|
|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 16,865 Podiatrists Daily
January 30, 2015 #5,283  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2015- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
|
| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
|
|
How do you treat onychomycosis? |
 |
|
|
| PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
CA Podiatrist Discusses Advantages of Using a Standing Desk
You don’t have to be in perfect health to use a standing desk, said Dr. Wenjay Sung, a board certified podiatrist who specializes in foot and ankle surgery at the White Memorial Medical Group in Los Angeles. A common misperception is that diabetics have circulation problems that can be exacerbated by standing, when in reality standing, and movement in general, can help the condition, he said. (Standing very still in one position increases the risk of blood clots, Sung said, but your average worker is hardly standing sentry at Buckingham Palace.)
 |
|
Dr. Wenjay Sung |
People with creaky knees or heart disease can generally stand, too, Sung said. The key is to wear supportive footwear, he said. Sung, who uses a standing desk himself, favors running shoes since they tend to be more durable than other athletic footwear. Those who need to wear dress shoes to the office can keep a pair of running shoes by their desk.
Source: Elizabeth O'Brien, Market Watch [1/29/15]
|
|
| IN THE COURTS | |
IL Podiatrist Disputes Claim that Hospital Owner Had No Knowledge of Kickbacks
The wealthy owner of a West Side for-profit hospital turned patients' trusting relationships with their doctors “upside down” by paying cash kickbacks for patient referrals, federal prosecutors said Wednesday as the long-awaited trial of Sacred Heart hospital CEO Ed Novak began. But lawyers for the 60-year-old Park Ridge multimillionaire countered that he's guilty only of being a “gruff” businessman who “swears a lot,” the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting.
But the government cast some doubt on Novak's claim he was unaware of any corrupt practices at his hospital with its first witness, podiatrist Dr. William Noorlag, a former Sacred Heart staffer who described Novak as a “micromanager” who “knew everything that was going on in every corner of the hospital.” If convicted, Novak faces a theoretical maximum of 40 years in prison, though a far shorter prison term would be likely.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times [/28/15]
|
|
| CODUING NEWS | |
New Surgical Coding Modifiers Replace Modifier -59
In the dog days of summer, CMS released a transmittal that will dog the steps of surgical coders in 2015. CMS added four new HCPCS modifiers to be used in place of modifier -59 in some situations. These four new modifiers are referred to as the -X (EPSU) modifiers and are now a subset of modifier -59. The CPT definition of modifier -59 is Distinct Procedural Service. The complete description is below:
-
XE — Separate Encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter.
-
XS — Separate Structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure.
-
XP — Separate Practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner.
-
XU — Unusual Non-Overlapping Service, the use of the service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service.
CMS will continue to recognize modifier -59 in some instances, but the transmittal states that it may "selectively require a more specific -X (EPSU) modifier for billing certain codes at high risk for incorrect billing." This means, that for some services, a group may continue to report modifier -59 and be paid for the service. In other instances, the Medicare contractor will return the claim unpaid and ask for the more specific modifier.
Source: Betsy Nicoletti, Physicians Practice [1/28/15]
|
|
| E-HEALTH NEWS | |
CMS Bends on Reporting Periods for Meaningful Use
The CMS just blinked in the ongoing cold war between providers and the agency over meaningful-use requirements for electronic health-record systems. The CMS announced Thursday that it is considering proposals to shorten the meaningful-use reporting period to 90 days in 2015, something providers and others have been requesting. Predictably, CHIME, a key advocate for changes in the reporting period, was positive about the announcement. “It is indeed” what the organization was looking for, said Jeff Smith, the organization's vice president of public policy.
In a separate statement, Russ Branzell, CHIME's president and CEO, said, “Meaningful use has the potential to be a transformative program for the nation's healthcare delivery system and we commend CMS for recognizing the need for a course-correction.” Shortening the period essentially means providers can meet the meaningful-use requirements, and so not suffer financial penalties, with software in place for less time than is currently required.
Source: Darius Tahir, Modern Healthcare [1/29/15]
|
|
| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Handling Patients with High Deductibles Who Refuse to Pay
Because of the huge number of "low cost" insurance plans brought into being by the Affordable Care Act, more and more of our patients have very high annual deductibles. Many of these patients have no intention of paying their deductibles and they harbor the mentality that they are paying enough to their insurance carriers or the "rich doctor" can absorb it. In the past, we looked the other way and simply wrote off these losses. We even felt generous about it. Nowadays, however, the volume of the problem has become economically crippling. We have entire families who came in for care who do not respond to any our bills or telephone calls. What are some good solutions to this problem? Have any of us had any success with collection agencies?
