


|
|
|
|
PMNews
Browse PMNews Issues
Previous Issue | Next Issue
PM News |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 16,866 Podiatrists Daily
February 02, 2015 #5,285 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 RESULTS |
|
Results of Last Week's Poll (Question courtesy Dr. Shauna Lewis) |
|
|
PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
|
Do you require credit cards to guarantee payment?
|
 |
|
|
AT THE COLLEGES |
Oakin-containing Hydrogel Efficacious in Healing Phenol Matrixectomies: Study
“Healing Efficacy and Participant Outcomes of Chemical Matrixectomies Using a Hydrogel Containing Oakin” published in the 2014 November/December issue of The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA) reported, "The median +/- SD time to healing was 7.00 +/- 0.00 days for 80% of the participants (n-43) and 8.85 days for 98% (n=53)." Data reported 98% of the study participants "were completely satisfied with the kit and its healing time," and 100%, "found it convenient."
|
Dr. Kristina Barreiro |
Study authors included Drs. Kristina Barreiro, Masoud Moradi, Thomas Merrill, James Losito, Charles Southerland, and Barbara Buckley from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. The authors concluded “the Oakin-containing hydrogel was efficacious in healing phenol matrixectomies without the need for soaking. Furthermore, we suggest the study hydrogel could also reduce healing times.”
|
|
IN THE COURTS |
NY Podiatrist Ordered to Pay $1.4M for Malpractice
A Rockland podiatrist has been ordered to pay $1.4 million in damages in a malpractice case brought by the parents of a 12-year-old who can't run or walk without pain after undergoing bunion surgery. Dr. Ira Bernstein, who has offices in Bardonia and Suffern, was found at fault by a Rockland jury for the girl's condition – the second time in less than a year that he was found liable in a malpractice suit.
Source: Jane Lerner, The Journal News [1/30/15]
|
|
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF OF THE DAY |
7 Ways Docs Can Attract Patients on Facebook - Part 7
7. Analyze and adjust
What makes the Facebook advertising platform so powerful is that everything you invest in is easily analyzed and measured. You know how many people are clicking on your ad, taking action on your post, and viewing the ad.
If you're getting a good number of clicks, but no actions on the following page, it might mean you are targeting the wrong people who aren't interested in your offer. If your ad is successful, you can consider putting more money into the daily budget to keep driving people towards your desired goal for them. Using the Facebook advertising platform is a skill that takes time to learn. You will learn the most about what works by just jumping in and doing some test posts.
Source: Adapted from Adam McConnell, Medpage Today
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (EMR) |
RE: No Kiosks in My Office
From: Richard Rees, DPM
I have chosen not to try to qualify for MU this year. One of the main reasons is that CMS has decided to hold practitioners responsible for something that other people (patients) have to do that we or our employees cannot do. I fail to see how that is logical. Are we going to be penalized eventually for patients not taking prescribed medication? Is Walgreens going to be penalized in Part D payments because enough people didn't come in for a flu or pneumonia vaccine? Dr. Brody's answer is to set up a kiosk in his waiting room with a computer and an employee to "walk" our patients through the process. My practice is too small for this expensive solution.
Richard Rees, DPM, Bellaire, TX
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A |
From: R. Alex Dellinger, DPM
There is no question that this is a problem all across the country. I will tell you that you absolutely need to know what a patient's deductible is and what they would owe BEFORE they get to your office. We verify insurance on EVERY new patient, or an established patient when their insurance changes. It has to be communicated to the patient that payment will be expected at the time of service. And this needs to be communicated as long in advance as possible.
Find out how they are going to pay when they arrive to...
Editor's note: Dr. Dellinger's extended-length letter can be read here.
|
Available Immediately!!
The New, Revised, More Inclusive, Updated, 2015 Podiatry Coding Manual
From Michael G. Warshaw, DPM, CPC
It has been fully updated for excellent readability, reference and completeness. There is an added section on ICD-10 preparation. 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. NOW INCLUDES AN ICD-9 TO ICD-10 CROSSWALK FOR THE MOST COMMON DIAGNOSES IN PODIATRY!!!
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:
Drmikethecoder 3306 Ashby Lane Richfield, OH 44286
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1B |
From: Susan M. Weeks, PMAC
We have had a financial policy in place for 6 years regarding surgical patients. Our surgery scheduler checks the patient's benefits and then gets the amount of unpaid deductible. We tell the patient at that time that we expect the deductible to be paid 7 days prior to the surgery. This is spelled out in the surgery paperwork packet they receive. If we do not have the deductible by the pre-arranged date, the surgery is cancelled. This year, we have added the co-insurance amount to the required pre-payment as well.
The hospitals also want their deductibles at the time of registration and I have made arrangements with the facilities to split the deductibles so the hospital and the surgeon each get a portion. This way, the patient is not paying $1,000 twice. It has worked well. No one balks when we explain that the insurance policy is an agreement between the patient and the insurance company, not us.
Susan M. Weeks, PMAC, Knoxville, TN
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1C |
From: George F. Jacobson, DPM
We require the co-pay to be paid prior to the patient being brought back into the treatment room. The co-pay on several of these plans goes towards the office visit (E&M). If a procedure needs to be done, I tell them that it will go towards their deductible and give them the amount due today. They sign this estimate. Most pay the additional amount, but some say they'll send it in.
It would be better to collect before the procedure, but that is a bit tacky. Last year, the government didn't inform us of non-payment of premium by the patient until after 3 months. Therefore, some patients might not even have active insurance. I just got the first one of these (4 visits). These patients may also forfeit the privilege of having me treat them in the future.
George F. Jacobson, DPM, Hollywood, FL
|
|
|
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES) |
From: Sai Yalla, PhD, et al.
The authors would like to thank Dr. Richie for his interest in the publication. It is admittedly difficult to review an entire study within the confines of a PM News brief. The original PM News story did indicate all balance measures improved. This was intended to reference the assessment of body sway during standing trials, as well as the media-lateral sway during the functional reach test.
The center of mass sway while standing was reduced with AFO use during both the eyes open and closed evaluations. The “functional reach tests” demonstrated a significant improvement in medial lateral postural coordination during...
Editor's note: This extended-length letter can be read here.
|
|
YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP |
RE: Outrageous Foot of the Day
|
When nursery rhymes go terribly wrong! |
Source: Submitted by Dr. Jay Sung
|
MEETING NOTICES
|
|
|
|
NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can Earn up to 50 CPME-Approved CME Contact Hours Online
Earn 15 Contact Hours only $195
(Only $13 per credit) http://www.podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MI, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, WV, WI, & WY
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, IA, MO, MT, NE, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX, VT, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 30+ CME Category-1 articles posted
|
|
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.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MULTI-SPECIALTY GROUP IN LOS ANGELES
Join the group/ limb preservation team and our teaching faculty. Must be well trained in limb preservation, trauma, and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Starting guaranteed base salary of 120,000/yr with incentives & benefits. Send CV with 3 references to podiatricri@yahoo.com attention Stan Mathis, DPM
ASSOCIATE POSITION - NYC
New York City Podiatry office seeking an Associate. Part-time or Full-time. Please send resume podiatry053@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 - 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 – MIAMI, FL
Associate needed - house calls, etc. Miami, Dade, Florida. Please contact Lcohn1952@aol.com 305-338-4668
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! Emailbblock@podiatrym.com 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 - 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.
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
|
|
|
|
|