JAPMA Moves to Digital-Only Format

The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA) is moving to an online-only format beginning with the May-June 2019 issue. Activate your digital subscription today at www.japmaonline.org.

APMA News is pleased to invite members to be featured in our 10 Questions column, which runs on the back page of each issue of the magazine. Contact Aimee Condayan for details.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) released a proposed rule on April 8 allowing podiatrists to prescribe physical therapy or occupational therapy (OT/PT) services under the TRICARE program.

Important Coding Changes for E/M Services

At the AMA CPT Editorial Panel meeting in February, multiple actions were taken that will change coding for office/outpatient Evaluation and Management (E/M) services effective January 1, 2021.

Spring Foot Health Campaign Kicks Off Today!

April is Foot Health Awareness Month! This national observance (April 1–30) is a great opportunity for APMA members to help educate the public about a podiatrist’s critical role as a surgeon.

The meeting of APMA's 99th House of Delegates, your association's governance body, convened in Washington, DC, on Saturday, March 16.

On Sunday, March 17, David G. Edwards, DPM, was installed as APMA president by Mark F. Rogers, DPM. Dr. Edwards stated that his vision for the coming year is tied to the pioneering spirit of our country that is embodied in the profession.

Take Survey, Ensure DPMs are Well Represented!

BuckheadFMV is conducting a survey on physician call coverage compensation practices and is seeking data specific to DPMs and other physicians, and input from health systems.

APMA Meets with Federal Trade Commission

APMA Executive Director and CEO James R. Christina, DPM, and APMA’s Center for Professional Advocacy (CPA) representatives met with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Office of Policy Planning March 6. The FTC submits comment letters, policy positions, and advocacy letters to further its position that competition in the health-care market benefits the economy, and consumer welfare.

APMA Comments on Medicare Advantage

APMA submitted comments to CMS in response to the Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year (CY) 2020 for Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates, Part C and Part D Payment Policies, and 2020 Draft Call Letter.

CMS Releases FAQ, Additional Resources on 2019 MIPS Medicare Payment Adjustment

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted a new Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) resource to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) Resource Library to answer questions and provide additional resources on 2019 payment adjustments.

Check Your Participation Status for 2019 Performance Year

You can now check CMS’ Quality Payment Program (QPP) Participation Status Tool to view your eligibility status for the 2019 MIPS performance period.

APMA Meets with CMS to Address 2019 Priorities

APMA CEO and Executive Director James R. Christina, DPM, and members of APMA Health Policy and Practice team met with CMS on January 28 to address members’ top priorities for 2019. CMS specifically invited APMA to be one of the first medical associations to meet with the CMS administrator’s new Office of Stakeholder Engagement.

Introducing a New APMA

Two years ago, APMA embarked on an extensive brand audit to understand how the association is delivering value to its members and whether the APMA brand fit the way podiatrists view themselves. The results were revealing, and APMA is introducing a new look and a new tagline that reflect your association’s inclusive, supportive, modern brand.

Medicaid Managed Care Proposed Rule Comments Submitted to CMS

APMA submitted comments to CMS on its proposed changes to the Medicaid Managed Care program on January 11. Comments focused on ensuring that states continued to meet network adequacy requirements and ensuring ease of beneficiary appeals.

Year in Review: APMA Saves Members Thousands in 2018

APMA provides incredible value to members, far exceeding the cost of dues. Read on for more of what your association accomplished in 2018 on your behalf.

Coding Alert—Dispensing Bilateral DME Items

The coding guidance that exists when dispensing bilateral DME items is changing, effective March 1, 2019. This change applies to ankle-foot orthoses, knee-ankle-foot orthoses, lower limb prostheses, surgical dressings, orthopedic footwear, and therapeutic shoes for persons with diabetes.

How to Avoid a Penalty in 2021 and Other 2019 MIPS Resources

The 2019 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance period will start on January 1, 2019. to ensure members successfully participate, APMA has created a new resource page, www.apma.org/MIPS2019, to house all 2019 performance period information and resources.

