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| PM News | |
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 16,917 Podiatrists Daily
February 10, 2015 #5,292  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
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| PM NEWS QUICK POLL |
Quick Poll
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Do you schedule annual CDFE visits for your diabetic patients? |
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| INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS | |
Diabetic Wounds are the Top Foot Problem: Malaysian Podiatrist
“Diabetic wounds are the top foot problem in Malaysia,” says podiatrist Stella Chai. This is hardly surprising, considering that not only 15.2% or about 2.6 million Malaysian adults are estimated to have diabetes, but also that about half of them are unaware they even have the disease, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011. In addition, the Diabcare Malaysia 2013 survey found that three-quarters of diagnosed diabetics do not have their blood sugar levels under control.
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Stella Chai |
Diabetics who get injured, do not heal as fast as healthy people, due to their disease. Chai, who is part of the diabetes management team at the IMU Bukit Jalil, Selangor, clinic, says, “Normally, diabetic patients come in with Grade 4 (deep ulcer with abscess or osteomyelitis) or 5 (gangrene of the forefoot) wounds.” Chai says that podiatrists can help patients prevent gangrene and amputation, even when the ulcers or wounds are severe, although she warns that this is a long process, requiring lots of effort and commitment from the patients themselves.
Source: Tan Show Chin, The Star [2/8/15]
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| PM JURY VERDICT REPORTER | |
Alleged Malpractice (MI)
Facts: On Jan. 20, 2009, plaintiff Betty Glenn, 47, disabled, underwent foot surgery performed by defendant podiatrist. Glenn had a pre-existing condition in which her big toe rubbed painfully against her shoe. Defendant performed an interphalangeal (IP) joint fusion and Austin-Akin procedure. Post-surgery, Glenn was not happy with the outcome, as she was unable to bend her toe. She also claimed the toe was too short.
Glenn filed suit against defendant for medical malpractice. She also sued the hospital, but the hospital entities were dismissed prior to trial. The case proceeded against defendant. Glenn alleged that defendant failed to perform a sequential reduction (toe shortening) during the surgery, which would have properly reduced the toe. Further, Glenn argued a lack of informed consent because she claimed she was not told the surgery would result in an inflexible toe. Defendants denied any violations in the standard of care. They contended that the correct surgery was properly performed and that Glenn had been fully informed that a fusion surgery would result in a shorter toe and the inability to bend the big toe.
Result: Defendant’s verdict ($0)
Plaintiff Expert - Sheldon Goldstein, DPM , Pontiac, MI
Defendant Expert - Michael L. Gerber, DPM, Sterling Heights, MI
Source: Verdict Search
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| QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL) | |
Query: Checking Deductible Status
With all the conversation relative to many new high deductibles, is there a source that we might access for this information? Is there one source that can provide data for most insurance carriers, and does anyone know what their fees, if any, might be?
Charles F. Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A | |
From: Don Steinfeld, DPM
A free-standing location is a potential boon to your practice. Visibility is key, so see what your ability will be to use a pre-existing sign or erect one before moving. In my case, my sign is my number one referral source. One wrinkle I've faced is that my property is zoned commercial. This means that I can't get residential loans or insurance. I always wonder about the practices in medical complexes without exposure to passers-by.
Don Steinfeld, DPM, Farmingdale, NJ
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1B | |
From: David P. Luongo, DPM
Don't worry about the location. If moving cuts your overhead expenses, then do it. I moved from the Upper West Side to Midtown, and most of my patients followed, plus I still got referrals from the same MDs, plus more from the MDs in the new location. The paperwork and logistics to any move are a nightmare, however, and expect a lag in checks by mail. They will continue to send stuff to the old office for years after you move, and they will not forward checks - they just disappear!
David P. Luongo, DPM, NY, NY
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2A | |
From: Richard B. Willner, DPM
We are seeing dozens of these types of situations. We recommend that the dollars in question be promptly refunded to Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or to the patient followed by a cc of the letter to the patient. Then the properly written discharge letter is sent to the patient. There are plenty of patients who need professional services. A doctor does not need "disruptive patients" in his/her practice.
Richard B. Willner, DPM, Kenner, LA
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2B | |
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM
Dr. Alan Bloch wrote that he had a patient with a 3,000 dollar deductible who was reluctant to charge a hundred dollar "good faith" payment for his first office call, but eventually did. The patient subsequently called his insurance company and was told that "it was not customary" to be charged an up-front billing by a doctor. The patient is now seeking to remove the payment.
Dr. Bloch asked an interesting question about the Advance Beneficiary Notice Form. He posits that if the patient signed the form, the patient is "acknowledging" by signature that he/she is responsible for...
Editor's note: Dr. Rosenblatt's extended-length letter can be read here.
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 2C | |
From: Joel Lang, DPM
The answer to this dilemma is relatively simple. You cannot base your office policies on the unreasonable reactions of one patient who has run off the rails. Your policies should be based upon and consistent with your community standards, the needs of the patients you serve, and the best business practices that allow you to run your office successfully.
Nearly two weeks ago, I had a hospital surgery (as a patient) with an overnite stay. On my arrival at the hospital, the receptionist informed me that my copay would be $1,700. “How would you like to take care of that?” followed in the conversation. I actually got a call from the hospital 24 hours prior to admission telling me that my copay would be $1,700 – just so I would know!
