IPMA 2017NEWSLETTER

J U N E

IN THIS ISSUE

IPMA STAFF

Helena Reid DPMPresident

Douglas Pacaccio DPMPresident-Elect

Sarah Dickey DPMVice President

Patrick McEneaney DPMTreasurer

Stephen Palmer DPMSecretary

Carlos Smith DPMImmediate Past President

IPMA OFFICERS

IPMA BOARD MEMBERS

APMA DELEGATES

IPMA STAFF

Jeffrey Alexander DPMJoseph Borreggine DPM

Amanda Brazis DPMKathleen Daly DPM

Veronica Marcello DPMSev Hrywnak DPMKyle Pearson DPM

Patrick Sanchez DPM

Jondelle Jenkins DPM (2017)Brent Parry DPM(2018)Helena Reid DPM (2018)Carlos Smith DPM (2018) Ada Paolucci DPM (2019)Marlene Reid DPM (2019)Bruce Smit DPM (2019)

Francis Rottier DPM (2019)

Michael Hriljac DPM, JDExecutive Director

Glenn FialaDirector of Finance & Administration

Ricci McDonaldMeetings & Education Manager

Karen Lake Membership Coordinator

Mary Jo McMahon Administrative Assistant

Illinois Podiatric Medical AssociationMISSION STATEMENTThe Illinois Podiatric Medical Association is committed to:• Promoting quality podiatric medical practice and ethics;• Enhancing public awareness about foot and ankle health;• Ensuring the future development of the profession of podiatric medicine; and,• Ensuring the continued growth of the Association and promoting the welfare of its members

4 Letter from the PresidentHelena Reid, DPM

5 Executive Diector’s ReportMichael Hriljac DPM, JD

6 Medical Advisory LiaisonJeffrey Crowhurst, DPM

10Insurance Committee ReportJondelle Jenkins, DPM

12 From the Meeting Planner Ricci McDonald

16 PR Committee ReportAmanda Brazis, DPM andSarah Dickey, DPM

19 Classified Ads

11 Membership Matters

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower

14 Secrets of Success: Being a Professional Lynn Homisak

18 Legislative UpdateSubmitted by Billie J. Paige on behalf of Shea, Paige & Rogal

Some podiatrists believe they will never get a claim. The truth is, a podiatrist can be sued when he or she least expects it. PICA is the only insurer with defense attorneys and claims specialists who have specialized expertise in defending podiatric malpractice claims. You will not find that anywhere else. Podiatry is not just one specialty among many for PICA. Podiatry is what makes us who we are.

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Being in the witness chair at trial, answering questions from a plaintiff’s attorney is not a comfortable place to find yourself.

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LETTER FROM THEPRESIDENT

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As I come back from the Midwest Podiatry Conference, I am once again inspired about what a great profession we are part of.  It is our responsibility to keep our profession growing and moving it forward.  You do this every day by taking care of your patients, who are the best promoters of our profession. Medicine is constantly changing and I am confident,  if we work together, we will adapt, grow, and prosper.

I have had the opportunity and the pleasure to meet many of our podiatry students over the past few months volun-teering at the American Diabetes Association Expo and at the Midwest Podiatry Conference.  What a great group of students!! I am proud that they are a part of the future of this profession. It is our responsibility to inspire and help them. 

The Avon Walk will be coming up in June. Dr.  Kathleen Daly will be sending out announcements and asking for volunteers to work in the medical tent. I hope you will join me in a very rewarding weekend helping the walkers with their foot care needs. 

Whether you are promoting podiatry by working hard in your offices, volunteering in your communities or working politically in advancing your profession, I salute you and I thank you. I am proud to be on this journey with you! 