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Michael Trepal, DPM
I read with interest the posting of Dr. Morelli wherein he accuses participants on a panel discussion devoted to ethical concerns at last weekend's Foundation For Podiatric Medicine annual clinical conference in NYC of opining that it is unethical to dispense products from one's office. Nothing could be further from the truth. The context of said discussion followed brief remarks by Dr. Allen Jacobs that a healthcare professional has both a legal and moral obligation to be guided by the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and respect for patient autonomy. In other words we are bound by our Hippocratic oath to put patient interests first.
Where I believe Dr. Morelli misunderstood is at that point of the discussion where the question was raised if it might be considered unethical if a healthcare provider were to office-dispense a product to a patient where the main benefit accrued to the dispenser as opposed to the patient. Clearly, reasonable minds might conclude such. At no time did any panelist opine or infer that office dispensing of medically-indicated products to patients is unethical. In fact, I do so myself.
Michael Trepal, DPM, NY, NY
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
If the moderator of the panel at the NY Clinical Conference did indeed say that it is unethical for podiatrists to dispense products from offices, he is throwing a verbal punch not only at our colleagues but at companies that subsidize all of our conventions. None of our conferences would survive if companies such as Gordon labs, Blaine labs, Bako solutions, Dr Jills, Pedifix, and many others decided it no longer paid for them to have booths at our conferences. These companies, along with distributors such as Moore Medical, Henry Schein, and Gill, supply podiatrists with all of the products that we dispense from our practices. In addition, most of these products are not available in CVS and other pharmacies, and they do make a difference in the health of our patients' feet.
The only ethical issue imaginable is when a podiatrist, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist dispenses a product, he or she must be absolutely convinced that the use of the product he or she is dispensing is specific for the condition being treated and is in the best interest of the patient.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2A | |
From: Harry Goldsmith, DPM
“Orthopedic shoes and other supportive devices for the feet generally are not covered. However, this exclusion does not apply to such a shoe if it is an integral part of a leg brace, and its expense is included as part of the cost of the brace. Also, this exclusion does not apply to therapeutic shoes furnished to diabetics.” Section 290 - Foot Care; B(3) – Exclusions from Coverage – Supportive Devices for Feet; Medicare Benefit Policy Manual Chapter 15]
My question to you is, when you submitted the claim for L3020-RT, L3020-LT, did you append a “KX” modifier to each code? If you did, you are telling Medicare that, indeed, L3020x2 should be paid because their use was for a patient who is wearing shoe(s) that are an integral part of leg braces. This is not a common occurrence these days, but with the “KX” modifier appended, you do get paid (of course, there is a higher degree of audit by Medicare to ensure the appropriate coding was submitted). The Medicare software keys off of the “KX” and “L3020” billed, and not necessarily diagnoses submitted.
The problem comes in when there is an audit and it is found, for example, that Medicare inappropriately reimbursed for L3020x2 claimed. They will request the money back, the patient gets to keep the custom foot orthotics, the lab gets paid by you, and you cannot bill the patient. Of course, if the circumstances are such that the patient did meet Medicare’s benefit guidelines for supportive foot devices, everyone comes out of this happy.
Harry Goldsmith, DPM, Cerritos, CA
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2B | |
From: Joseph Borreggine, DPM
This code can only be billed when billing for orthopedic shoes and the shoes must be attached to a brace; therefore, you were paid incorrectly by mistake. Therefore, refund the money to Medicare.
Joseph Borreggine, DPM, Charleston, IL
|
|
| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (ENEWS STORIES) | |
From: Doug Richie, DPM
A few clarifications are needed regarding the post about the recent study published on AFO bracing and balance. Contrary to the statement made on PM News, the study cited did NOT show improvement on all balance-related assessments. The maximum reach distance and the Timed Up and Go tests did not show any improvements when the AFO brace was worn. Furthermore, the promotional marketing for the Moore Balance Brace focuses on using this device for patients with documented musculoskeletal pathologies, which would make the prescription legal according to Medicare guidelines. The study cited, however, utilized subjects who had "no significant foot pathologies", and therefore do not represent the presumed target population who would benefit from so-called falls prevention bracing. It simply verifies what we have already learned from many studies on ankle bracing which show improvements in simple balance tasks when braces are worn.
