Assistants Program

Objective: Stations will be spaced throughout the room to provide a formal hands-on instruction experience. Attendees will rotate from one station to another in 15-minute increments.
Stations will include:                                                                                                                                                                                         
- Surface Anatomy
- Podiatric Instruments utilized in both office and hospital settings, procedure set-ups (sterile and non-sterile), proper maintenance, cleaning and sterilization techniques
- Suture removal, injection drawing
- Scanning of AFOs and custom orthotics

Understanding the Importance of Proper Documentation - Marc Greenberg, DPM                                                     
Objective: Attendees will discuss the importance of proper documentation from basic CC to completing and HPI, and understand what forms need to be completed for difference patients and procedures.

Thorough Evaluations for New and Follow-up Patient Encounters - Richard Schilling, DPM                                                   
Objective: Does this ever happen in your practice? A patient calls to make an appointment for _________________ and a “reason for visit” is recorded in the comments section of the scheduler. Upon arrival, the medical assistant evaluates the patient and discovers a much different chief complaint than previously recorded. This updated information is updated in the EHR and relayed to the doctor prior to entering the treatment. Following the doctor’s assessment however, it is determined that the patient’s actual reason for visit is _______________.  It happens all the time! So, what can we do to improve the level of accuracy in discovering the true reason for visit and in situations where multiple complaints are relayed, determining the most pressing issue? While this problem is one that can never completely be avoided, we can greatly reduce its frequency by training both administrative and clinical team members to ask the right/appropriate questions and to become proficient in redirecting patients who are easily distracted and contribute to conversations that hinder office efficiency.

Extremity Dermatopathology Overview - Tracey Vlahovic, DPM                                                                                                           
Objective: Upon completion of this session, attendees will better understand the significance of skin, nail, nerve biopsy procedures as a valuable clinical diagnostic tool.  Assistants will learn how their role during podiatric dermatological exams can help to improve patient outcomes. This session will include an overview of dermatopathology services as well as the various biopsy techniques, specimen collection and handling.

Understanding Commonly Treated Podiatric Conditions and Tests Ordered by Your Physician - Amy Masowick, DPM             
Objective: The session will review the meaning behind common tests and labs that podiatrist order and why. Discussion will include tests involving MRI foot versus ankle, CT, Ultrasound, EMG, Art duplex, venous Doppler, and reflux perforator. 

Customer Service, Collections and Dealing with Difficult Patients - Marc Greenberg, DPM
Objective: Attendees will learn the important role they play (no matter what their position) and how they can make or break the patient experience. From collecting past due balances from individuals who claim not to have a deductible, to calming the nerves of an anxious teenager presenting with an ingrown toenail, it is the medical assistant who must maintain controlled chaos while keeping both doctors and patients smiling.

Pre-gaming for Successful Clinic Sessions - Amy Masowick, DPM                                                                                   
Objective: Attendees will learn how to better prepare their doctors and fellow team members for each clinic session, improving the quality of patient care and efficiency.

Office Successes and Fails - Marc Greenberg, DPM, Amy Masowick, DPM, and Richard Schilling, DPM                                           
Panel and group discussion on real office experiences that everyone can learn from.

OSHA What You Don't Know Can Hurt You - How to Implement an OSHA Compliance Plan - Michael Brody, DPM       
Objective: As a medical provider you need to know and understand the Blood Borne Pathogen Standard, the Ionizing Radiation Standard, the Exit Standard, and the Hazard Communication Standard. This session will review how to implement an OSHA compliance plan in your office.