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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 18,827 Subscribers Daily
February 14, 2018 #6,123  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management http://www.podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2018- 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 has the opioid crisis affected your prescribing? |
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| HOSPITAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
LA Podiatrist is New Section Chair/Chief of Surgery at Lake Charles Memorial Hosp.
Daniel T. Hall IV, DPM of Lake Charles, LA and founder of Louisiana Foot and Ankle Specialists was unanimously elected to serve as Chairman and Chief of Surgery of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. Lake Charles Memorial Hospital is the largest hospital in Southwest Louisiana, recently appointed a Level III Trauma Center with specialties including: orthopaedic surgery, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, ENT and podiatric surgery.
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Dr. Daniel Hall IV |
Dr. Hall has served as the first podiatrist elected to the Medical Executive Committee, Assistant Chairman of the Surgery Department and now Chairman/Chief of Surgery. In addition, he serves as a physician member of the Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Sports Medicine program which serves 14 local high schools in the Calcasieu Parish School District and McNeese State University Athletics Sports Medicine Network.
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| PODIATRIC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN THE NEWS | |
Extremity Healthcare Inc. Announces the Acquisition of “My Foot Doctor”
Extremity Healthcare Inc. (“EHI”) announced that it has acquired My Foot Doctor through its clinical division in Tennessee, Advanced Foot Care, adding three more strategic Tennessee Locations in Cleveland, Lenoir City, and Athens. My Foot Doctor’s founder Barry Schulman, DPM, FACFAS is a leader in podiatry in those markets. Both Dr. Schulman and Claire Bello, DPM will be joining Advanced Footcare and the EHI team.
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(L-R) Drs. Barry Schulman, Clair Bello, and David Helfman |
David N. Helfman, DPM, FACFAS, CEO, EHI said, “We look forward to working with Dr. Schulman, Dr. Bello, and their entire team to continue our Tennessee expansion while continuing to build a leading platform through organic growth and add-on acquisitions.” Dr. Schulman, CEO of My Foot Doctor said, “Our team has been looking forward to this day and feel that EHI brings substantial management expertise and resources that will allow us to continue to grow and gain market share.”
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| PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY | |
What You Need to Know About Office-Based Surgery Laws - Part 5
While state regulations vary to some degree as to which procedures trigger an accreditation requirement, many states require or encourage OBS practices to obtain accreditation from a private agency (or certification as an ambulatory surgical center from CMS). Accreditation agencies require OBS practices to satisfy certain operating and office standards, which ensure that procedures are performed in a sanitary and safe manner. These standards are developed additionally to verify that support staff is qualified, trained, and experienced and that anesthesia is administered by a qualified professional, with adequate oversight.
Accrediting agencies also set forth requirements concerning cleanliness of operating rooms and adequacy of personnel and equipment to respond to emergency situations (e.g., staff members are to be certified with advanced cardiovascular life support training). Accreditation can be obtained from several agencies, such as the Joint Commission, the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
Source: Conor Murphy and Yulian Shtern, Esq., Physicians Practice [2/1/18]
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| QUERIES (CLINICAL) | |
Query: Treatment of Verruca in Patient Taking Blood Thinners
I would apreciate suggestions for a patient with 2 large warts (1cm lateral 3rd toe and 2cm sub 1st met). The patient is on two blood thinners, and cannot have excisions. The lesions have been frozen by a dermatologist without success. I have used laser treatment, Cantharone plus, and salicylic acid (Veraciti). She has used vinegar and Mediplast. There has been minimal improvement. I would like to know if anyone has used other treatments with success.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1 | |
RE: The Passing of Robert Alfonso Krauklis, DPM
Dr. Robert “Bob” Alfonso Krauklis passed away suddenly on February 8, 2018 aged 74 years. Bob graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatry in 1966 and was commissioned into the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. He served 6 years in the Navy, first in Washington D.C., then Parris Island and finally transferring to the Naval Training Center in Orlando. In 1974, Bob began his private practice as a podiatrist with offices in Orlando and Mt. Dora. He served on the Board of Lake-Sumter Hospice and was on staff at Florida Hospital Orlando. He retired in 2010.