Along with many other AFO manufacturers, I recommend caution in promoting any AFO brace for preventing falls in high-risk populations until quality prospective clinical studies are carried out to verify the safety and efficacy of this treatment.
Disclosure: Dr. Richie is inventor of the Richie Brace.
Doug Richie, DPM, Seal Beach, CA
|
|
| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
 |
|
Passion for Peacocks? |
Source: Monica Singnano, The Free George (shoe designed by Marina Dempster Ebullient)
|
MEETING NOTICES
|
|
|
|
|
| CLASSIFIED ADS | |
PRACTICE FOR SALE – TUCSON, ARIZONA
Tired of cold, clouds, congestion and crazy cost-of-living? Consider warm, sunny, dry and affordable Tucson. Retiring after 35 enjoyable, rewarding years. Well-rounded, well-respected solo practice begun in 1951 by previous DPM. Same central location. Truly unique opportunity to assume tastefully landscaped 3000 sq. ft. well-maintained home/office on 12,350 sq. ft. property; 12 car parking. Potential for 2 DPMs, in-office surgery or wound care. Have control over your professional life with this smart investment. Details: gdshapiro@comcast.net
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - Q-CLEAR MULTI-FUNCTION LASER
Q-Clear Laser Multi-function laser, FDA-cleared Fungus Toenails, and Warts. Less than three years old. Excellent condition, includes training certification and marketing materials. e-mail Footcare@comcast. net
LIMB SALVAGE FELLOWSHIP – SAN FRANCISCO
University of California, San Francisco Medical Center is currently accepting applications for its 12 month Limb Salvage fellowship beginning July 1, 2015. The Fellowship includes advanced techniques in limb salvage with many research opportunities. The fellow will receive: $60,000 salary and benefits with 2 fully funded conferences to attend. Please submit a Letter of interest, CV, and 3 Letters of recommendation to: Dr. Alex Reyzelman,, Director at alexander.reyzelman@ucsf.edu.
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 to: amanda.murden@utsouthwestern.edu. UT Southwestern is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
POSITION WANTED
3rd year surgical resident seeking position starting this summer. Looking to help practice grow for a potential long-term position. Self motivated, hard working, honest and personable. Well trained in all facets of podiatry including rearfoot, ankle, reconstruction and trauma, in addition to wound care and general podiatry. Specific interest in sports medicine and trauma. From Chicagoland with ties to the Midwest. Currently looking in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Colorado, but willing to move for the right situation. Please contact me at PMNewsAd@gmail.com if interested.
IMMEDIATE POSITIONS AVAILABLE - BUFFALO, ALBANY, AND SYRACUSE NEW YORK
Looking for podiatrists to see residents in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities in Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse and surrounding areas. Great opportunity for full-time or part-time income. Positions available immediately! Email inquiries to: phasetwopodiatry@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – FL
BQ in Foot & RA required: candidate for 1 year post-residency fellowship in FL. Add to your knowledge and skills on: Reconstructive RRA surgery, arthroscopy of STJ / ankle, sports medicine and practice management. ACFAS poster and research project. Starts 8/2015. Send resumes to: mny1029@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TEXAS
Seeking three-year surgically trained podiatrist for busy podiatric medical and surgical practice in Texas. Must be hard-working, open to direction, and willing to do all phases of podiatric foot and ankle care. Please send CV, and salary history to: jmh6122@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - INDIANAPOLIS METRO NORTHEAST
If you are a talented and well-liked experienced surgeon, resident, or fellow who wants to develop a career in Indiana, we can make it happen. We are looking to expand service lines. If you have the drive to do what it takes, step forward. Change your life. 100-125K+, benefits and malpractice. Send cover letter, CV, and references to john.lloyd@lloydpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina's largest provider of foot care is a multi-doctor, multi-location practice currently seeking a highly skilled, personable, and hardworking physician to join our TEAM. South Carolina License is necessary. Salary range $120k-$140k (base + bonus) and benefits. Please send Letter of Interest and CV to:scdpmjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MICHIGAN
Multi-doctor practice looking to add associate for two offices in Flint, MI area. Partnership opportunity for right person. We are looking for a surgically proficient doctor. Rearfoot/ankle training is a plus, but not a necessity. Competitive salary with paid vacation and seminars. Patient schedule available “now” from a retiring associate. Email resume to giordanodpm@hotmail.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – LAPLATA, MARYLAND
