APMA Responds to Stark, Anti-Kickback Statute Proposals

APMA submitted formal comments to CMS and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) on December 20 regarding proposed rules addressing the Physician Self-Referral Law (also known as Stark) and the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.

Important DME MACs Requirement Change

Effective January 1, 2020, the DME MACs have changed the requirement for a “Detailed Written Order” to a requirement for a “Standard Written Order.”

2019 PY MIPS Reporting Year Window Now Open

The MIPS 2019 Performance Year (PY) reporting window has opened. If you signed up to use the APMA MIPS app, make sure your data is uploaded and/or selected in the app.

What Do You Prescribe For Postoperative Pain?

What do you prescribe for postoperative pain? Help APMA Public Health Fellow Brandon Brooks, DPM, complete his capstone project at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice by taking a brief survey.

Get Key Coding Data in BMAD Webinar Recording

View recording of APMA’s webinar on Part B Medicare Annual Data (BMAD): 2019 BMAD Presentation of the 2018 Medicare Part B Data for Podiatry, presented by David Freedman, DPM, on December 5.

New Requirement for Advanced Imaging Orders

Beginning January 1, 2020, anyone ordering advanced diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, or nuclear studies) for a Medicare Part B outpatient must first consult Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) using a Clinical Decision Support Mechanism (CDSM).

APMA Responds to CMS’ RFI on the Future of Program Integrity

APMA submitted on comments last week to CMS in response to its Request for Information on the Future of Program Integrity.

Curious How Your Compensation and Your Staff’s Compensation Stack Up?

Want data that can help you negotiate a higher salary in your next job or benchmark your own performance? Register today for the upcoming lunch-and-learn webinar, “2020 MGMA Compensation Surveys—Are You Ready?” on December 12 at 2 p.m. ET.

APMA Organizes Multi-State Opposition to WPS Draft LCD 37228

APMA submitted comments to Wisconsin Physicians’ Services (WPS) on November 8 in response to its proposed Draft Wound Care Local Coverage Determination (LCD) DL37228. This draft LCD, as written, would continue to not provide coverage for debridement of Stage II pressure ulcers or chronic diabetic foot ulcers, unless neuropathy and/or neuroischemia were present, and chronic non-pressure ulcers with tissue severity of "Limited to Breakdown of Skin."

Calling all WPS Member States!

If you are a member practicing in Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, or Nebraska, be on the lookout for an action alert from your state component!

APMA, MPMA Host State Legislator at APMA HQ

APMA’s Center for Professional Advocacy (CPA) and the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) hosted Maryland Delegate Ariana Kelly (District 16) at APMA headquarters on October 10 to discuss important issues affecting the podiatric medical profession that are before her subcommittee.

APMA Comments on CMS’ Proposed Rules

APMA submitted three formal comment letters to CMS on September 27 in response to its CY 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS), and the End-Stage Renal Disease/Durable Medical Equipment, Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Supplies (ESRD/DMEPOS) Proposed Rules.

APMA Comments on CMS’ Medicaid Access Proposed Rule

APMA submitted comments to CMS on September 13 in response to its proposed changes to the Medicaid program.

APMA Comments on 2020 MPFS Proposed Rule, Signs on to Surgical Coalition Letter

CMS released its 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule on July 29. In response, APMA submitted initial comments on September 9, and signed on to the Surgical Coalition's joint letter submitted on August 15.

Be sure to read CMS' 2020 Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule Overview Fact Sheet and register for APMA's webinar, tonight, August 20, at 8 p.m. EDT: "Proposed Changes for MIPS: Year 4 (2020 Performance Year)." Jeffrey Lehrman, DPM, will present and discuss how the MPFS proposed rule may affect the 2020 performance year.

Success, Strategies Shared During State Advocacy Forum

Component leaders representing nearly 30 states discussed recent successes and shared useful strategies with each other this past weekend at the APMA Center for Professional Advocacy’s biennial State Advocacy Forum, held this year in Milwaukee.

APMA’s CPA Advocates for Podiatry at Legislative Summit

APMA talked to legislators about the need for states to pass laws commensurate with the education, training, and experience of podiatrists, especially in states that limit the practice of podiatric medicine to the foot. APMA also discussed the value of podiatric medicine and the cost-savings podiatrists provide to state health-care financing systems, and more.

CY 2020 MPFS Proposed Rule Released, APMA Reviews Impact on Members

CMS released the CY 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule this week, which also includes provisions related to the fourth year of the Quality Payment Program (QPP). APMA is carefully evaluating the proposed rule's impact on members. We will provide feedback via comments to CMS to ensure podiatrists' interests are represented.

APMA Advocates for Podiatrists on Falls Prevention to the US Senate Committee

APMA submitted comments on falls and fall-related injuries to the US Senate Special Committee on Aging on June 26. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, as the committee mentioned in its call for comments.

Hurry! Register online for the must-attend meeting for every podiatrist now through July 3.

CMS Responds to APMA’s Concerns on LCD, CAC Process Changes, TSD Requirements

APMA met with CMS on June 6 to voice concerns about changes to Local Coverage Determination (LCD) and Carrier Advisory Committee (CAC) processes. APMA also continued to lobby for administrative simplification of the Medicare Therapeutic Shoes for Patients with Diabetes (TSDs) program, as it aligns with CMS' Patients over Paperwork and provider burden reduction initiatives.

APMA Advocates for Parity in TRICARE

APMA submitted comments last week to the Department of Defense (DoD) supporting its proposed rule to allow DPMs and allied health providers to refer TRICARE beneficiaries to physical therapy and occupational therapy (PT/OT) services.

Critical CEHRT Requirements for 2019 PI Program to Avoid Payment Adjustment

Beginning this year, all Promoting Interoperability Programs (PI) participants must use 2015 Edition certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) to avoid a downward Medicare payment adjustment.

Foot Care on the Small Screen

“The Toe Bro” on A&E follows Jonathan Tomines, a chiropodist practicing in Canada. “My Feet Are Killing Me” airs on TLC and features podiatrists Brad Schaeffer, DPM, and Ebonie Vincent, DPM. APMA is carefully monitoring both programs. If your patients ask about something they’ve seen on a TV show, take the opportunity to share more about your education, training, and experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A new proposed rule from the Department of Defense would allow podiatrists to prescribe and dispense durable medical equipment (DME). This is a regulation APMA has sought to change for more than five years.

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.

CMS Issues the Physician Payment Sunshine Act Final Rule

APMA alerts podiatrists that CMS published the final rule implementing the Physician Payment Sunshine Act (PPSA) on February 8.

In a landslide victory, Brad Wenstrup, DPM, has won the Ohio second district congressional race by a 59-41 percent vote. Dr. Wenstrup is the first ever podiatrist to be elected to the US House of Representatives and APMA congratulates him on this victory.

APMA responds to the Supreme Court's ruling upholding most of the Affordable Care Act.

How to Negotiate a Higher Salary in 2020

Did you miss last week’s lunch-and-learn webinar with MGMA, covering how to participate in the upcoming MGMA compensation, cost/revenue, and practice operations surveys? Watch the recorded webinar now!