APMA Talks to CMS about AUC—Give Us Your Feedback About CDSM Experience

APMA held a conference call with representatives from CMS on February 11 to further discuss our members’ ongoing issues with CMS’ Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) Imaging Requirements program. Read on and take our Clinical Decision Support Mechanism (CDSM) survey.

APMA Responds to CMS Request for Feedback on CMS

APMA once again informed CMS that over the past several years, state law has been amended to clearly permit podiatric physicians and surgeons to supervise physician assistants (PAs), and more.

APMA to CMS: Significant Concerns on AUC Imaging Requirements

APMA sent a letter to CMS on December 23, outlining its significant concerns related to the Advanced Use Criteria (AUC) Imaging Requirements for which compliance officially started on January 1, 2020.

Congratulations to Chia-Ding (JD) Shih, DPM, MPH, MA, recipient of the Wound Care Podiatrist Scholarship for the Annual Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Spring meeting, May 13–17 in San Diego.

Get Compensation Data You Need to Negotiate Effectively—Take MGMA Survey

Do you want data to help you negotiate a higher salary in your next contract negotiation or job? Do you want data to help you benchmark your own performance? Then you should participate in the 2020 MGMA Compensation and Production Survey, which is now open for participation!

WPS Wound Care LCD Victory

APMA is thrilled to announce a recent victory with a formal reconsideration request to Wisconsin Physicians’ Services (WPS) to correct its problematic Wound Care Local Coverage Determination (LCD).

How to Ensure You Get Paid After MBI Transition Period Ends December 31

CMS will require all claims submitted on or after January 1, 2020, to use the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), even for services provided before January 1, 2020. With a few exceptions, Medicare will reject claims submitted with Health Insurance Claim Numbers (HICNs) and all eligibility transactions you submit with HICNs.

Center for Professional Advocacy Awards 2020 Innovation Grants

The APMA Center for Professional Advocacy (CPA) is delighted to announce that 10 state components will receive an Innovation Grant in 2020. These grants are designed to help state components with their scope-of-practice and physician definition advocacy efforts and their efforts to educate and build relationships with MD/DOs, policymakers, and payers.

APMA Testifies in Support of Massachusetts Scope-of-Practice Bill

APMA Clinical Affairs Director Dyane Tower, DPM, MPH, MS, testified before the Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Health last week in support of legislation to modernize the podiatric scope-of-practice statute.

Recap of 19th Annual CAC-PIAC Meeting

The 19th Annual CAC-PIAC Meeting took place on Friday, November 15, in Alexandria, VA. The one-day event featured key industry speakers and provided attendees the opportunity to learn from each other while discussing local concerns. Check out a summary from APMA President David G. Edwards, DPM

In support of a recommendation from the APMA Board of Trustees and Council on Podiatric Medical Education, the 2019 APMA House of Delegates approved a resolution calling for a Blue Ribbon Panel to review and study the history, traditions, and current circumstances associated with the recognition of special areas of practice and recognition of certifying boards.

Sign Up for APMA Registry/MIPS App by December 13 for 2019 PY

Be sure to sign up for the APMA Registry/APMA MIPS app by December 13 if you plan to report for the 2019 MIPS performance year. Not registered yet? Visit www.apma.org/mipsapp now to learn how to sign up for an APMA Registry account.

Future of Podiatry on Display at Young Physicians' Institute

Dozens of young physicians came to Nashville, TN, last weekend for leadership training and networking at the 2019 Young Physicians’ Institute (YPI).

New ICD-10 Codes—Are You Ready?

The new ICD-10 code set takes effect October 1, with 273 additions, 21 deletions, and 30 revisions. APMA has lists and a coding webinar to help members with this transition.

Are the costs of health insurance draining your wallet? APMA has a brand new, member-exclusive benefit designed for you. APMA’s health insurance solutions can help cut your practice’s health-care costs by a whopping 15 to 30 percent, and there are options available for practices of any size.

Blue Ribbon Panel on Special Areas of Practice and Certifying Boards: Update

In support of a recommendation from the APMA Board of Trustees and CPME, the 2019 APMA House of Delegates approved a resolution directing APMA to convene a Blue Ribbon Panel to review and study the history, traditions, and current circumstances associated with the recognition of special areas of practice and recognition of certifying boards.