Well-established practice with multiple offices located just south of Washington DC. Practice amenities include EHR, digital x-ray, state-of-the-art surgical suite, shoe stores, PADnet, and large support staff. Recently renovated hospital minutes away. This is an extremely busy practice with high patient, new patient, and surgical volume with both forefoot and rearfoot surgery. We enjoy a large referral base due to our own practice marketer. We are looking for a highly motivated, personable individual. Must be well trained in forefoot and rearfoot surgery at PMSR-36/RRA. Competitive base salary with bonus structure. Send CV to: feet_r_neat@aol.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION LEADING TO PARTNERSHIP NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Well established high volume Podiatric Surgical practice seeking associate to join 4 doctor/2 office opportunity. Excellent salary plus incentives and great benefits. All Board Certified Fellow Podiatric Surgeons highly respected in the medical community. Prefer forefoot and rearfoot reconstructive surgical trained practitioners only. Please email CV and references to medical 622@aol.com. If you are seeking a position in July 2015 when you finish your residency, this is an opportunity you should investigate.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – HARRISBURG, PA
Advanced Podiatry is seeking a full-time podiatrist in a professional environment for all ages in the office and nursing homes. Applicants must be BC/BE in ABPM or ABPS. Advanced Podiatry is located in Harrisburg, PA. Position pays salary plus benefits. If interested call 717-657-5050 or email at lvgreerdpm@verizon.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - EAST ORANGE, NJ
Part time or Full time position available in modern up-to-date practice. PSR 24-36 trained individual, but previous practice experience a plus. Looking for the right person to buy into the practice within 1 year. Send CV to DRFOOT44@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - PT/FT - NY (WESTCHESTER/ROCKLAND)
Well-established, cutting-edge, modern private practice in multi-specialty office with over 45 years experience looking to hire an enthusiastic and passionate Podiatrist for PT/FT. We serve the Rockland, Westchester, and entire Tri-State Areas successfully with full diagnostic and treatment facilities, including: Fluoroscope, Diagnostic Sonogram, PinPointe Laser, Juvederm, ESWT, and in-house physical therapy. Affiliated with local hospitals and privileges available. Surgical skills preferred but not required. Join our friendly and knowledgeable office staff with decades of experience! An entrepreneurial and medical opportunity combined! Guaranteed signing bonus. Send CV and cover letter to: linchpindpm@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS
Seeking three-year surgically trained podiatrist for busy podiatric medical and surgical practice in Texas. Must be hard-working, open to direction, and willing to do all phases of podiatric foot and ankle care. Please send CV, and salary history to: jmh6122@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MIAMI, FL
Associate needed - house calls, etc. Miami, Dade, Florida. Please contact Lcohn1952@aol.com 305-338-4668
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FORT WORTH, TX
25-year-old practice is seeking a personable, hard-working, self-motivated individual looking to practice in Fort Worth Texas. Candidate must be board qualified/certified by ABFAS. Office is state-of-the-art offering EMR, digital x-ray and orthotics, ultrasound, multiple lasers. Full-service opportunity including pediatrics, DME, wound care, hospital consultation, surgery center membership opportunities, pharmacy ownership opportunity, ancillary income opportunity. In MS Word format, Please email resume/CV, photo and References to gbeededpm@sbcglobal.net.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HOME FOOT CARE, INC.-GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
Join the fastest growing podiatric house call company on the West coast! Part/full time, we schedule around you & your area, EMR, electronic billing, payment monthly, excellent road support staff. great for new graduates, semi-retired, building own practice, or anyone looking to make extra income. email CV to: homefootcare@hotmail.com check us out @ www.footdocs2u.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.
|
| 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.
| | Guidelines |
- To Post a message, send it to: bblock@podiatrym.com
- Notes should be original and may not be submitted to
other publications or listservs without our express written
permission.
- Notes must be in the following form:
RE: (Topic)
From: (your name, DPM)
Body of letter. Be concise. Limit to 250 words or less). Use
Spellchecker
Your name, DPM City/State
- Subscribers are reminded that they have an ethical obligation to disclose any potential conflicts of interest when commenting on any product, procedure, or service.
| |
|
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
|
| |
|
|
|