Source: Orlando Sentinel [2/12/18]
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2A | |
On behalf of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM), our deepest sympathies to the family of Harry Goldsmith. Harry was a tremendous asset to the podiatric profession and his knowledge was invaluable. Our profession has lost a great man and educator. May he rest in peace –
Maggie Fournier, DPM – President, AAPSM
It is with great sorrow that I heard of the passing of our colleague Harry Goldsmith. I knew him to be a gentleman and an outstanding colleague. He was a tremendous asset to APMA and the profession. I knew Harry as a friend whom I had the honor to serve with on APMA's health policy committee. He was selfless with his time and the commitment he made to his colleagues. I will remember him dearly, and grieve for his family in their loss, and for our profession's loss.
Jeff Ross, DPM
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2B | |
RE: The Passing Of Harry Goldsmith, DPM
Those who do not know this true story should. Some 20+ years ago, I worked as an expert witness alongside Harry Goldsmith under the umbrella held by attorney Keith Greer in a substantial recovery lawsuit against many podiatrists in the state of California who had billed and were paid by Medi-Cal for custom foot orthotics billed with the bill code L3000 (UCBL).
Harry and I both worked for free, and put many hours of research, phone calls, and then testimony in this "test" case. We were able to convince the judge that a custom prescription foot orthotic made from a foam impression cast technique could satisfy the requirements of the L3000 code, thus overturning and ending a...
Editor's note: Dr. Gurnick's extended-length letter can be read here
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1 | |
From: Brian W. Zale, DPM
I would like to tell you how the opioid crisis has affected me, my wife, son, family, relatives, and friends. Exactly 11 months ago today, my 31 year old son died in the bathroom sitting on the toilet two weeks before his younger brother got married. At 10:00 am, he asked me if he could use that bathroom as we had had some plumbing issues and I said no problem, we had it repaired. At 11:15 am, he was pronounced dead at St. Luke’s hospital here in Sugar Land, Texas. As per the autopsy report, cause of death, opioid toxicity.
This is a real crisis. Addiction is a terrible thing, a nightmare for everyone involved. It's like being on a electrical fence, you want to get off but you can't. He knew more about the drugs that I prescribe than I did. It has made me a better doctor. I have no problems telling a patient that I won't give them any more Rxs. I have no problem telling these patients I lost my son to addiction. It’s funny how after I tell them that that, they no longer ask for it.
My son would have been 32 this Wednesday on Valentine’s Day. It's going to be a tough day for my family and myself. God bless you all.
Brian W. Zale, DPM, Sugar Land, TX
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EHR) | |
From: Elliot Udell, DPM, Al Musella, DPM
Justin, I took the bull by the horns and called Practice Fusion. One of their reps called me back and confirmed what Dr. Mantoura wrote about. They are indeed going from a free program to one with a monthly charge. The rep told me starting in May, they will charge all existing customers 99 dollars a month to remain with Practice Fusion. I asked the rep whether this is a temporary charge or if this will remain firm. He said he feels that they will maintain the 99 dollar a month fee. My gut feeling, however, is that Allscripts will need to make up for their 100 million dollar investment, and we might see charges far in excess of a hundred dollars a month.
At this point in time, I am exploring all other options available in the market and hope that providers of other programs that are friendly to podiatry will give us generous offers to entice us to use their programs. Let’s all keep each other informed about deals that may become available.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
I also received the call. It was from Practice Fusion. It was a heads-up to us. They did not ask us to sign up for anything now; it's just nice of them to tell us it is coming in a few weeks. They will switch to a pay model, about $100 per doctor per month. They also talked about some improvements they are working on to make it easier to do MIPS.
It actually isn't a bad price. We did get the money from the EMR incentive that will cover us for the next 30 or 40 years of use.
Al Musella, DPM, Hewlett, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EHR) - PART 1B | |
From: Michael Thacker, DPM
I received a call from Practice Fusion (yes, it was them) last week as well. They were calling to give us advance notice before it becomes official and give us a couple of months to prepare. They said the public announcement will come March 1st; that they will be transitioning to a pay model as of May 31. They stated to me it would be $99 per provider per month.
There will be additional add-ons that could bump up the cost, i.e. (# of employees using the system, e-prescribing narcotics, etc.) I asked about retrieving patient records if we no longer use their system past May 31st. They assured me we still would have access to print out any previous records on patients seen up until the pay model goes into effect anytime in the future.
