Bipartisan HELLPP Act to ensure podiatric physicians continue saving lives, limbs, and health-care dollars

WASHINGTON—The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is pleased to announce yesterday US Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) have re-introduced S 626, The Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians (HELLPP) Act. Its companion bill, HR 1221, was also re-introduced yesterday in the House of Representatives by US Reps. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) and Diana DeGette (D-CO).

If enacted as written, the HELLPP Act will accomplish three important goals:

1. Recognize podiatrists as physicians under Medicaid
2. Clarify coordination of care in the Medicare diabetic shoe program
3. Strengthen Medicaid program integrity

“APMA will continue to work diligently with Congress to ensure today’s podiatrists are rightfully recognized by the federal government and that life- and limb-saving services performed by podiatrists are available to those in need,” said APMA President Dr. Frank Spinosa. “The HELLPP Act is a common-sense solution that will remove patient access barriers to podiatric physicians and surgeons, and translate to millions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. The bill is particularly important as we keep in mind the growing number of Americans suffering from diabetes and diabetes-related foot conditions, which we treat every day.”

The bipartisan HELLPP Act includes multiple comprehensive reforms, and the implementation of these changes will mean drastic improvements to patient access to quality foot and ankle care and tremendous savings for the Medicaid system.

More information about the HELLPP Act and podiatric medicine can be found online at www.apma.org/saving.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading professional organization for today’s podiatrists. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are qualified by their education, training, and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of more than 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.