, DPM, has announced the opening of her new practice in Littleton. Dr. Garvin is a board-qualified foot and ankle surgeon and Associate Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Most recently, she worked at the Albuquerque VA, working with active duty and veteran patients providing inpatient and outpatient treatment with surgical and non-surgical care.
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Christina Garvin |
Dr. Garvin earned her doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Samuel Merritt University and completed her surgical residency at the Albuquerque VA in Albuquerque, NM.
Source: Blackbird News [1/20/16]
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| INTERNATIONAL MEETING NEWS | |
NJ Podiatrist Participates in Medical Mission to Israel
Dr. Marc Cohen of Marlboro Podiatry Center in Manalapan, NJ recently traveled to Israel to join APF's (American Healthcare Professionals & Friends for Medicine in Israel) Podiatric Scientific Mission in Israel. The goal of the APF is to form relationships between American physicians and Israeli physicians; and to encourage the exchange of ideas and techniques. During the 12 day visit, Cohen joined more than 25 podiatric surgeons who participated in this mission.
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Dr. Marc Cohen in Israel (Photo: Francine Cohen) |
A particular highlight was the educational lectures and workshops at the three major medical centers visited during the mission. At Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, the trauma coordinator gave a rare and unforgettable look at their underground fortified facility. In addition to Rambam's lectures and educational experiences, Cohen participated in tours and workshops at the Medical Center of the Galilee and Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva.
Source: Francine Chosek Cohen, Asbury Park Press [1/19/16]
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| FROM PM's CURRENT ISSUE | |
Twice a week, PM News posts an entire article from a recent issue of our partner, Podiatry Management Magazine. Please note that the views expressed in Podiatry Management Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of PM News or Barry Block.
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Today's featured article |
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| MEDICARE NEWS | |
CMS Details Next Steps for EHR Incentive Program
In a column published on Tuesday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services detailed guiding principles that will direct the transition from the Meaningful Use program to a new approach to encouraging the use of electronic health records. Four “critical principles” that will support proposed regulations released in the spring include:
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Rewarding providers for outcomes that technology helps them achieve.
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Allowing providers the flexibility to customize health IT to their practice needs.
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Leveling the technology playing field by promoting innovation and unlocking electronic health information through the use of application program interfaces (APIs).
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Prioritizing interoperability by implementing federally-recognized national interoperability standards.
Source: Fred Bazzoli, Health Data Management [1/20/16]
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Available Immediately!!
The New, Revised, More Inclusive, Updated, 2016 Podiatry Coding Manual
From Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC
It has been fully updated for excellent readability, reference and completeness. The most appropriate ICD-10-CM codes have been added to all procedures. Now link ICD-10 codes to CPT codes using the ICD-9 to ICD-10 Crosswalk. It is the highest of quality and podiatry information to aid in coding and billing for appropriate reimbursement and documentation to support what was billed. You will see why so many podiatry offices across the country refer to this book as their “Bible” when it comes to billing, coding, and documentation.
Only $125.00 including shipping!!!
Available in Book, CD, and Flash Drive Formats
No credit card? No problem. Just mail a check or money order to:
Michael Warshaw, DPM, CPC, 1837 Puerto Bello Drive, Lady Lake, FL 32159
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Source for Dexamethasone Acetate
I have used dexamethasone acetate (8mg/ml) for years but now seem to be having a difficult time finding a supplier. Does anyone have a source for this?
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS
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| CODINGLINE CORNER | |
Query: BCBS Denial of L4360
I received a denial for L4360 (walking boot, pneumatic and/or vacuum, with or without joints, with or without interface material, prefabricated item that has been trimmed, bent, molded, assembled, or otherwise customized to fit a specific patient by an individual with expertise) with a reason "Procedure is not consistent with the modifier or missing a modifier." The diagnosis used was S92.325D (nondisplaced fracture of second metatarsal bone, left foot). The HCPCS coding was L4360-LT.
David Sands, DPM, Great Neck, NY
Response: Chances are Blue Cross Blue Shield is requiring the "KX" modifier. This stipulates you have met and have the required documentation. The "KX" is also one of many payment modifiers required by payers. With the AFO category (which CAM walking boots belong), you also will be required to use a site modifier. In your scenario, it appears the "LT" modifier would be appropriate.
I am also concerned that you are using L4360 to indicate you dispensed a pneumatic CAM boot which is custom-fitted required by a person with significant expertise. My experience and audits I've reviewed indicate that you likely dispensed an off-the-shelf pneumatic boot, which should be coded as L4361-KX-LT.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Michael T. McCormick, DPM
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Dupuytren's (subungual) exostosis |
This one also presented as an ingrown nail in a 30 year old male. So far as I know, it never recurred after open resection.
Michael T. McCormick, DPM, Venice, FL
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Keith L. Gurnick, DPM
All of us who treat lots of children and who have done these procedures have witnessed regrowth on occasion. You were wise to order the initial x-ray to discover the cause. I always inform the parent that there is a chance the bone tumor can come back, and at this age, it can come back fast, as I suspect happened here. You probably just learned a good lesson: in the future, take more bone away on these than you would usually do for a simple exostosis.