Michael Thacker, DPM, Columbia, SC
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READY FOR 2018!!
The New, Revised, More Inclusive 2018 Podiatry Coding Manual
From Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC
It is fully updated. It has been streamlined to allow for easier access and reference. It contains the most up to date information to aid in coding and billing for appropriate reimbursement and documentation to support what was billed. You will again 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 including shipping!!!
Available in Book and Flash Drive Formats
No credit card? No problem. Just mail a check or money order to:
Michael Warshaw, DPM, CPC, 2027 Bayside Ave, Mount Dora, FL 32757
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (DME) | |
RE: Mail Order Wound Care DME Supplies
I have been approached by a wound care DME company to provide dressing supplies to my ulcer patients. The types of supplies include collagen, foam dressings, etc. The way it works is that I fill out a form for whatever supplies I want the patient to get and send it to the supply company. The company then mails all the supplies directly to the patient. I then bill Medicare or the commercial insurance carrier for the supplies as a DME product with direct assistance from the company for the HCPCS coding. They actually input the codes directly into my billing software remotely, but my biller then submits the claim.
I then have to pay the DME company directly for their cost of the supplies and get to pocket the difference between what Medicare pays me and their fee. The products are never present in my office or mailed by my staff. This company states they have many podiatrists doing this already and it is completely legal, but it concerns me that the actual wound care supplies are not being dispensed from my office/staff. Comments?
Name Withheld
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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Heart and "Sole" for Valentine's Day |
Source: Pinterest
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MEETING NOTICES
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NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn up to 50 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) Online
Earn 15 CECH only $219 (less than $15 per CECH)
(Only $15 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, DE, HI, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, VT, WV, WI, & WY
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, ID, IA, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
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| CLASSIFIED ADS - PART 2 ASSOCIATE POSITIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS |
ASSOCIATE POSITION - WESTERN PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS
Is your ideal practice opportunity one with all aspects of podiatry included? We are a group practice with 6 offices looking for the right surgically trained board qualified/certified doctor to joint our family. Forefoot and rearfoot surgery, as well as, wound care and limb salvage with privileges at 2 local hospitals are available. Partnership is certainly part of the long term plan. We are looking for the right candidate with the position available as early as this Spring or early summer. Send all inquiries and CVs to sgrulke2002@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TUCSON, ARIZONA
Growing practice in Tucson, Arizona is looking for a motivated associate. Candidate must be enthusiastic, with strong clinical and surgical skills. Outgoing personality is a must in this busy and flourishing practice. Arizona license required. Check with Arizona State Board for application deadline if you do not currently hold a license. Send CV and letter of interest to transcription697@aol.com.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL VALLEY/SOUTHERN CA
Seeking associate with partnership availability. Must be highly motivated and have good patient skills and personality. Salary excellent with all paid benefits/incentives including malpractice/401k and profit sharing. Compassionate and well-trained for immediate position. Surgery Center and hospital based with no HMOs/no rest homes. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Offering a permanent position/partnership in a multi-million dollar hi-tech practice with Partnership also in Surgery center. Please e-mail CV and short biography to: Tonya@wetreatyourfeet.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LONG ISLAND/QUEENS
Advanced Podiatry Seeking Full Time DPM for upscale practices located at the Americana Manhasset, Huntington and Queens. Excellent work environment and company culture. Latest technology with digital x-ray, laser, EHR, Ultrasound, the latest Apple software and iPads. Must be surgically trained, motivated, with a great work ethic. Very competitive salary with significant upside. Great opportunity to work in one of the country's premier practices. Visit www.LIFootCare.com and email evieira1@nshs.edu for more info.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – TUCSON, AZ