Resolutions Submissions Due January 16

All resolutions for consideration at the 2019 House of Delegates (HOD) meeting this March must be submitted to APMA Executive Director and CEO James R. Christina, DPM, by January 16, 2019. Resolutions Preparation Guidelines are available on the HOD page.

Center for Professional Advocacy Awards Innovation Grants for 2018

The APMA Center for Professional Advocacy (CPA) is delighted to announce that 10 state components will receive 2018 Innovation Grants.

APMA Hosts Successful CAC-PIAC Meeting

The 18th Annual Joint National Podiatric Carrier Advisory Committee (CAC)-Private Insurance Advisory Committee (PIAC) meeting was held on Friday, November 2, in Baltimore.

Members to Discuss Reimbursement Issues at CAC-PIAC Meeting

The 18th Annual Joint National Podiatric Carrier Advisory Committee (CAC)-Private Insurance Advisory Committee (PIAC) Representatives’ Meeting will be held this Friday, November 2, in Baltimore.

Medicare Updates—New Order Requirements, Noridian DME Resource Page

CMS has recently released a new MLN Matters Article (MM10984) on order requirements for certain DMEPOS, when the prescribing practitioner is also the supplier.

Critical MIPS Deadline Approaching—Our New App Can Help!

There’s just one week left before the final 90-day period of 2018. Have you begun fulfilling MIPS requirements for 2018? If you haven’t, you’ll need to begin October 1.

New MIPS Resources in QPP Resource Library

CMS has posted the following new MIPS resources in its Quality Payment Program (QPP) Resource Library.

CMS is closing the opportunity to comment on its proposed changes for the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule this coming Monday, September 10. As a reminder, included among many proposed changes, CMS also included a proposal to require only podiatric physicians to use a separate set of E/M codes, which would pay significantly less. If you haven’t already utilized APMA’s eAdvocacy portal to express your opposition to this punitive proposal, we urge you to do so now.

APMA Submits Comments to CMS on Stark RFI

APMA submitted comments to CMS addressing CMS’s Request for Information (RFI) Regarding the Physician Self-Referral Law on August 24.

Since last November, APMA has been working with our Novitas Carrier Advisory Committee (CAC) representatives to clarify problematic language in Novitas’ Mycotic Nail Debridement Local Coverage Determination (LCD). As a result of the work of APMA and the CAC representatives, Novitas has changed the language, releasing a new LCD with an effective date of August 16, 2018. Under this new LCD, if the patient qualifies under “mycotic nail debridement” and debridement is performed without concomitant pharmacologic therapy, mycologic confirmation is expected.

CMS Releases 2018 MIPS Performance Period Exception Application

CMS released the hardship exception application for MIPS-eligible clinicians for the 2018 performance period on August 8. There are three main categories of exception application types: PI Hardship Exception; Special Status Clinicians; and Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances.

New MIPS Flowcharts for 2018 Quality Measures

APMA made printable, single-page flowcharts for the most common quality measures our members might use.

APMA/TDI Public Health Fellowship Announcement—Call for Applicants

APMA is pleased to announce the opening of the APMA/TDI Public Health Fellowship application process for the 2019–20 academic year. The deadline for applications is September 28. Applications must be submitted by email to Carolyn G. Anderson, scientific program assistant, at cganderson@apma.org.

There is a new Podiatry School Student Quiz Bowl champion. Brandon Rogers from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine won the top prize in a raucous, energetic competition. Trent R. Brookshier (Western University of Health Sciences Collee of Podiatric Medicine) placed second and Dong Yu (Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine) claimed third.

Health-care providers need to stay current on a variety of public heath issues, and a Friday session presented timely updates on three perennial, but hot, topics—medical marijuana, implicit bias, and physician burnout.

The clinical management of wounds in patients with diabetes is a priority for podiatrists, but they also must prioritize record management, especially if treatment leads to amputation. Saturday’s Breakfast Symposium will examine the medical and legal implications of diabetic ulcers and other wounds to a podiatric practice.