Helena Reid DPMIPMA PRESIDENT

SAVE THE DATEIPMA Annual Meeting

In conjunction with “The Best Sports Medicine Foot & Ankle Meeting in the World: Experts on Surgery, Patho-mechanics and Rehabilitation of Athletes”

September 14-16, 2017Loews Hotel

Rosemont, IL 60018

Presented by:

&

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Much has been going on since our last newsletter. I want to introduce our new Meeting and Education Manager, Ricci McDonald. Ricci is an experienced meeting and exhibits planner with experience with medical meetings. She joined us just 3 weeks before the Midwest Podiatry Conference. Thanks to Glenn Fiala, our financial officer, for holding the meeting together after the abrupt departure of our previous planner. Glenn, Ricci and the rest of the staff did a great job in a short time and we look forward to the future MPC and IPMA meetings.

With the quickly changing health care environment Legislative support is increasingly important. We thank those who gave to the IPMA and APMA PAC’s and ask again that those who did not give please reconsider. It is an important part of the defense of our practices. The APMA PAC money supports federal efforts, the IPMA PAC money supports state efforts.

In addition to giving to the PACs, it is also helpful to develop a relationship with the legislators in your home and office districts. “Politics begins at the local level.” Meet your legislators, attend events and fundraisers even if there are no pressing problems. Reach out to both sides but reward your friends at a greater level.

The APMA held its biannual State Advocacy Forum in Salt Lake City, Utah recently. I was in attendance with Jondelle Jenkins DPM, Chair of the Center for Professional Advocacy Group and Helena Reid, IPMA President.

One of the speakers was Senator Robert Hilkemann DPM of the Nebraska Legislature. Tthe Senator is a retired Podiatric Physician and Surgeon who ran and was elected to office after he retired. Senator Hilkemann suggested that if you plan to reach out to legislators for issues related to podiatry or other issues that you are concerned about you should follow a guideline.

1. Be prepared. Educate yourself to the important issues and be organized.

2. Be grateful, if you are able to meet with your legislator

3. Focus on your concerns, make it brief but follow up later.

4. Have a one sided fact sheet you can leave at your legislator’s office. APMA and IPMA can help with this.

5. Send a thank you note.

Michael Hriljac DPM, JDEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’SREPORT

6. Pay special attention to members of important committees.

Even if there is no current issue still get to know them, there will be an issue someday.

I hope to see you all at the IPMA Annual meeting at the Lowes Hotel in Rosemont. The meeting will include the Annual meeting of the AAPSM and will be held September 14-16, 2017.

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MEDICARELIASION REPORT

2017 MAC Satisfaction Indicator (MSI) – J6 Now Available!! CMS is once again conducting their annual survey of Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC) performance and requesting feedback from the provider community we serve through the MAC Satisfaction Indicator (MSI). The MAC Satisfaction Indicator (MSI) is the best way to share your opinions of our service directly with the CMS. This survey should only take 10 minutes of your time and helps us understand how we can better serve you. To take the survey, click on the URL below: Jurisdiction 6 providers may access the survey by clicking here: 2017 Jurisdiction 6 MSI Survey We found your 2016 feedback helpful, and we made improvements to our services. You can read about some of the changes in an article titled, “Feedback-Based Improvements from the 2016 MSI Survey,” which can be found on our website under News & Alerts.  We appreciate your participation in completing the survey.  Your feedback does matter to CMS and National Government Services! The 2017 MSI Survey is Here!

Jeffrey Crowhurst DPMCAC REPRESENTATIVE

1. What is the MAC Satisfaction Indicator (MSI)? The MSI is a tool used by CMS to measure provider satisfaction with their MAC. This survey is presented once a year and includes questions on services the MAC provides in these functional areas: Provider Outreach and Education, Provider Telephone Inquiries, Claims Processing, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Help Desk, Reopenings and Redeterminations (Appeals), Provider Enrollment, Medical Review, Self-Service Portal and Cost Report and Reimbursement.

 2. Who is eligible to participate in the MSI? Medicare providers who receive services from their MAC can participate. This includes Medicare fee-for-service physicians, suppliers, health care practitioners and institutional facilities who serve Medicare beneficiaries across the country.