Amazing associate opportunity leading to long-term arrangement/partnership in sunny beautiful Tucson, AZ. Very busy solo podiatry practice with unlimited earning potential. Tons of new patients daily. Seeking warm, motivated, personable and patient care oriented practitioner. Practice very well known with exploding constant referral sources. argfootdoc@yahoo.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Highly respected, high referral, busy podiatric practice seeking a dedicated, hardworking, motivated candidate with an excellent bedside manner. Located on the campus of a major hospital with an excellent working relationship with the hospital administration and the orthopedic, vascular and plastic surgery providers. We’re seeking a long-term team player dedicated to providing high quality patient care. Must have a minimum of 3 years surgical residency training and comfortable with foot and ankle reconstructive surgery. We currently have 3 podiatric surgeons. Please send CV to: mwaskin@footandankle-usa.com or call the practice administrator at (804) 320-3668 to arrange a phone meeting.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FLORIDA
We are a growing practice with three podiatrists working in 1 office and on staff at 3 hospitals, seeking PSR-36 board certified/qualified foot and ankle surgeon. Practice is equipped with certified EMR, digital x-ray, and laser. Highly trained bilingual staff. Must speak fluently English and Spanish. Send CV to tvaldizan@birdroadpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Established practice looking for a full-time podiatrist for our Waldorf, MD and Clinton, MD locations. Must live within 20 miles from the office. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical skills including ulcer care, diabetes, surgery and general footcare. Must have a strong office personality with the ability to maintain and attract patients. Must be willing to merge into an already established protocol based office. Please send CV to footdocs17@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTH CAROLINA
Physicians Footcare 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 and next exam is June 2018. Exam application must be submitted 90 days prior to exam date. If you are ready to earn a comfortable six figure salary; send letter of interest and CV to: scdpmjobs@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SEATTLE, WA
Seattle suburban practice seeks an associate that has interest in gradual complete purchase over a 2-5 year period. For details, please contact footdoc@aol.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - NEBRASKA, MINNESOTA, KANSAS, OKLAHOMA, ALABAMA
Preferred Podiatry Group is seeking providers to join our growing practice servicing long term care facilities in several areas. We offer a competitive commission based income as well as a benefit package to our employed podiatrists. Full-time and part-time positions are available. Contact Dr. Chris Kestner at ckestner@ppgpc.com for more details about opportunities with PPG.
MOBILE PODIATRISTS NEEDED - NEW JERSEY
Well established and fast growing House-call podiatry practice (www.homefootcareservices.com) is looking for FULL-TIME podiatrist to do home visits to home-bound patients in New Jersey. We are looking for hard-working, energetic and compassionate doctor. Excellent pay, benefits, administrative support. Send CV to lana.raginsky@homefootcareservices.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY, NY
Full time associate position in a busy office. Broad responsibilities including wound care, trauma call, hospital rounding, etc. Surgical based practice with privileges to local hospital and surgical center. Comparable pay. Position available Sept. 2018, will wait for right graduate. Office is located in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Close proximity to NYC as well as a multitude of outdoor activities. Please send CV in an email to hudsonvalleypodiatrist@gmail.com
WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP - NEW YORK
CPME-APPROVED 12 month fellowship beginning July 1st, 2018. Hospital and clinic environment, with onsite hyperbaric medicine. Working with infectious disease, dermatology, as well as plastic, general, vascular, and podiatric surgeons. Must have completed a PMSR residency. Please contact drarnoldhertz@aol.com or jtfootcare@gmail.com. EOE ( equal opportunity employer)
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,500 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 18,500 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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| CLASSIFIED ADS PART 1 - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - OCALA, FLORIDA
3,500 sq. Foot Office. 27 year old surgical practice. Surgical suite. Two New Micro-100 complete sets as Well as two large surgical trays. Operate in office or hospital! FIRE SALE - MUST SELL IMMEDIATELY!!! Email OPC55@aol.com or call 352-816-1155
PRACTICE FOR SALE - UPSTATE NEW YORK (BROOME COUNTY-VESTAL, NY)
Unique, well established, 38 year practice. No 3rd party insurance-NONE! Patients pay full fee at time of service. I work 2.5-3.5 days/week as desired, with 6-8 weeks of vacation/year yielding an average gross income of $625K & an average net of $250K. Practice emphasizes biomechanics, utilizing video & F-Scan analysis; & PinPointe laser for onychomycosis. Modern 2500 sq. ft. office and equipment. Reply to: uniquepractice@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - FLORIDA - SOUTHWEST COAST
This successful practice is a great opportunity for you. Established practice fully equipped. Busy office and surgery schedule. Strong patient base with high commercial payor mix. Efficiently operated with wide range of services. Motivated seller. Contact Mike Crosby at fladpm4sale@gmail.com
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 18,500 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 18,500 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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- 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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