Saturday’s “Residents’ Program” will provide valuable non-clinical instruction and guidance for the profession’s newest podiatrists. The non-CECH session will take place at 10 a.m. in National Harbor 10–11.

As The National winds down, Sunday morning provides attendees with an opportunity to focus on their practices, with new information about MIPS and the APMA Registry. Ira H. Kraus, DPM, immediate-past president; Dyane Tower, DPM, MPH, MS, APMA director of Clinical Affairs; and Jeffrey D. Lehrman, DPM, consultant, APMA Health Policy and Practice Department, will oversee a breakfast symposium in Potomac Ballroom A from 7–8:30 a.m.

On Friday, undergraduate students assembled at The National for Step into Podiatry, an event designed to introduce them to podiatric medicine and surgery as a career. The event was part of APMA’s renewed focus on student recruitment.

Podiatrists regularly treat patients with vascular disease that can lead to critical limb ischemia (CLI), but those treatments vary greatly, especially in patients with diabetes. A Friday Breakfast Symposium will focus on management of wounds and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and include a look at a clinical trial to determine the best treatment options for patients with CLI.

The treatment of patients with sports-related injuries and advances in the management of heel pain will be addressed in two of the sessions to be presented Friday by participating organizations.

Several unusual conditions and treatments will be examined during Friday’s Surgical Blitz session. Nine presentations will address topics such as modes of fixation, metatarsal fractures, syndesmotic injuries, cartilage defects, subtalar dislocations, and diabetic ankle fractures.

The importance of thorough dermatologic examinations and the use of the correct biopsy techniques by podiatrists when needed will be explored during Thursday’s Plenary Lecture, “Common Lower Extremity Skin Lesions and Soft Tissue Masses—Diagnosis and Treatment Options.” Jeffrey D. Lehrman, DPM, medical director of the Crozer Center for Wound Healing in Springfield, PA, and chair of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons, will use examination photos to help demonstrate the importance of not overlooking lesions or growths on the lower extremities.

Have you ever wished there was a podiatry superstore, a single place you could go to take care of all your practice needs? Well it turns out there is one, and it is the exhibit hall here at The National. Following this morning’s opening session, come to the exhibit hall grand opening! The expansive exhibit hall at The National features nearly 200 exhibitors ready to fill your every need. Dermatologics, orthotics, surgical tools, diagnostics … if you need it to run a podiatry practice, you will find it here!

Amputations and complex treatments are common for patients who have diabetes or Charcot deformities, but better options and outcomes are available. Podiatric physicians will explore those options today during Track 1: Limb Preservation. Presentations will cover guidelines for treating osteomyelitis, including antibiotics; the importance of being flexible in managing Charcot deformity; the potential of using thermal imaging; and consideration of a patient’s lifestyle when choosing a treatment option.

Career awareness and student recruitment have become hot-button issues for the profession of podiatry in recent years as applications to the nine colleges of podiatric medicine have dipped below acceptable levels.

MIPS Eligible? Request CMS Review of 2019 MIPS Payment Adjustment Factor

If you participated in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2017, your MIPS final score and performance feedback are now available for review on the Quality Payment Program website.

The APMA Educational Foundation is now participating in AmazonSmile, a program in which the online retailer, Amazon.com, donates 0.5 percent of the price of eligible smile.amazon.com purchases to the foundation.

President Trump has signed the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018, or MISSION Act.

VICTORY! Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Rescinds its proposed -25 Modifier Payment Policy

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSMI) will rescind its proposed -25 Modifier payment adjustment for evaluation and management services. BCBSMI announced that after hearing from many stakeholders, including the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) and other physician groups, it decided not to move forward with this policy.

Coding and Health Policy and Practice Committees Set Agendas

APMA’s Coding Committee and Health Policy and Practice Committee met for their annual in-person committee meetings to discuss ongoing reimbursement issues and set their committee agendas for the 2018–19 program year.

Victory! South Carolina Passes Ankle Law

APMA congratulates the South Carolina Podiatric Medical Association (SCPMA) on the passage of H 3622, an updated podiatry scope-of-practice act to allow doctors of podiatric medicine to medically and surgically treat the ankle.