 3. What does this mean to NGS? The MSI allows providers the opportunity to influence CMS’s understanding of Medicare contractor performance. In addition to monitoring NGS’s performance, CMS will use the results for monitoring trends, to improve oversight, and to increase efficiency of the Medicare program. CMS will incorporate the results into our MAC incentive plans. The MSI also

provides NGS with more insight into our provider communities and it allows us to make process improvements based on this provider feedback.

Coding InformationProcedure codes may be subject to NCCI edits or OPPS packaging edits. Refer to CCI and OPPS requirements prior to billing Medicare.  For services requiring a referring/ordering physician, the name and NPI of the referring/ordering physician must be reported on the claim.  A claim submitted without a valid ICD-10-CM diagnosis code will be returned to the provider as an incomplete claim under Section 1833(e) of the Social Security Act.  The diagnosis code(s) must best describe the patient’s condition for which the service was performed. 

ABN Modifier GuidelinesAn ABN may be used for services which are likely to be non-covered, whether for medical necessity or for other reasons. Refer to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Internet-Only Manual (IOM) Publication 100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 30, for complete instructions. 

CPT CodingCodes 11055, 11056, 11057, 11719, 11720, 11721 and G0127 should be billed with a UNIT of “1” regardless of the number of lesions or nails treated. 

PODIATRY CODING TIPS

ModifiersOne of the modifiers listed below must be reported with codes 11055, 11056, 11057, 11719, G0127 and with codes 11720 and 11721 when the coverage is based on the presence of a qualifying systemic condition, to indicate the class findings and site:• Modifier Q7: One (1) Class A finding• Modifier Q8: Two (2) Class B findings• Modifier Q9: One (1) Class B finding and two (2) Class C findings.NOTE: If the patient has evidence of neuropathy, but no vascular impairment, the use of class findings modifiers is not necessary.

Date Last Seen by Attending PhysicianICD-10-CM codes which fall under the active care requirement.The approximate date when the beneficiary was last seen by the M.D., D.O., or qualified nonphysician practitioner who diagnosed the complicating condition (attending physician) must be reported in an eight-digit (MM/DD/YYYY) format in Item 19 of the CMS-1500 claim form or the electronic equivalent.

Name and NPI of the Attending PhysicianThe NPI of the attending physician must be reported in Item 19 of the CMS-1500 claim form or electronic equivalent.

Jeffrey Crowhurst DPMCAC REPRESENTATIVE

R O U T I N E F O O T C A R E

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When the patient’s condition is designated by an ICD-9-CM code with an asterisk (*) (see ICD-9-CM Codes That Support Medical Necessity in LCD L26426 and on or after 10/1/2015 see ICD-10-CM Codes in LCD L33636), routine foot care procedures are reimbursable only if the patient is under the active care of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy (MD or DO) or qualified nonphysician practitioner for the treatment and/or evaluation of the complicating disease process during the six- month period prior to the rendition of the routine-type service or if the patient had come under a physician’s care shortly after the services were furnished.

Source: NGS Website March 2017

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NEW POLICY: PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCKS (L36850) EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2017

Peripheral nerves can be the cause of pain in a variety of conditions. Sometimes the nerves are the source of the pain and sometimes the nerves merely are carrying impulses from painful tissues. Examples may include: post-herniorrhaphy pain (ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric/genitofemoral), iliac crest harvest syndromes (cluneal nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve), carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve), Morton’s neuroma, facial pain and headaches (trigeminal and occipital nerve).

Peripheral nerve blocks may be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Diagnostically, a peripheral nerve block allows the clinician to isolate the specific cause of pain in an individual patient. The injection of local anesthetic, with or without steroid may also provide an extended therapeutic benefit. If the patient does not achieve sustained relief a denervation procedure via chemical, cryoneurolysis or radiofrequency may not be effective at providing long term relief.

Important Excerpts1. The signs and symptoms that justify peripheral nerve blocks should be resolved after one to three injections at a specific site.

