In response to concerns over a long-standing taboo regarding discussions about salaries, members of the AAPPM Assistants Committee discussed via teleconference in March how we could better define the role of a podiatric medical assistant, and thereby establish an appropriate range of compensation.  Of course the assistant's duties and compensation vary from one practice to the next, according to training and physician preference, among other factors, but there are certainly some constants.  The letter below from Lauren Ostrow would suggest that with your participation, some guidelines may be forthcoming. 

*_*     *_*

The FootZine Feeture Article this week by Mary Wasell, PMAC, is very specific to regulations in Washington State, but I suspect that similar regulations may exist or be on the horizon in other states, too.  Mary's article introduces a new section of the FootZine web site, "Facets", where we will showcase articles from guest contributors.  Like the pages of "Gems", "Pearls" and "Crystals", Facets will hopefully provide concise but useful information.  We would welcome insightful articles from other podiatric assistants to include in this new venue.  Every week the "FootZine Feeture Article" is posted at:  http://www.footzine.com/FZ_5.htm
The "Facets" will be archived on their own pages, and can be accessed either from the Feeture page, or directly at this link:  http://www.footzine.com/FZ_F.htm

~ Gayle

From:  Ricky Shankman, DPM
re:      Free Movie Passes (Volume 76)

I am always running late - great idea about movie passes!  Here's a silly question though - is it legal?  I can imagine some other .... DPM ....complaining to the appropriate licensing agency "Dr. Shankman is giving out free movie passes to his patients as an enticement for them to see him!" ....I understand how they were used, I just can see some pods here in NY saying "look, he is giving away stuff to get patients" and then having to defend myself...... 

*_*  Editor's Note  *_*

The above is a combination of two emails from Dr. Shankman, edited for content.  Below is my reply to him, as well as an edited response from Lee Phelps, DC.

Hi Dr. Shankman,

I hadn't considered that possibility at all.  But I am sure that the doctors I see who handed out the passes have looked into that.  I'll ask about it and see what they say, as well as sharing with the other subscribers.  I don't think they used them as an enticement, at least not in my case, as I am a long-time patient already.  Instead, it was more of a "Sorry you had to wait so long - let us make it up to you at least a little bit..."

Thanks for writing,

~ Gayle

*_*     *_*     *_*

Gayle,

I really see no problem whatever... The fact of the matter is, like you said, we are not talking about standing on a street corner soliciting patients.  We are providing a simple gesture.  This has been recommended by at least 10 different [chiropractic] seminars, to give small tokens now and then, when a patient has gone out of their way for us, or waited or whatever.  [The doctor should] ...relax and enjoy helping his patients, and just follow his conscience.

Lee

*_*     *_*     *_*

From:  Tom Taylor, DPM
re:      HIPAA Information Resource

[I found a] Very good article and references:
http://www.aao.org/aao/news/eyenet/info_tech/practiceperf_may_2003.cfm
www.cms.gov/hipaa/

Tom

*_*  Editor's Note  *_*

The site Dr. Taylor has shared is an ophthalmology-oriented site, but it seems to have very comprehensive information about the upcoming Security Compliance phase of HIPAA.  We anticipate more podiatry-specific information from Raymond Posa, FootZine's HIPAA and technology consultant.

 ~ Gayle

*_*     *_*     *_*

Gayle:

We're asking podiatric medical assistants to participate in a survey on Podiatry Online, in which we're asking about [assistant] scope of practice issues.  The direct link is http://www.podiatryonline.com/main.cfm?pg=assistants

I thought you might want to let your FootZine readers know about it.

Thanks,

Lauren
Lauren Simon Ostrow
(858) 456-8600
www.podiatryonline.com
email: team@podiatryonline.com

Hi Gayle,

We purchased the MEDINOTES/CHARTING PLUS 4.3 electronic medical records software in Aug. 2003.  We have found that this system, although quite detailed, is not compatible with the needs of our doctor, as he is not computer oriented. We are looking to sell this medical notes program.  We are located in the Sturgis, MI, area and would welcome any serious inquiries.  The selling price is negotiable.  If anyone is interested in this software program please contact me.

Thanks for your help.

Mary
(269) 651-1038
email: MCCLAINJMRS@AOL.COM

*_*     *_*     *_*

Position Available:
We are looking for an immediate back office podiatry assistant.  We do some cross training. Great benefits-----medical insurance, retirement plan, uniform and gas allowance included per pay period of hours worked, paid holidays, vacation time, etc.  Great location in beautiful NW Portland, Oregon. If anyone is interested out there please fax us your resume at 503-221-1582.

Marleen London, RN
Office Manager

Notices of positions wanted or positions available, as well as other "classified" information, are welcome. They are posted at the FootZine web site's Networking page. Have a look at http://www.footzine.com/FZ_6.htm

The following recently came to our office’s attention.  We work for a podiatrist who has an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) in addition to the clinic.  The back office staff is all trained to circulate and/or scrub in on cases.  According to Washington State Department of Health, Health Professions Quality Assurance, “Anyone performing tasks in the surgical setting under the delegation of authority of a licensed health care practitioner must be registered as a Surgical Technologist.” This is found in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18.215  You can read the details at: https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/hpqa1/HPS6/Surgical_Technologists/default.htm
Actual forms can be accessed at this link: https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/hpqa1/HPS6/Surgical_Technologists/forms.htm
If you have additional questions, you can call 360-236-4700.

Persons who hold a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse or Physician license do not need to register as a Surgical Technologist.  Those who are PMACs and have passed the national ASPMA exam, which covers surgical practices, are not exempt.  You still have to be registered with the state of Washington.

The requirements are easy.  Fill out the registration form, certify that you have seven hours HIV/AIDs education (you needed that to take X-rays) and send your MONEY.  The application fee is $50.00 and annual renewal is $125.00. 

This law passed 2-3 years ago as far as I can find out from the Department of Health and it is something that they are now checking to see if ASCs have complied.  I thought those of you who work in ASCs might like a “heads-up” if you’re not already registered.

Mary Wasell, PMAC
Edmonds Surgery Center

"Facets" can be found on their own pages of the FootZine.com web site, at
http://www.footzine.com/FZ_F.htm

What warm-weather tips or precautions do you offer to your patients as summer approaches?  How do you make your patients feel special?  We'd love to hear from you, so feel free to write!

  ~ Gayle

Copyright 2004 Gayle S. Johnson.  All Rights Reserved.
DISCLAIMER: Acceptance and publication of any letter, article, news item or advertisement does not necessarily constitute or imply approval or endorsement by myself of the product, idea, or content therein. I reserve the right to edit or to not publish any material received. Any letters published are the property of FootZine. Any health- or legal- and financial- related information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal or financial advice, or a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional, attorney, financial advisor or any other consultant or professional. Information pertaining to legal matters should not perceived as legal advice, nor should discussion about such issues as Medicare, coding, and billing be considered as definitive. All content is presented as being only the opinions of the contributors and is for educational purposes only.

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