Physicians Continue to Fight -25 Modifier Reimbursement Policies

As a member of AMA and its Medical Specialty Society -25 Modifier coalition, APMA continues to fight private insurance policies that unduly reduce reimbursement for physicians.

A5513 and K0903 Victory!

APMA is very pleased to announce that after much advocacy by APMA and the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), diabetic shoe inserts fabricated using scanning devices will be reimbursed the same as those inserts made over a positive model of the patient’s foot, effective April 1, using a temporary HCPCS code, K0903.

On Sunday, March 18, Dennis R. Frisch, DPM, was installed as president of APMA by Ross A. Taubman, DPM. Dr. Frisch addressed the house, outlining APMA’s accomplishments and his goals for the coming year. He promised to devote his energy toward moving forward together as well as the importance of APMA membership.

The APMA House of Delegates took time on Saturday to honor the memory of noted coding expert and APMA consultant Harry Goldsmith, DPM, of California, who passed away on February 7.

House of Delegates Bylaws Webinars

The latest draft of the proposed modifications to the APMA Bylaws is available at www.apma.org/hod.

Two new rules published November 2, 2017, by CMS will affect podiatrists' payments in 2018 and 2020.

Share Feedback on Proposed Bylaws Changes

APMA's Bylaws and Procedures Committee has drafted proposed changes to the bylaws, which would be considered by the 2018 House of Delegates and enacted by procedures modifications at the 2019 House of Delegates meeting. APMA is seeking feedback from members on these proposed changes. Feedback is due November 30, 2017.

APMA is saddened to announce that Past President Jerry D. Brant, DPM, passed away September 17 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

VA Provider Equity Act Passes in House

The VA Provider Equity Act (HR 1058) was passed unanimously in the House on July 24. The APMA-crafted legislation aims to resolve ongoing recruitment and retention issues for podiatrists employed by the Veterans Health Administration (VA).

APMA Executive Director and CEO James R. Christina, DPM, explains how to avoid a MIPS penalty.

John Evans, DPM, was honored with the Award of Excellence on Sunday, March 19. Dr. Evans was nominated by Crystal Holmes, DPM, president of the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association.

Ira Kraus, DPM, was installed as the president of APMA on Sunday, March 19, by APMA Past President Michael J. King, DPM.

2017 State Advocacy Forum Registration Open, YP Scholarships

Have you registered for the 2017 State Advocacy Forum, May 12–13 in Salt Lake City? APMA will award three scholarships to young physicians to attend!

Going to the 2017 NYSPMA Clinical Conference this week and/or weekend? Stop by APMA’s booth, #1515!

Apply for Wound Care Scholarship Today

HMP Communications (HMP) and the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education (NACCME), executors of the annual Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Spring and Fall meetings, are again offering a Wound Care Podiatrist Scholarship. The scholarship is open to any APMA member who has demonstrated exceptional clinical skills and an intense dedication to caring for patients with wounds.

Practicing medicine today is so extremely challenging that we often spend a lot of energy focusing on all that is wrong with our current health-care delivery system.

HealthHelp DiagnosticSite Issues Resolved

APMA is pleased to report a recent advocacy win for podiatric physicians with HealthHelp.

APMA's Diabetes Campaign, "Diabetes: A Path to Poor Circulation?", is up and running.

Notice to members during Hurricane Matthew 2016.

New FAQs on Final 1557 Notice Requirements Now Available

In response to a number of questions and feedback from members, APMA has created an FAQ page, with a printable PDF version, for the final section 1557 notification. View the document today to prepare your office for the October 16 compliance deadline.

Accessing Lectures from The National 2016

You can now view many of the lectures from The National 2016.

Visit the APMA Coding Resource Center now and experience the site's first major redesign since its 2009 launch.

Online library of lectures on topics especially for residents. Free for members. Subscription required.

Members, take advantage of our resources!

CMS Releases 2017 MPFS Proposed Rule

CMS released the CY 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule last week. APMA is currently in process of evaluating the rule’s impact on our members.