Jeffrey Crowhurst DPMCAC REPRESENTATIVE

2. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of peripheral nerve blocks in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, peripheral neuropathies caused by other underlying systemic diseases or peripheral neuropathies causes such as degenerative or idiopathic reasons. Medical management using systemic medications is clinically indicated for the treatment of these conditions.

3. The use of ultrasound guidance in conjunction with these non-covered injections is also considered not medically necessary and will result in denial.4. Note: the term “Morton’s neuroma” is used in this document generically to refer to a swollen inflamed nerve in the ball of the foot, including the more specific conditions of Morton’s neuroma (lesion within the third intermetatarsal space), Heuter’s neuroma (first intermetatarsal space), Hauser’s neuroma (second intermetatarsal space) and Iselin’s neuroma (fourth intermetatarsal space). This LCD applies to each such condition.

Injection into neuromas may be indicated to relieve pain or dysfunction resulting from inflammation or other pathological

changes. Proper use of this modality with local anesthetics and/or steroids should be short- term, as part of an overall management plan including diagnostic evaluation, in order to clearly identify and properly treat the primary cause. In addition, non-coverage for prolotherapy, joint sclerotherapy and ligamentous injections with sclerosing agents is found in CMS Publication 100-03, Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual, Section 150.7.

Injection therapies for tarsal tunnel syndrome (which include any so-called “Baxter’s injections”) and for Morton’s neuroma (CPT code 64455) do not involve the structures described by CPT code 20550 and 20551 or direct injection into other peripheral nerves but rather the focal injection of tissue surrounding a specific focus of inflammation on the foot.

Injections for plantar fasciitis are addressed by CPT code 20550, not CPT code 64450. Injections for calcaneal spurs are addressed as are other tendon origin/insertions by CPT code 20551. Injections to include both the plantar fascia and the area around a calcaneal spur, are to be reported using only CPT code 20551 with a unit of service of “1”.

NEW POLICY: PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCKS (L36850) EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2017 (CONT.)

Find the full policy here.!

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Utilization GuidelinesMore than three injections per anatomic site (specific nerve, plexus or branch as defined by the CPT code description) in a six month period will be denied. When services are performed in excess of established parameters, they may be subject to review for medical necessity. More than one unit of any code may be subject to prepayment review.

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INSURANCE UPDATE MAY 2017

Jondelle Jenkins DPMINSURANCE COMMITEE CHAIR

Medicaid

The state of Illinois (the first of May) has released 800 million dollars to the various MCO’s (managed Care Organizations) that participate in the Illinois Medicaid Program. Although this is only a portion of their total indebtness to these MCO’s, we as providers should see some payments. If you have outstanding claims, which you are having problems resolving with any of the Medicaid Products Please use the portal which can be accessed at HFS MANAGED CARE PROVIDER COMPLAINTS WEBPAGE. Please note that the managed care Providers DO NOT want you to complain on this webpage because they are penalized for all adverse resolutions. You will get a complaint number and an answer to your complaint within 15 days.

Blue Cross

We are still getting complaints of the provider enrollment delays which are excessive. Please continue to correspond with them weekly and get adequate information as to what specifically is holding up the credentialing process.

Please be aware that there are workshops and webinars available through Blue Cross of Illinois that should be attended by your office personnel on a suggested yearly basis (or new employees). These workshops/webinars schedules are available in the Blue Review issues which can be accessed online at BCBSIL.COM/Providers.

Mandatory Provider Training

It is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and/or a State of Illinois requirement for Blue Cross and Blue shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) to make available provider trainings on specific topics related to Blue Cross Community MMAI (Medicare-Medicaid Plan), Blue Cross Community Integrated Care Plan(ICP), Blue Cross Community Family Health Plan (FHP) and Blue Cross Community Medicaid Managed Long Term Supports and Services (MLTSS). These trainings are mandatory for all network providers and office staff in order to comply with the terms of your provider contract. Any questions please call (855) 653-8126

Looking forward; Please note that the Health Care America ACT that passed the house is NOT supported by the AMA and AARP. This Legislation among other things will raise the income level for Medicaid eligibility, and remove federal mandates which limit premiums for pre-existing conditions.

