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It seems that everyone is very busy these days, shopping, wrapping, addressing (standing in line at the post office!), waiting in traffic jams at the malls, baking, cleaning, decorating, planning, traveling - oh, and working. Don't you have a long list of patients who need to get their surgery, orthotics, or whatever-it-is done by December 31st? And by the way, they're busy doing all that other stuff, too, so the time that works best for your office is probably not best for them. On the other hand, this is the absolute best time of year to experience chocolate overload (what a way to go!).
In this issue we have links to some of the FootZine.com pages that you may find helpful. Click on and take a look when you've finished your online shopping.....
~ Gayle
*_* Letters *_*
From: Jill Klein
re: HIPAA
Lorraine Molinari of Lorraine Molinari and Associates, runs Medicare and HIPAA seminars in Broward County, FL. It was at her advice to not spend a penny on any HIPAA forms, etc until the February announcement. She can be reached at 954-967-8133. I hope this information helps.
Jill Klein
*_* Editor's Note *_*
Jill,
Thank you for sending this information. I have not yet been able to speak with Ms. Molinari. From what you say, it would seem that she is independent, as are the McVey seminars, and is not a representative of CMS or your area Medicare payor. It would seem prudent to proceed as though HIPAA and its deadlines are real until we get an announcement to the contrary from CMS.
~ Gayle
*_* Links *_*
The Links page at www.FootZine.com exists to provide quick access to useful resources for a podiatric practice. The links included there are to web sites for APMA, AAPPM, OSHA, HIPAA, Podiatry Management Online, Universal Footcare Products, PICA insurance Group, and Codingline.com. Have a look at: http://www.footzine.com/FZ_3.htm
*_* Networking *_*
Notices of positions wanted or positions available, as well as other "classified" information, are welcome. After being in the FootZine broadcast, they are posted at the FootZine web site's Networking page. Have a look at http://www.footzine.com/FZ_6.htm
*_* Calendar *_*
The next Midwest Podiatry Conference will be held April 3-6, 2003. As usual, it will be at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. More information is at the Midwest's web site:
http://www.midwestpodconf.org/
The FootZine Calendar is posted on http://www.footzine.com/FZ_4.htm
*_* Gems of Practice Management *_*
Holidays Deliver a Message
by Hal Ornstein DPM, FACFAS and Lynn Homisak, PRT
It is the time of office holiday parties with an opportunity to spend time together and celebrate the year’s successes. A time to reflect upon twelve months of hard work and achievement accomplished through a group effort by the staff and physicians. Staff is recognized in various ways and physicians thanked for holiday gifts and bonuses.
There is much be learned from the magical month of December and the holiday season. Why must much of our celebration and exchange of cheer be limited to this short period of time? We are so quick to beat ourselves up because of failure, but often forget to celebrate our personal and professional successes. Each day we can undoubtedly discover an opportunity to rejoice in the fact that we are making a significant difference in the lives our patients and families. Time and again, our patients thank us for improving their quality of life and for simply making them feel valued, one of the most basic of human needs.
In the New Year, make the effort to attune yourself to your patient’s verbal and non-verbal messages of appreciation. A simple smile often says “thank you”. Recognize the value of our services to our patients and how most of great patient care is delivered outside the treatment room. Celebrate a good week in the office with an office lunch (bought by the doctor of course) on Friday. Go out for a “spring has sprung” celebration for appetizers one afternoon. Leave the doctors a thank you note with five scratch-off lottery tickets for no other reason than being a good coach for a successful team. Have crazy sock day in your office every three months for the staff and doctors. Simply celebrate the big and the small!
Previous "Gems" can be found on their own pages of the FootZine.com web site, at
http://www.footzine.com/FZ_90.htm
*_* *_* *_*
I'd like to wish everyone the happiest holidays, with lots of time for the people and things that matter most to you. Whether roasting chestnuts, mulling wine, sipping cider, popping corn, pulling taffy - whatever special things you do, I hope that this will be a memorable time for you and those close to you.
Just don't forget to write!
~ Gayle
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Gayle S. Johnson, PMAC
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