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FootZine,
Volume 105 |
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The HIPAA Security Compliance
deadline passed this week with little fanfare.
That means everyone has it under control and we
can move our attention to other things, right? Also past are meetings in Oregon, Washington, Texas and the Midwest region. This has been a very active period for "Networking", with equipment being bought and sold, and new positions available for podiatric assistants. Read on for some examples. ~ Gayle *_* "Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you." - Denis Waitley *_*
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Letters
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From: Deb SiverhusRe: Minnesota Podiatric Medical Conference Gayle, Myself and a colleague are putting together the Minnesota Podiatric Medical Conference for our Doctors and the Assistants. It will be November 10, 11, & 12th in Bloomington, MN. I will get you further information soon. We can be contacted at MNMPA@hotmail.com Deb Siverhus *_* From: Kathy Cullett, RN Re: Footcare Nurse Training I have been a footcare nurse in Newberg, OR, for 7 years and I'm so excited to run across this wonderful resource. My training has been in the way of reading books and articles and asking my facililty's consulting podiatrist questions. I love what I do and my clients do too. I would love some additional training and I have so many questions about becoming an independent footcare nurse. Are there any training sessions sooner than November (in Seattle) or sooner than the one at PCC in June (Portland)? Can I consult via phone or email with this awesome Laura Roehrick RN? My email address is sweetmothergoose71@yahoo.com . Any information at all would be appreciated. I may even be willing to fly or travel somewhere. Thank you. Kathy Cullett, RN. *_* From: Denice Nolan Re: SS# Privacy Concerns Hi Gayle; I am curious if other practices are having issues with patients providing their social security number. We are still using it for a couple of purposes: a) If we are billing it is our primary source to recoup through our collection agency and b) it is used as a distinctive identifier tied with the birth date for patient records. Clearly, many people are concerned with identity fraud and other manipulation of this number. We inform patients that they are protected by the HIPAA guidelines and that we use it only to protect them and their medical records from being confused with any other patient. However, this is not always enough and many still refuse. I am curious how others handle the situation, if they are requiring it to bill or if it is just accepted if they refuse. Any input would be appreciated. Denice Nolan Office Manager Ankle & Foot Clinic, PS *_* *_* From: DJB, PMAC re: Regulations and Compensation for PMACs Dear Gayle: I just passed my certification at the Midwest Podiatry Conference, and would like to know the rules and regulations as to what a PMAC can all do legally in the state of Wisconsin. Anyone who can provide that information, please reply. Also, I know I've asked before, and probably shouldn't be asking, but I'm going to anyway. Does anyone out there have an idea or would be willing to reply to what a PMAC should be making wage wise? I have an abundance of responsibilities with my job, and would like to assume more, but shouldn't I be compensated for that? I've been with this office for eight years. Can someone please give me some answers? Thanks, DJB PMAC
*_* Networking
*_*
Front Office
Manager/Receptionist/Biller WantedPositions Available Small office in sunny Delray Beach, Florida looking for a talented,pleasant front office manager. Current manager/secretary/biller/receptionist leaving after 9 years to pursue RN degree. Office of Alan Sherman, DPM, founder of Podiatry Online, is in a nice medical building on the campus of Delray Medical Center. Looking for the right person to lead this 3 person office for the next 9 years. Alan Sherman, DPM asherman@podiatry.com *_* *_* Medical Assistant. Front Desk Position. 1-2 Yrs. experience preferred. Location: South East Michigan. Contact Mary @ 269-651-1038 *_* *_*
For Sale
X-Ray machine.
Duocon-M-150LF Chemetron Universal X-ray.
New tube replaced in February 2002.
Wall-mounted, space saver design. $1,000.Konica X-ray Processor QX-60A. $500. X-Ray Duplicator. Lester Dine Model #1013 like new. $50. Chicago Medical Treatment Chair. Model #400. Beige cloth. Power lift, tilt, and recline + manual swivel. $1,000 All equipment in good working condition with scheduled maintenance performed. Please contact Timothy Messmer, DPM to purchase. 360-391-1571 or tmessmer@nwosonline.com *_* *_*
For Sale
Equipment for sale in
northern CaliforniaTwo Dexta Podiatry Chairs orthoposer portable xray shield Stryker surgical equipment Midmark cabinets Burton surgical light developing tank, hangers, cassettes older model doppler extremity whirlpool and chair AMSCO steam autoclave mayo stands, IV poles Call Jazz Powell, 510 710-9691 guudil@netscape.net Thanks
*_* FootZine
Feeture Article
*_*
The Question:Crystal-Clear Coding Q & A by Rick Horsman, DPM, and Scott Schroeder, DPM Can anyone tell me if there is a CPT code for a compression dressing. Would this be the same as Unna boot? Thanks for any info!!!! Stacy The Answer: Gayle, The CPT code 29580 is specific for an Unna boot. The compression dressing may be able to be billed with HCPCS supply codes A6448-A6455. These are listed as being under carrier discretion, so they may or may not be covered. The application of the bandage/dressing would be covered in the E&M visit code. Scott Schroeder, DPM Wenatchee, WA The Second Question: We have a patient that we applied Unna Boots bilateral. The doctor also sent 2 Unna Boots home with patient. Patient is a Medicare patient. I know I can bill the two Unna Boots applied in the office to Medicare( I used code 29580). But what about the ones sent home? What code do I use and is it billed to Medicare or DMERC? Thanks, Cindy The Second Answer: Gayle, CPT code 29580 is for the application of the Unna boot and many carriers include the material in this code. If material was sent home an attempt could be made to bill the supply under HCPCS code A6456 but this is a carrier discretion code and may not be covered. I would start out sending it to DMERC. If that is unsuccessful then try Medicare. It may end up being something the patient will have to pick up at the local medical supply store or drug store if available. If it is an item that is frequently used our local medical supply store usually is quite happy to stock it. Scott Schroeder, DPM The Third Question: Can you give me the criteria for code, 11755. I have someone asking. Thanks so much. Deb Siverhus *_* *_* The Fourth Question: Hi, Could you please give me the correct code to use for a night splint, we are a little confused, were told to use L1930 or L4396 Thank you, Renee *_* "Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it." - Rene Descartes *_* This issue of FootZine is later arriving than intended. A car-bicycle accident earlier this month has made significant changes to our lifestyle, which in turn impacts the FootZine publishing schedule. While the issues may arrive less frequently for the next few months, we will be here and will be as timely as is possible. We hope you will be patient with the slower pace during this rehabilitation period and will continue to write. We will be eager to return to our "normal" routines as soon as possible. ~ Gayle
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2005 Gayle S. Johnson. All Rights Reserved.
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