As Advocates for our patients we should all send messages to our Senators to inform them that this legislation CAN NOT STAND in its current form.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Reminder All 2017-2018 Payment Plan Options have invoices that were due by April 30, 2017. To avoid LATE FEES, check on line or call Karen Lake at 630-537-9746 to see if you have outstanding invoices.

Benefits of Membership Referrals….Referrals….Referrals!!! Over Fifty IPMA doctor referrals were passed on to potential patients! We were so busy we lost count after 50!! The American Diabetes Expo was held at McCormick Place on April 8, 2017. Dr. Helena Reid, IPMA Board President and Karen Lake, IPMA Membership Manager were on site to offer referrals to prospective patients after “Foot Screening” by Scholl College students. We encourage our members to go on-line and update their profiles so that IPMA, either through incoming calls or on-line public inquiries, will be able to provide current information to all seeking a podiatric physician! Go to www.ipma.net “Log In” section, enter your user ID (your APMA number) and your password. Go to My Profile, Manage My Profile, Information & Settings. Enter any changes or updates and “Save”. Another way IPMA is striving to bring patients to your practice!

New Members Since February 2017 Post Graduate Members Active Members Adam G. Finzen,DPM Mary D. DeGroot, DPM* Reinstated Iqbal Jay Khan, DPM Reinstated First Year Associate Members Jimmie LaPlant, DPM* Reinstated Kellen A. Cohn, DPM Scott O’Connor, DPM*Reinstated An D. Le, DPM* Nicholas Parrilli, DPM* Reinstated Peter F. Lovato, DPM Edward Ratkovich, DPM* Darshan Nagesh, DPM Senior Member Non-Practicing Members Robert Miklos, DPM Donna DeFronzo, DPM* Christine Lawrence, DPM Rachel Schlachter, DPM * Indicates New /Reinstated Members who joined as part of the 2017-2018 Membership Recruitment Campaign.

IN MEMORIAM Janusz Skwark, DPM Dr.Janusz passed away at the age of 56 this April. In 1982 he graduated Magna Cum Laude Biology, Loras College.and graduated from Dr. William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 1986, with honors as class Vice President. Dr. Skwark set up his podiatric practice in Rockford, Il where he loyally served Rockford residents for over 30 years. He was an IPMA /APMA member since 1986. He will be genuinely missed by all. A memorial fund has been established in Dr. Skwark’s name at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and may be directed to P.O. Box 118, 2599 N. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61114.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

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As we close out a very successful MPC and look forward to continuing the planning of IPMA this fall and future conferences, I would like to take this opportunity to remind our members and conference attendees of the factors that keep our membership and registration costs low. While there are many factors that help reduce the costs to our attendees, the two biggest are rooms revenue for the hotel and our exhibitor and sponsorship partners. I cannot express the importance of your support in these two areas.

The Hyatt has been a great partner and we would like to continue the partnership with them moving forward, but have to demonstrate our value to them. While it is understandable that attendees want to do the most fiscally responsible for their staff and practices when attending the meetings, staying at another hotel that may

offer a less expensive rate  only puts the conference and association in a position of not meeting the contracted room block and having to pay the hotel for the unused rooms. As a result, the hotel can choose to reduce future blocks and upset the sleeping rooms to space ratio. This means the hotel can charge the conference for space. To offset these costs, the only choice would be to pass this cost on to attendees through higher registration fees. We ask for your help as attendees in righting this by always choosing the conference hotel if you are staying in the area where the conference is being hosted.

In regards to our exhibiting and sponsorship partners, the amount of revenue they generate assists the meeting and the association in being able to put on the conference and without them it would not be possible.