When I was in practice, I had a financial policy form, written in plain language, which explained to all new patients how finances would be handled. I even had them sign it, acknowledging that they understood and agreed. I don’t think there were more than a few patients over the years who seriously objected and left. Many commented, but did not object. When questioned, I explained that the policy eliminated future misunderstandings. As a result, my accounts receivables, outside of insurance claims, were practically nil. Patients know that the economics of medicine has changed and continues to change. They will have to change with it.
Joel Lang, DPM (retired), Cheverly, MD
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| RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CODINGLINE CORNER) | |
From: Carla Poma
You have been given good advice to contact your Medicare carrier and find out when claims were submitted and if they are pending, rejected, or on the payment floor. Two months (delay) hints to bigger issues beginning with the billing service. Ask your office how often they are submitting claims for billing. Are you getting paid on claims other than Medicare? Ask for reports from your billing service, and/or schedule a conference to go over your billing and look at your outstanding claims report. Doctors need to be proactive with their billing nowadays more than ever and know what is going on with their practice. Time is of the essence.
Carla-Ruth Poma, Michigan Medical Billing Specialists,LLC
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| YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP | |
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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What Wonder Woman wears? |
Source: Trendhunter
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| CLASSIFIED ADS |
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL
Multilocation (will separate) multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to:practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com
PRACTICE FOR SALE - SAN JOSE, CA
Podiatry and Mani Pedi Spa Practice for sale. Located in the Medical Center with a strong Brand Name and Internet Presence. This cash practice grossed $349,000 with office based Podiatry care plus Manicures, Pedicures, and Skin Care with a fully trained staff. The sale includes a modern office with four treatment rooms, patient’s lists on EMR, web site and a Pinpoint Foot Laser. This is a “turn-key” practice. Ready for full-time expansion. Price to sell $84,000. Email: schrisdpm@sbcglobal.net Website: www.NeatFeetPlus.com
IMMEDIATE BUYING OPPORTUNITY IN CHICAGO
Well-rounded medical/surgical practice; turn-key operation with ongoing schedule. will consider partnership for right person. Please respond to: chipod12@yahoo.com
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
FACULTY POSITION - WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES COLLEGE OF PODIATRY MEDICINE
Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine is seeking podiatrists interested in the education and training of future doctors of podiatric medicine. Applicants must be at least board-qualified in either ABPM or ABFAS with preference for dual board certification. Academic rank will be commensurate with scholarly and clinical credentials. Please send letter of intent, curriculum vitae, 3 references, and salary expectation to Jacqueline Truong, DPM, MPH, at jbtruong@westernu.edu. Western University of Health Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University embraces diversity and is committed to attracting qualified candidates from historically underrepresented groups.
LICENSED NEW JERSEY / NEW YORK PODIATRIST SEEKS PRACTICE TO BUY
Experienced NJ/ NY licensed podiatrist seeks a practice to buy. Iterested in purchasing a practice outright or to buy into a practice as a partner. Will consider working as an associate in the right office, with a potential for partnership. Please send inquiries to gardenstatefootdoc@gmail.com
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 - 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
POSITIONS AVAILABLE - FULL TIME/ PART TIME WISCONSIN
Opportunities to serve residents of long-term care facilities in Madison and Milwaukee 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 - 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 AVAILABLE - NORTH GEORGIA/CHATTANOOGA AREA
Busy group practice located in Chattanooga area seeking a growth-oriented individual with a strong work ethic to join our expanding 5 physician TEAM. Must have PM&S 36. Established patient base with tremendous growth opportunity. Associate with partnership potential. Chattanooga offers a strong music and arts culture, unrivaled outdoor amenities, and a government/populace committed to sustainable development. Competitive Salary and benefits. Email cover letter and CV to hr@advfootcare.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ARIZONA
Immediate opening in suburban Phoenix, Arizona. Compensation is productivity-based with high guaranteed income and patients scheduled from day 1. Partnership opportunity for a highly motivated and entrepreneurial podiatrist. Send CV to: ArizonaFootAnkle@gmail.com
IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY. ROCHESTER CLINIC (MN)
a multispecialty practice, is seeking two BC/BE podiatric physicians. Full-part time or locum. The physician will provide all aspects of podiatric practice, including sports medicine, wound care, primary care, and surgery. Rochester is the third largest city in the state, and boasts top-rated public schools. Please send resume or inquiry to Careers@RochesterClinic.com
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 - 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
ASSOCIATE POSITION - ORANGE COUNTY, CA
We are a group practice based in Irvine (Orange County) California, with a second office in the high desert city of Victorville, California. Currently, there are four doctors in the group and we are ready to bring on a fifth doctor. Both offices are attached to surgicenters. We have a high patient volume and very little C & C. Our compensation is competitive and negotiable. If you are interested in this opportunity, please feel free to reply via email at your convenience. Michael Goddard, DPM Email: mgoddard@cafai.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FRISCO, TX (NORTHEAST TX)
Must be well-trained surgically. Modern well-equipped offices with digital x-ray, MRI and ultrasound. Excellent pay and opportunity. We are a rapidly growing practice that was started 17 years ago. All aspects of foot and ankle services are provided including large surgical volume, trauma and general podiatry.tw.dpfc@gmail.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.
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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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