Forum Members ABFAS/ABPM

[newpodgrad]

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Hey guys

While looking for jobs , I inquired with a few local hospitals about how to go about getting privileges.

Several of them sent me info and I wanted to highlight a board concern.

Not sure how to really take it, but here’s a excerpt from one of the docs re: board status.

“Board Certification Requirement means certification from one of the following boards: the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Osteopathic Association, the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, or those Boards which may be approved by the Executive Committee to satisfy this Requirement”

As a disclaimer, I’m not a HUGE surgery pod. I enjoyed it , and did it in residency because, well, that’s what we had to do. And I’m fine with my forefoot procedures. I believe I’ve done well with them at my current level. I don’t care to do TARS, scopes mid foot fusions etc. I have no problem referring them out. I took the ABFAS qualifying tests etc, because again, it’s encouraged in residency and passed them.

Looking at this doc, it almost seems like this board required if you wanted to be on staff. The little statement at the end regarding “or those boards” seems like it might open the door for ABPM with some petitioning or something.

What do you guys make of this? I have heard from others that ABPM will get involved with issues regarding privileges etc. Is there more to this picture than meets the eye?

Thanks in advance for everyone’s take

 

[diabeticfootdr]

View attachment 412661

Dr Smasher ain't no snitch

We are on this. At this moment, I say "we", because my term on the ABPM BOD expires in 7.5 hours.

Rest assured, there will be swift and definitive actions from ABPM.

This communication from ABFAS is wholly unprofessional, divisive, and our legal team is investigating the violations of federal and state laws.

It also misrepresents APMA's position.

Moving forward, I have total confidence in the ABPM BOD and in their resolve to defend the profession and our Diplomates from this assault.

 

[Feli]

... my term on the ABPM BOD expires in 7.5 hours.
...

 

[Adam Smasher]

I'm more amused that ABFAS needs little old me to use what little social capital I have to try to influence the credentialing of my colleagues. If I can't convince the hospital to pay me for call, why would I be able to convince them to change credentialing policy?

 

[dtrack22]

View attachment 412661

Dr Smasher ain't no snitch

The last 3 malpractice cases I’ve consulted on (and client settled/won all 3) were against ABFAS certified podiatrists. Maybe we should limit their privileges for patient safety reasons…

 

[air bud]

Yeah, don't do their dirty work.

 

[DYK343]

(and client settled/won all 3)

Isnt this what bascially happens anyway?

Most insurance force settlement with provider pleading guilty (even if provider did no wrong)?

Cheaper than lengthy court costs, etc. I dont know. Thats what I was told. If you get sued youre automatically going to be found guilty and settle out of court.

 

[dtrack22]

Isnt this what bascially happens anyway?

Most insurance force settlement with provider pleading guilty (even if provider did no wrong)?

Cheaper than lengthy court costs, etc. I dont know. Thats what I was told. If you get sued youre automatically going to be found guilty and settle out of court.

If you have a case. But I’ve had multiple cases where standard of care was met, and the attorneys office doesn’t even go through with the malpractice claim. They tell their client that they don’t have a case and move on to the next one.

 

[Boba Foot]

ABFAS is wholly unprofessional, divisive

Isn't that the point of their existence?

 

[Feli]

Isnt this what bascially happens anyway?

Most insurance force settlement with provider pleading guilty (even if provider did no wrong)?

Cheaper than lengthy court costs, etc. I dont know. Thats what I was told. If you get sued youre automatically going to be found guilty and settle out of court.

I have never seen a malprac case that was not settled. I agree.
There is no admission of guilt in settle, though. (does got to NPDB as settle)
It's just a matter of how depos go. Even if one side or the other wants trial, that is hugely expensive... no reason to risk it in 99% of cases. In some cases, where the defendant side is strong or very strong, the settlement is pretty minimal ("nuisance") and the plaintiff attorney loses money compared to their time and costs of prep and depos.

The only place I saw cases go to trial was in IHS, but that's not real world... settlements are capped pretty low (govt money for the care by defendant side, and govt money is what plaintiff would get... so fairly pointless). You see some absolutely gross negligence in those environments, but the settlements are small compared to real world non-govt. It's likely VA is similar... terrible preventable outcome = 200k or 500k or something puny. It's the same pool of money for the care and to pay the providers of the care.

I correct that... I heard of one suit dropped (plaintiff deceased in one suit my bud had been served, hadn't began depo yet... dropped). 🙂

 

[Retrograde_Nail]

I have colleagues who have been sued and have seen cases be dropped by the plaintiff at the very last second when they realize they will not get a settlement. It does happen. A lot of lawsuits are frivolous. The northeast is the worst for medical malpractice lawsuits. Particularly CT and NY. In those states the basis for the lawsuit could be flat out wrong but if they have a "Certified" podiatrist giving expert witness testimony in support of the plaintiff that is enough to bring a suit. This is where podiatry is terrible. Really bad podiatrists who give expert witness testimony just to collect a fee. Even if they are wrong. There is no retribution for this either. It is just the business of medical malpractice. These lawyers will drag it out as well. Sometimes 4-5 years. They get paid for each meeting, deposition, etc. It's all money to them. They don't care. It's disgusting.

Any podiatrist who gives expert witness testimony on a regular basis because they can't do anything else or they are not busy enough and want extra money is a giant piece manure.