Ricci McDonaldMEETING PLANNER

FROM THEMEETING PLANNER

The most common comment from all exhibitors is that they would like more traffic to their booths. We ask that all attendees take the time to walk through the exhibit hall and make contact with our exhibitors, shake their hands, and thank them. This small gesture can go a long way in making our exhibitors feel valued and ensure they are getting the contact with our members that they require to justify their exhibit and sponsorship fees. Once an exhibitor does not feel that they are getting the return on their investment in a tradeshow and decides not to exhibit again, they are extremely hard to get back as a partner, which is lost revenue for the conference.

We appreciate your assistance on this and look forward to continued success in future conferences to come!

Ricci McDonald

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MIDWEST PODIATRY CONFERENCE 2017

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM MIDWEST PODIATRY CONFERENCE 2017

Lynn HomisakSOS HEALTHCARE & MANAGEMENT

SOLUTIONS, LLC

SECRETS OF SUCCESS: BEING A PROFESSIONAL

Sometimes you can’t identify what something is…until you stop and think about what it isn’t. Such is the case with professionalism. Several years ago, I visited a new MD’s office…not as a consultant, but as a new patient. The doctor came highly recommended with a multitude of degrees. In fact, you couldn’t miss them as you stepped through his front door; his notable credentials covered every inch of space on his reception room wall. Very impressive! After standing there for a minute or two, taking it all in, I realized I’d received no welcome from the staff so I walked up to the desk, smiled and announced that I had arrived for my 2:30 appointment. Without looking up at me, the receptionist crossed off my name on a sheet lying in front of her, asked for my insurance card and positioned a clipboard to fit exactly in the tiny window space that separated me from her, instructing me to “have a seat and fill this out.” I did as I was told, returned the completed form [still no eye contact] and sat back down. When my name was called, I was escorted into the treatment room by the nurse [I think?]. She also didn’t introduce herself and wore no identification badge, so I asked her name in the hopes of starting a conversation. “Helen,” she responded and without pause pointed to a nearby chair in the room and said, “Have a seat.” She went about her robotic routine…asked some basic clinical questions, took my blood pressure and pulse, made some

notes and when she had all she needed, turned to walk out of the room. As she was leaving, she never looked back; just said, “The doctor will be in.” Zero personality; zero interaction.

I sat alone…waiting…and waiting…when finally, in walked the doctor. At least I thought it was the doctor; no white coat to distinguish him and once again, no formal introduction. I could tell right

“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”- John Wooden

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away that he was not a “small-talk-kinda-guy”, so I smiled and said hello, hoping to break the awkward silence. He looked down at my chart in his hands, glancing up over his glasses for a quick second to make eye contact, nod and say hi (and I supposed to determine if someone was actually sitting in the chair). He then sat down and immediately started dictating information into his hand-held recorder that I only assumed he pulled from Helen’s notes. He mumbled so softly that I couldn’t make out what he was saying…all I knew was that he wasn’t speaking to me. Our interaction consisted of a series of questions from him, responses from me and more recorder-mumbling. What lasted all of 6 minutes was hardly what you’d call a conversation. He warned me about the dangers of cholesterol, handed me a pamphlet and a slip for a blood test. After instructing me to “stay in the room for a minute”, he swiftly left. He offered no discussion of a treatment plan, did not ask if I had any questions or needed further explanation, no indication of follow up...no goodbye! Huh? I thought for sure he’d come back; that he just left to get something, but he never did. Instead, a few minutes later, Helen returned and pointed me to the discharge desk where “you can take care of your co-pay.” I’ll spare you their patient discharge protocol. As you might guess, my experience didn’t improve.

SECRETS OF SUCCESS: BEING A PROFESSIONAL (CONT.)

My first thoughts as I left the office were…did this really just happen? I envisioned that for a comedian the visit would have been humorous fodder for his/her next routine. And while I felt I was pranked, I would probably have appreciated the comedic spin. However, at the moment, there was nothing amusing about this. After the way I was treated, why on earth would I ever want to come back here again?

That got me thinking…what do I expect from a professional? And what did I learn from this experience? I realized that just because one works in a profession, it does not automatically make them a “professional”.

