Prior Authorization Reform Bill
One of APMA’s key legislative priorities, the Seniors’ Act, has reached 290 cosponsors in the House of Representatives. The bicameral, bipartisan bill, led by Represenatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA), would establish an electronic prior authorization (PA) process in Medicare Advantage (MA) to streamline coverage decisions for medically necessary care.
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Prior Authorization for Electronic Prescriptions and DMEPOS
APMA responded to the CMS proposed rule on interoperability standards and prior authorization for prescription drugs, which also included two requests for information related to health-care cybersecurity and durable medical equipment prosthetics and supplies (DMEPOS) prior authorization. APMA’s recommendations reflect APMA's ongoing commitment to reducing administrative burdens on physicians while ensuring timely patient access to medically necessary care.
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Florida Law Preserves Podiatrists’ Access to CTP
APMA congratulates the Florida Podiatric Medical Association (FPMA) on the enactment of legislation, SB 1092, that preserves podiatric physicians’ ability to utilize certain cellular or tissue-based products (including skin substitutes) not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within their scope of practice.
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Medicare Coverage Determination Process
APMA sent a letter of support to congressional champions for key legislation that would strengthen transparency, stakeholder engagement, and consistency within the Medicare local coverage determination (LCD) process.
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AMA House of Delegates
APMA President Patrick DeHeer, DPM, recently participated in the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates, where APMA is an official observer. The meeting brings together physician leaders from specialty societies, state medical associations, and national medical organizations to discuss and shape policy on issues affecting patients and the medical profession.
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Medicare Physician Payment
APMA submitted a letter to the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee in response to a hearing examining the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) reauthorization, and opportunities for payment reforms. APMA highlighted the importance of advancing federal reforms that tie yearly Medicare physician payment fluctuations to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) and establish a more physician-centered Merit-Based Incentives Payment System (MIPS) framework.
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Prior Authorization and PAD
The House Appropriations Committee unanimously supported an amendment in the FY 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill that would block funding for the WISeR Model. The bill also included important report language on PAD education, screening, and amputation prevention.
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Iowa IPMLC
APMA congratulates the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society (IPMS) on the enactment of HF 2498, legislation adopting the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact (IPMLC) in the state. Governor Kim Reynolds recently signed the bill into law, making Iowa the second state to join the compact.
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Colorado Independent Podiatry Board
APMA congratulates the Colorado Foot & Ankle Society (CFAS) on the successful enaction of HB 26-1344, which preserves the independent Colorado Podiatry Board following the state’s sunset review process. APMA supported these efforts by submitting a formal letter to lawmakers outlining concerns related to workforce impacts, patient safety, and the importance of specialty-specific oversight for podiatric physicians.
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2026 MIPS Performance Year Exception Application
CMS is now accepting exception applications for the 2026 Merit-based Incentive Payment System performance year. Clinicians affected by circumstances beyond their control, such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or cyberattacks, may be eligible for a MIPS exception and reweighting of performance categories.
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