APMA is pleased to announce that Dyane Tower, DPM, will join the APMA staff as the new director of Clinical Affairs in early October.

EIDM SO, Individual Practitioners, Must Recertify by June 30

EIDM users must recertify their accounts annually. This year, the EIDM Security Official (SO) or Individual Practitioner must recertify by Thursday, June 30.

APMA Coding Committee Convenes This Week

The APMA Coding Committee will meet on Friday, June 3, to discuss hot topics in coding, including ICD-10, X modifiers, global day post-op evaluations, and CPT updates.

Humana and Cigna Coverage Policies Corrected

APMA is pleased to report two recent reimbursement victories with Humana and Cigna.

The APMA Coding Resource Center (CRC) is the single best foot and ankle coding tool available, customized to meet your needs as a foot and ankle specialist. Look for new design and better loading speeds this summer.

APMA is evaluating the proposed rule from CMS on physician payment reform.

APMA Working to Protect Members from X-Ray Reimbursement Reduction

Recently, a number of APMA members have expressed concerns to APMA on the possible reduction in reimbursement they might face, under the Medicare film/cassette imaging service payment reduction provision in the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

APMA Takes Action on Student Recruitment Concerns

Strong concerns about student recruitment—specifically, a low applicant pool—were raised at the APMA House of Delegates meeting in March.

Paul Kinberg, DPM, was honored with the Award of Excellence on Sunday, March 20. Dr. Kinberg was nominated by Leslie Campbell, DPM. The award is presented to members in good standing in recognition of outstanding national accomplishments in scientific, professional, or civic endeavors. Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding service to APMA.

APMA President Phillip. E. Ward, DPM, presented APMA Past President Joseph Caporusso, DPM, with the Distinguished Service Citation on Saturday at the 96th Annual APMA House of Delegates in Washington, DC.

On Sunday, March 20, R. Daniel Davis, DPM, was installed as president of APMA by Marc Lederman, DPM. Dr. Davis addressed the house, outlining APMA’s accomplishments and his goals for the coming year. He promised his high energy and passion for podiatry as the cornerstone of his presidency.

For those podiatrists looking for more in-depth learning than a standard lecture when they attend a foot and ankle conference, The National offers three hands-on workshops.

Deadline to Register with Specialty Registry February 29

Registry reporting remains a significant aspect of the CMS EHR Incentive Program and Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), and will continue to be into the future with the Merit-based Incentive Payment System. In order to meet meaningful use requirements (Objective 10 Measure 3) eligible professionals must submit their intent or connect to a specialty registry by today, February 29.

APMA Director of Young Physicians’ Programs Nichol Salvo, DPM, testified on behalf of APMA before the US House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health, last week. Her focus was on how disparity within the VA hinders recruitment and retention of podiatrists.

Americans may be ready to resume walking, running, and other outdoor sports this spring, but are their feet?

The 95th APMA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting convened yesterday in Washington, DC.

On Sunday, Phillip E. Ward, DPM, was installed as president by his daughter Meredith Ward, DPM. Dr. Ward addressed the House of Delegates and shared his goals for his presidency.

On March 19 leaders in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate released bipartisan, bicameral legislation to replace the broken Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula with an improved payment system that rewards quality, efficiency, and innovation. The bipartisan, bicameral bill seeks to end the cycle of annual ‘doc fix’ crises that have created uncertainty for millions of Medicare providers and beneficiaries for more than a decade and also create a system that promotes higher quality care for America’s seniors.

HR 1221/S 626, The Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians (HELLPP) Act, was introduced to the 114th Congress on March 4 by US Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) in the Senate and US Reps. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) in the House. The bipartisan HELLPP Act includes multiple comprehensive reforms that will enable podiatric physicians to continue to save lives, limbs, and health-care dollars. The net result of implementing these common-sense provisions would be significant improvements to patient access to quality foot and ankle care and tremendous savings for the Medicaid and Medicare programs.