I bet if you asked a room full of people what professionalism means to them, it’s likely you would hear any number of expected qualities such as altruism, ethics, compassion,

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knowledge, competence, respect for others, integrity, trust responsibility/accountability, image and appearance and teamwork. Individually, none of them would be wrong; however, it is all of them together that captures the true definition.The lecture topic ‘How to be More Professional’ is rarely [never] on a podiatry conference schedule, and it should be! Because if you do not think professionalism plays a critical role in how your patients perceive you and whether or not they stay with you, think again. The doctor I visited may have been a GREAT clinician; he certainly had the credentials indicating he was. So what. Based on my first impressions and how I was treated, I will never return. And if statistics are correct, I will likely tell 10-12 other people about my bad experience. Maybe, I’ll even write an article and tell the whole world!

Bottom line, it doesn’t matter how many certificates or degrees you have on your walls, how much money you have in your pockets, what your status in the profession is, what kind of car you drive or what university you went to. It’s about how you treat people every day and how they perceive your behavior that sets the stage for your success. In the words of John Wooden, UCLA coaching legend, “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”

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Continuing to build on our successful ad campaigns of the past couple of years, the IPMA has again partnered with FOX32 and Comcast Digital to promote April’s National Foot Awareness Month. Using both an ad and Dr. Oz vignette, we reached the Chicago metro area through FOX32. Our Comcast Digital ad ran in the larger metro areas throughout the State. Each of the ads highlight and promote your services as podiatric physicians.

We also continue to run print ads in the Chicago Athlete magazine’s March/April issue distributed to 5,000 runner of the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle and available for free in most sports stores in the Chicagoland area and beyond.

We are always encouraged every time we run these ads to see a significant increase in traffic to our website as patients search for a doctor in their area.

PR COMMITTEEA P R I L ’ S N A T I O N A L F O O T A W A R E N E S S

M O N T H C R E A T E S O P P O R T U N I T Y F O R T H E I P M A T O P R O M O T E P O D I A T R Y

Sara Dickey, DPMCO-CHAIR

Amanda Brazis, DPMCO-CHAIR

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As what seems to be Déjà vu all over again, this Legislative Session has been and will continue to be totally consumed by the BUDGET (or lack thereof). As we have previously reported, on Feb.15, 2017 Governor Bruce Rauner gave his 3rd Budget Address, introducing his budget blueprint for this Fiscal Year (FY18). However, the Governor and the Legislature have been unable to agree on a full year budget plan not only for this year (FY17), but still haven’t agreed on a “total” budget plan for the last Fiscal Year (FY16). In essence, the State of Illinois has gone almost 3 years without a full state budget.

As you know, on June 30, 2016, the Governor did sign a “stopgap” budget that the Illinois House and Senate approved and would keep state government afloat for six months (through Jan. 1, 2017). The “stopgap” plan ensured that schools opened this past fall and provided help to struggling Chicago Public Schools after Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democrats who control the General Assembly struck a deal amid intense political pressure prior to the November election.

After the 6-month, “stopgap” budget was approved in June, the conventional wisdom was that after the November election, the General Assembly and the Governor would agree to a full budget during either the Veto Session or the Lame Duck Session. Unfortunately no “grand bargain” was achieved. However, there was a ray of hope, in that the Senate has been working on a “bipartisan” grand budget compromise. As of now (April, 2017), the plan, which has only been negotiated between the Senate Democrats and Senate Republicans, seems to have stalled. The Senate President has been quoted as saying he intends to keep pursuing this bipartisan plan with his Republican counterpart, Senate Republican Leader, Senator Radogno.

The House Democrats moved a “lifeline” budget last week (April 6, 2017) in the House. This “lifeline” budget would have appropriated approximately $750 million to human service providers and Universities. The House Republicans and the Governor opposed this legislation.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATESubmitted by Billie J. Paige on behalf of Shea, Paige & Rogal

It is unknown at this time if the Senate intends to take up this “lifeline” budget.