It would be helpful to see the pre-op (AP, lateral, and oblique) and the post-op x-rays. Most likely the "osteochondroma" is regrowing. This would be my approach. 1) Take a swab,wound culture to rule out infection. 2) Take new x-rays, you might even need an MRI to visualize the bone better. 3) If repeat surgery is necessary, do a saucerization or curettage through the cortical bone of the phalanx. You will need to remove a lot more bone than what was visible, or palpable on top of the phalanx.
Keith L. Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) | |
RE: Former Inmate Sues County for "Poor Medical Care" Resulting in Leg Amputation
From: Michael Rosenblatt, DPM
A "low-level" drug-convicted inmate has just sued Santa Clara County due to "lack of and improper medical care" when he was incarcerated for less than a month in Milpitas, CA. Arthur Salgado states, "he was forced to wear ill-fitting and unhygienic sandals that gave him a blister." Sheriff Sgt. James Jenson said, however, "all sandals (which are rubber and plastic) are washed with bleach and dried before being dispensed to inmates." The blister subsequently got badly infected.
The article states that inmates must wear foot gear required by the county, which are plastic sandals, unless they can afford slip-on canvas shoes, apparently also allowed, but they cost the inmate 10 dollars. The suit alleged that...
Editor's note: Dr. Rosenblatt's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Are you "Yeti" for the coming snowstorm? |
Source: Ben Lister via Daily Mail
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MEETING NOTICES
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 2 - ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NEW YORK CITY & QUEENS
High Income Potential. One of the fastest growing podiatry practices in New York City and Queens seeks a hard-working podiatrist who participates with HealthFirst, Fidelis, and other Medicaid plans. Preferably a Spanish-speaking podiatrist. Contact me at Podocare123@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
Established practice seeking ethical, skilled, hard working associate in summer 2016. Must be BQ(or BC) ABFAS and 3 year residency trained. Competitive salary and benefits with bonus and early partnership opportunities. Should have strong interest in advanced wound care. Great location and community. Forward cover letter and CV to: scsoledocs@gmail.com.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - FULL TIME/ PART TIME WISCONSIN
Opportunities to serve residents of long-term care facilities in Madison and Eau Claire areas of 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 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Very busy practice seeking a full-time, self-motivated and hard-working podiatry associate. Competitive salary offered. Please email CV to: podiatrists@icloud.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS
Multi doctor group has an associate position available to join our busy practice. Candidate must have a minimum PMSR/36 with RRA training. Our practice is extremely diversified with all aspects of podiatry including wound care. If you are well trained, outgoing, personable and would like to join our team, please e-mail a cover letter and your cv to joinourgroup2016@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION AVAILABLE - CALIFORNIA
Busy three office practice in Santa Cruz County, California seeking new associate. Must be BQ or BC. Full scope of patient care. Competitive salary, and health insurance. Come join us on the beautiful California coast. Please forward cover letter and CV to skyandellie@yahoo.com.
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
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS - DALLAS SUBURBS
Seeking well rounded individual to join our well established, modern practice. Surgery, orthopedics, wound care, primary care and sports medicine. Very competitive salary with bonus structure and benefits. Early partnership opportunity for the right person. This is a rare opportunity. Please send letter of interest and CV to: Podiatrysbest@gmail.com
FELLOWSHIP – DIABETIC FOOT & WOUND (TEXAS)
One position for a 12-month TMB-approved Diabetic Foot and Wound fellowship beginning July 1, 2016. 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 to latonya.rosales@utsouthwestern.edu. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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@prodigy.net 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 1 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE TO BUY - FLORIDA
Are you looking to retire soon? experienced podiatrists looking to buy our first established practice, with great potential in the state of Florida. Open to any financing options. Your patients will be in excellent hands. Contact: sunshinefootdr@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE – CENTRAL FLORIDA
Practice available in a small town in Central Florida. Podiatrist retiring. Was full 4 day practice but now 2 days due to illness. Easily expanded. Same location over 30 years. Surgical and hospital privileges available but not required. Purchase equipment and assume patient care . Send inquiries to: DDave9388@aol.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Have you ever dreamed of owning a practice where you can see 0-50 patients daily, average 100 new patients monthly, have zero accounts receivable, gross $440K per year, live in a beautiful community with skiing, hiking, fishing and boating on your doorstep? Contact pistone@telus.net or call 250-754-4192.
PRACTICE FOR SALE – PENNSYLVANIA
Great opportunity for a new practitioner to step into a busy group practice with one doctor retiring. Practice is well established with a good mix of RFC, rearfoot and forefoot surgery, wound care, and diabetic foot care. Full EHR implementation. Practice is in a medical office building with many specialties providing an excellent referral base. Great small town to work in and raise a family. Approx 45 minutes to Baltimore Owner willing to finance and stay during transition. Contact: papodiatry616@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - PADNET SYSTEM
Padnet System for Sale: $5,500. Complete system. The computer has been erased and it’s software updated by Padnet. I will include the rolling stand as well if the purchaser wants to pay the shipping or pick it up on the west coast of Florida. Contact: venicefootclinic@comcast.net
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@prodigy.net 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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- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
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