The change to the new server has been completed, and it seems that things are running smoothly now.  Many, many thanks to Ray Posa and R. Francis Associates for continuing to host the FootZine web site ( www.FootZine.com ) and provide the FootZine.com email.

More change in store this weekend, as we leave Daylight Savings Time behind.  I do love the extra hour of sleep, but don't really enjoy the earlier sundown.  After all the clocks get changed at home on Sunday, we still get to fix all the clocks at the office on Monday.  Here's hoping all the patients remember to do it, too!

~ Gayle

From:  Camille Norris, CPC
re:      Obscuring Names on EOBs (Volumes 50 and 51)

Hi Gayle,

In response to Jenny Gilliland's question regarding highlighting certain information on EOB's to be sent to secondaries, we have been told not to do this.  Some companies use thermal imaging devices and anything that is highlighted will scan as blacked out.  If there is something that we must call their attention to, we simply circle it with regular ink.  Also, if you use the "post-it note method", it's easier for the insurance companies to
identify that particular patient's info from a bulk EOB.  Thanks for the forum offered here! 

Camille Norris, CPC
Pamlico Podiatry, Washington, NC

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From:  Joyce B.
re:      Billing & Scheduling Software (Volumes 50 and 51)

Hi.   Before I got to the point of calling the executive offices, I sent two email messages via NDC's "contact us" site.   It was only after I had received no response to those or to numerous phone calls with messages left that I decided to call the executive office.  At that point, I was able to talk to someone who could help.   Also at that time, I finally received a response to one of my emails.

But they still haven't sent the hard copy of their NDC electronic claims instruction manual that they promised to mail to me as trying to download it froze up my computer.   So I will contact them again.  I still think that Medi-Soft is a good program but there are definitely some problems.  Luckily we've found good tech help from an independent company.   NDC needs to improve customer service.

Sincerely,

Joyce B.,
Cheyenne Foot Clinic

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From:  Marilyn D. Hadden, PMAC
re:      Supplier Needed

Gayle,

We have been unable to find a cream our doctors have been using for a long time.   We ordered it from Universal and they no longer are carrying it. The person who does our purchasing has asked for help.

It is called  Clioquinol or 1% hydrocortisone plus 3% lidochlorhydroxyquin.  Does anyone use this cream and where can it be purchased (made by Clay-Park Labs)?
 
Marilyn D. Hadden,PMAC
Bloomington, IL

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From:  Ann  Orminski
re:      AAPPM Membership for Assistants

Dear FootZine Members,

Let’s applaud Gayle on her amazing 50+ FootZine issues!  She is the reason we are all here.

Because of FootZine and its generous and broad-based forum, I would like to (and am able to!) discuss and promote something to assistants that is forward-thinking, exciting and profession-building!

Welcome AAPPM!  (American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management  -  check out www.aappm.com )  It is an organization that has been in existence since the 1960s.  Due directly to their mission statement, “…. exists to advance the study of podiatric practice management and promote success through sharing knowledge,” they have established an assistants association as affiliate members, which promises to offer stimulating and sound benefits.

To ensure their success, the Academy intends to involve doctors and assistants in the knowledge-building process.  There has never been a group that pursues this connectivity.  Look at some of the benefits planned:
1.  Team Learning:  i.e., the opportunity for doctors and assistants to attend lectures together.
2.  Monthly Blast fax/emails:  Assistant Pearls available only to members.
3.  Monthly Conference/Mentor Calls: An open forum (800#) involving ~20 assistants per call with a small panel of moderators.  Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and experiences.  What a great place to problem-solve!

This is only the beginning of a slate of benefits the Academy wants to develop.  Think along these lines:
The charter members envision:
1.  Continuity of Values:  The doctor is “on the same page” as you!
2.  Easier implementation of learning:  If the doctors and assistants learn together, they teach and work together.
3.  Enthusiasm X 2:  If the doctors and assistants learn at the same meeting, they have similar levels of enthusiasm. That breeds action!

Assistants, this is an opportunity to revitalize our profession and include the entire staff in a common goal of practice building.  Teamwork is the name of the game. 

If you need a boost in your professional life, please take a look at the AAPPM.
Trust me: This is exciting stuff!!

To shared knowledge and foot health,

Ann Orminski
Co-chair, Assistant Member Committee AAPPM
ann@cwpods.com


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"Change your thoughts and you change your world."  
    -  Norman Vincent Peale (1898 - 1993)

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The Question:

Gayle,

Can anyone tell me if they are currently using the "Candin Wart Injection Therapy".  We are considering using this in our office.  We are currently having problems determining how to get reimbursement for this procedure.  The cpt codes are billed as 1-7 (11900), >7 (11901).  We would appreciate any information.

Mbradshaw@sadler.com 
Dr. Pack
Conroe, TX

The Answer:

The 11900-11901 procedures could be used for the injections. another option is to use the regular wart destruction codes 17000-17005. Refer to these codes to ascertain the correct ones to use depending on how many lesions are being treated.


Crystal-Clear Coding tips by Dr. Ward are posted on the FootZine web site on this page:
http://www.footzine.com/FZ_C.htm

I consider it a privilege to be among the members of AAPPM's Assistants' Committee.  The enthusiasm within our charter group of experienced podiatric assistants is very high, and we are eager to see "our" part of the organization take shape.  If your doctor is a member of AAPPM, you are also eligible for membership.  Keep an eye out for correspondence from the Academy by mail and by fax.  We look forward to talking with you (but still want you to write)!

  ~ Gayle
 
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"Attitude determines your altitude."
  -  Richard D. Kirkham in How To Get Where You're Goaling

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