We will continue to monitor the action in Springfield and keep you updated.

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PATIENTS ARE A VIRTUE!Associate Position throughout Illinois

& Midwestern statesWant to partner in a new associate?

If your practice is looking for a new associate but you don’t have full time

work, we can fill the gap. Podiatry Plus is a 30+ year growing group

practice providing services to nursing home residents throughout Illinois. We

are looking for part-time associates in central and southern Illinois. Let’s

unite!

Please email queries to nealn@podiatryplus.net.

FOR SALE OR LEASEROCKFORD, IL: Modern, fully

equipped podiatry office for sale or lease. Beautiful office in an

upscale hospital campus. Spacious 2500 sq. ft. with additional health-care-architect designed operating suite with a C-Arm. Ample private

office, reception, and waiting areas and two bathrooms. 20+ car

parking space. Treatment chairs/table, XR and PT equipment, etc., included.

Turnkey operation. Can easily accommodate two practitioners.

Current owner retiring. Three year lease with option to purchase.

Financing available. Please call Dr. Dino Pandya – 815-505-1062 or email at d.pandya@comcast.net.

FOR SALEQuality New & Used Podiatry

Equipment & New Instruments

Podiatry Chairs, Mini C-Arms, X-Rays, Ultrasound Units, Whirlpools, Surgical

Power Sets and All Other Podiatry Equipment. Most equipment

comes with a 1 year 100% Parts & Labor or Replacement Warranty.

WANTEDPodiatry Equipment: Offers for your equipment are made on the basis of

make, model, age and condition.

REPAIR SERVICESAvailable for many items.

We upgrade 20/20 XP computers to Windows 10 with new software.

GLOBAL INTERMED CAN HELP

CONTACT MARK TODAYOffice: 440-333-0007

Fax: 440.333.4902Email: parkhaven@hotmail.com

Website: www.globalintermed.com

HIRING IN MILWAUKEE, WISeeking a reliable rear foot trained

podiatrist to join a large growing practice within the Milwaukee area.

Competitive salary, benefits, and additional opportunities available.

Please contact kludgatis1@hotmail.com – Phone: 262-763-9007

J U N E 2 0 1 7CLASSIFIED ADS

GREAT OPPORTUNITYWell established solo practice and

building for sale. Same location for 57 years. Turnkey operation.

Located Lansing, Illinois – 25 miles from downtown Chicago. Potential to

expand the practice in all areas of podiatry. Doctor wanting to retire. For more information – please

call 708-370-4666.

Opportunity to share a Michigan Avenue Loop well

equipped podiatry office. Operate completely independent or under our existing business plan and contracts. Will consider purchase of the practice. Ideal location for public transportation and we have a discount

parking arrangement with a nearby self-park garage. Please send inquiries

to assistant@ipma.net or call the IPMA office at (312) 427-5810.

ASSOCIATE WANTEDPart time – Hospital based practice in

Northwest Chicago Area.Please call 773-594-9700.

ILLINOIS – CHICAGO AND SUBURBAN AREA

Self-motivated full time / part time podiatrist needed. We focus

on providing quality care to facility residents throughout Chicago and

surrounding area. Possible office hours are available as well, if desired. You can have your own private office without

operating overhead.Assistant include:

- Schedule clinic / facility visits based on your schedule

- Steady number of patients- Earn extra income for performing

only ethical services- Clerical services and billing supports

Experienced podiatrist or graduating resident may apply. Please email CV to

manager@pmpodiatry.com or fax to 847-398-1357

PRACTICE FOR SALEBatavia Foot Clinic

119 South Batavia AvenueBatavia, II

Well established podiatry office in beautiful downtown Batavia, IL. Fast

growing area – draws patients from St. Charles to Aurora. I am retiring after 36 years. Looking for quick sale: turnkey business. Financing available. Office is 1600 square feet.

Contact information: Email - instep1@hotmail.com

Phone - 630-222-4031

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