Welcome to December with its wet and windy
weather! I guess there's no easy way out of it though, so we'll have to
just think sunny thoughts for a while. Here's one:
"One kind word can warm three winter months." - Japanese
proverb
This week I heard back from the gentleman who was trying to find shoes in his 12
7-E size. He had acted on Dr. Bergmann's suggestion and contacted a
cobbler about trying "split-lasting". Unfortunately, the cobbler
told him that the shoes "would not be durable enough", although it
wasn't clear whether he meant durable enough for use with orthotics, or for the
bulk of his feet. He has concluded that custom-made shoes will be
his only option, so if there are any other suggestions, I am sure he would
welcome them.
On to the mail!
~ Gayle
*_* Letters
*_*
From: Ryan Hobbs
re: Surgery No-Shows
Hi Gayle,
I have a patient that was scheduled for surgery, on the day of his surgery he
called and canceled. We were set to do a hammertoe correction here in the
office, the time was blocked out, all paper work done pre-op taken care of.
What I would like to know is how would you handle this, in regards to billing
for a no-show surgery? Thanks
Happy Holidays From Ryan
Ryan Hobbs
Eugene, OR
*_* *_* *_*
From: Joan Cox
re: Study Material (Volume 56)
Hi Gayle,
I was reading the newsletter from you when my sister called from Albany, NY,
& told me of a podiatry office near her home that was on fire Thursday
night. I got the shudders thinking of the morning I had to drive by Dr.
Miller's office on my way to work & saw the flames shooting out of the
roof!! It really felt like a piece of ME was on fire, it really hurt.
I hope things work out OK for the podiatrist & office staff there.
I was wondering if Donna Sowka would have need of a podiatry x-ray manual, if
she is a new assistant, or was it just study material for certification she was
looking for?
Thank you for your time & energy that you put in to the "FootZine"to
help others, as well as the many other things you do for your career, I am sure
you are very much appreciated. One very big thing for the assistants to be
Thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Have a GREAT THANKSGIVING, Gayle.
Joan Cox
Anacortes, WA
*_* Editor's Note *_*
For more information about the X-ray Manual and Video, as well as other sources
of useful information, see the "Links" page of the FootZine web
site:
http://www.footzine.com/FZ_3.htm
*_* *_* *_*
From: Chris Funk
re: Region III (Volume 55)
DID I HEAR CORRECTLY THAT THERE WILL NOT BE AN ATLANTIC CITY ASSISTANT MEETING
IN 2004?
Chris Funk
Office Manager
Caputo Kado Podiatry, NJ
CAPUTONKADO@MINDSPRING.COM
*_* *_* *_*
From: Sandra Lohrentz, PMAC
re: Region III (Volume 55)
Dear Gayle:
Regarding the letter from Maggie Bova concerning the Region III Meeting, there
have been some new developments. After hearing the Assistant's Meeting at Region
III was not going to take place because of financial problems, the ASPMA took an
email vote and voted to sponsor the Assistant's Meeting at Region III. A
proposal was sent to Region III and we have just gotten word that this proposal
was accepted.
Therefore, there will be an Assistant's Meeting at Region III sponsored by the
American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants. The program will include the
Certification Exam, both Clinical and Administrative, as well as a day and half
program presented on May 19th and 20th, 2004. While plans are still underway,
the topics will include application of an unnas boot, diabetic wound care,
collections, insurance topics and many others.
ASPMA wants to be sure members all over the country have the ability to attend
meetings in their area if possible. So all of you who were disappointed that
there would be no Region III Meeting for Assistants please try to attend to
prove that this meeting is needed so it will be continued in the future. For
information call Sandra at ASPMA (888) 882-7762 or email SandraPMAC@aol.com.
ASPMA Board of Directors
*_* *_* *_*
From: Sharon Hockinson
re: Electronic Billing with MediSoft
We have begun billing (via our clearinghouse, THIN) electronically through our
new Medisoft program. At first, payments seemed to be coming in very well.
But lately, we find that some of our payments from various insurance companies
are being sent to the patient rather than to us.
Does anyone know why this is? Is there some magical checkbox within
Medisoft we are forgetting to check or something? :-)
Thanks for any help,
Sharon Hockinson
San Antonio, TX
reply to: sharhockinson@yahoo.com
*_* *_* *_*
From: Denice Nolan
re: How Often to Update Medical & Personal
Histories
Hi Gayle;
We have recently experienced an increase in frustration from our patient
population when asked to complete updated medical & personal hx forms.
I expect it has a little to do with the additional paperwork added by HIPAA.
However, it seems a larger degree than normal. I am wondering how often do
other Podiatric Specialist Clinics request updates to their patients’ medical
and personal history. How flexible can you be and are there any
regulations that apply?
Denice Nolan
Office Manager
Ankle & Foot Clinic, PS
*_* *_* *_*
From: Lynn Erdmann
I am trying to find seminars and any information on CMAs who work for
podiatrists. I haven't had much luck. Maybe you can help me out.
I have just been searching the net for information and I came across your site.
I have just started working for a wonderful podiatrist in a small office a few
months ago.
I love the job. My main job is assisting the Dr. but I also help out
with the billing.
Thank you
Lynn Erdmann
Manitowoc, WI
lynnee@wi.rr.com
*_* FootZine
Feeture Article *_*
Crystal-Clear Coding Q & A
by Phillip E. Ward, DPM
The Question:
(re: candin treatment for warts)
What code should I use to bill for the injection?
Kathleen McPherson
TTUHSC Dept of Dermatology
The Answer:
The proper code for injections for warts or porokeratoses would be:
11900 Injection, skin intralesional, 1-7 lesions (0 day F/U, RVU 1.29)
11901 Injection, skin intralesional, >7 lesions (0 day F/U, RVU 1.55)
Crystal-Clear Coding tips by Dr. Ward are posted on the FootZine web site
on this page:
http://www.footzine.com/FZ_C.htm
*_* *_*
*_*
"It never hurts your eyesight to look
on the bright side of things." - (unattributed)
These short days lend themselves to more indoor time, maybe with a hot cup of
tea or coffee (and don't forget the chocolate!) at hand. And maybe
that will translate to more time to write - we look forward to
hearing from you!
~ Gayle
*_* *_* *_*