Medicare Alternative Payment Models: ACOs and Bundled Payments

APMA recently submitted a comment letter to CMS on the policies outlined in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) proposed rule. Concerns expressed include podiatric physician participation in ACOs and Medicare beneficiaries’ right to receive care outside of an ACO.

CPME has approved new residency positions and a new residency program.

DME MACs Delay Implementation of PCD LCD

DME Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC) published a notice stating that all four jurisdictions would be delaying implementation of recently finalized local coverage determinations (LCD) for pneumatic compression devices (PCDs). The scheduled effective date was November 1. DME MACs have not published a future effective date. These LCDs would have prevented podiatric physicians from prescribing PCDs regardless of the scope of practice in their respective states. The current LCD and related policy article will remain in effect.

Kyle Bruce, DPM, is APMA's newest public health fellow. Applications for the 2015&#*8211;2016 fellowship are due November 7.

APMA Submits Comments on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for CY 2015 Proposed Rule

APMA submitted a comment letter to CMS on its proposed rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for CY 2015 on August 29. Under the MPFS proposed rule, podiatrists on average should expect to see no change to their estimated total allowed charges in 2015.

APMA Continues Lobbying for VA Parity

APMA has aggressively lobbied Congress to resolve the ongoing pay disparity faced by podiatrists employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Now, we need our members to take the torch and continue to advocate while Congress is on recess.

CMS Proposed Rule on Meaningful Use Reporting in 2014

CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on May 20 that would allow providers participating in the EHR Incentive Programs (meaningful use) to use the 2011 Edition of certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) for calendar and fiscal year 2014.

Several key initiatives were addressed at the 94th House of Delegates.

APMA Executive Director and CEO Glenn B. Gastwirth, DPM, announced that he will extend his commitment to APMA by a year. In December 2013, Dr. Gastwirth announced plans to retire in May 2015.

APMA Executive Director and CEO Glenn B. Gastwirth, DPM, presented his Executive Director's Award to Merz North America during the 2014 APMA House of Delegates meeting.

Compromise SGR Overhaul Bill: An Opportunity for Podiatric Medicine

HELLPP Act language that was included in Senate Medicare SGR reform bill was dropped in the compromise bill, but there is still opportunity for podiatric medicine in other legislation.

APMA Meets with CMS Regarding Sunshine Act Reporting Exemption

APMA and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons met with representatives of the CMS Center for Program Integrity and Office of Legislation, and Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) last Tuesday about the Physician Payment Sunshine Act (PPSA) in the congressman’s office.

New APMA Medicare Provider and DMEPOS Supplier Revalidation Resource

APMA’s Health Policy and Practice department introduces a new resource for Medicare provider and DMEPOS supplier revalidation.

APMA Opposes CMS’ Omission of CPME from Sunshine Act Reporting Exemption

APMA is strongly opposed to CMS’ arbitrary omission of CPME from a list of accrediting and certifying entities under a Physician Payment Sunshine Act (PPSA) regulation that exempts indirect payments made to speakers at accredited or certified continuing medical education (CME) programs from reporting requirements.

Sunshine Act Data Collection Starts August 1; CME Reporting Exemption Issue

Beginning this Thursday, August 1, the Physician Payment Sunshine Act (PPSA), a section of the Affordable Care Act, requires manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals, or medical supplies to start collecting data consisting of payments and other transfers of value made to physicians, including podiatrists.

Matthew G. Garoufalis, DPM shares his thoughts on what APMA members can do to help address the podiatric residency shortage.

Town-Hall Meeting Considers Future of HOD

The House of Delegates heard from a task force that has been considering the future of the house and potential changes to the governing body of the association and its meetings.

Due to partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C., the federal government will encounter an automatic budget "sequester" starting March 1, 2013. Learn more about how these budget cuts will impact APMA members and podiatric physicians.

APMA Meets with NHSC, Discusses Underserved Patient Care

APMA recently held a productive meeting with the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

APMA is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting Abstract Competition. First place winners receive $1000, second place winners receive $500, and third-place winners receive $250.

The Society for Vascular Surgery has approved membership for podiatrists in the same category as other physicians who are not vascular surgeons.