2019 MIPS Hardship Exception Application Now Available

CMS opened the hardship exception application for MIPS-eligible clinicians for the 2019 performance year last week. Your practice is eligible for an exception if you meet any of the following specified reasons.

Complete the overall meeting evaluation to receive your CECH report. Read on to find out how.

Homegrown Advocacy Focus at Upcoming State Advocacy Forum

APMA state component leaders are coming together this week for the biennial State Advocacy Forum, August 16–17 in Milwaukee.

CPME Public Notice: Call for Third-Party Comments

In accordance with CPME procedures, interested individuals or institutions are invited to submit third-party comments with respect to the compliance of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine with the standards and requirements of the council.

APMA Voices Support for Foot Exam IA Measure

APMA submitted its recommendation for CMS to include “Comprehensive Lower Extremity Exam” as a future Improvement Activity (IA) measure for use in the 2021 MIPS performance year and beyond on July 1.

APMA Urges CMS, ONC to Move Cautiously on Interoperability Proposed Rule

APMA submitted supportive, but cautionary, comments to CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology on June 3 related to proposed changes to interoperability requirements.

APMA will host its second annual “Step into Podiatry” recruitment event for prospective high school and pre-health students at The National 2019 in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 12, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Pre-health advisors are encouraged to attend. Outreach is ongoing for this event. Help spread the word!

During the 2019 House of Delegates meeting, the delegates passed Resolution 7-19, which directed APMA to contact the American College of Surgeons (ACS) about its Stop the Bleed campaign. This important campaign is designed to educate the public about the use and application of tourniquets as a lifesaving measure in a bleeding emergency.

HPP, Coding Committees Discuss Reimbursement, Member Education

Two key APMA committees met last week to discuss topics that directly affect your bottom line: The Health Policy and Practice committee and The Coding committee.

Maximize Your 2019 MIPS Score with APMA MIPS App: Coming Soon!

If you've signed up with the APMA Registry in the past, you must make sure your tax identification number (TIN) is correct within the APMA Registry by Tuesday, May 7, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, or there will be a charge to make changes to your TIN.

Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Bill Johnson (R-OH) introduced HR 2235, the Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians (HELLPP) Act on April 10.

The Council on Podiatric Medical Education’s Nominating Committee is seeking applications for four at-large and two public CPME positions.

APMA’s Coding Education on Display in Boston; More Opportunities in Salt Lake City

APMA presented The Coding Seminar in Boston on March 30 to a packed room of podiatrists, assistants, and other office staff.

Joint-Provider Webinar Series: Trouble Getting Your Certificate?

We understand some members have had difficulty accessing credits for the Joint-Provider Webinar Series events. The code (the 5-digit number) per webinar is unique, and the live and recorded codes are unique from each other as well). See the following instructions and codes you need to complete this process.

Director, Legislative Advocacy and APMAPAC, Benjamin J. Wallner, was awarded the PAC Chair Award on Monday.

Each year, APMA's House of Delegates recognizes outstanding podiatrists and advocates for the profession for their involvement, accomplishments, and commitment to podiatric medicine and surgery.

The 99th APMA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting convened this weekend in Washington, DC. The delegates heard from several distinguished guests:

APMA Meets with CMS on Shoe Program, LCD and CAC Policy Changes

APMA leadership met with Melanie Combs-Dyer, CMS director of Provider Compliance Group, and other key CMS representatives on March 8 to request administrative simplification of the Medicare Therapeutic Shoes for Patients with Diabetes (TSDs) program, and to discuss recent concerns with MACs using local coverage articles (LCAs) to dictate coverage.

Future CMS Processing Changes to 59 and X- Modifiers—No Action Necessary Yet

When two services are provided at the same visit, a modifier may be used to bypass a National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) Procedure to Procedure (PTP) edit when appropriate.

APMA hosted leaders from AAOS, ACFAS, and AOFAS last week for a joint task force meeting to address mutual concerns and priorities for orthopaedic and podiatric surgeons.

Same or Similar AFO Denials Explained, What to Do About It

The DME MACs have recently begun strictly enforcing a long-existing policy, “Same and Similar.” This has resulted in suppliers more frequently receiving denials for DME, indicated on EOBs with reason code “M3.”

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!