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.

Proposed revisions to CPME publications 120, 130, and the College Accreditation Eligibility Requirements are scheduled for consideration by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) in October 2019. Please send your comments by September 15.

APMA Registry Users: Your 2019 APMA MIPS App is Here!

If you previously signed up to use the APMA Registry to monitor your potential MIPS score, you should have received an email last week from our partners at Darena Solutions. Follow the instructions in that email to reset your password and confirm your account. Not registered? Visit www.apma.org/mipsapp now to learn how to sign up for an APMA Registry account.

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.

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.

CPME publications 220 and 230 are scheduled for review and possible revision by the Joint Committee on the Recognition of Specialty Boards (JCRSB) in February 2019 and the Council on Podiatric Medical Education in April 2019.

Put Money Back in Your Pocket with the APMA MIPS App

Looking to save money this holiday season? Register to use the APMA MIPS app! This member-exclusive benefit allows you to complete your 2018 MIPS performance year reporting through the APMA Registry for free, while other registries cost $600 or more. Available for Android, iOS, Windows 10, and a convenient web portal.

CMS established an automatic extreme and uncontrollable circumstances policy for the 2018 performance period for MIPS to reduce the burden on clinicians affected by California wildfires and Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Nate.

APMA consultant Jeff Lehrman, DPM, highlights four changes to E/M documentation that will go into effect on January 1, 2019.

MIPS Year 3 Changes Finalized

CMS released the Final Rule for the Quality Payment Program for 2019, including changes to the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in Year 3. While APMA is still reviewing the final rule, members should be aware of critical changes.

APMA Continues Advocacy to Thwart CMS E/M Proposal

APMA has not let up its advocacy efforts in the weeks since we submitted formal written comments opposing the CMS E/M proposal in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule.

New ICD-10 Codes October 1

The new ICD-10 codes go into effect October 1. This year, there are a total of 473 code changes.

NDEP Releases Updated “Guiding Principles”

National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) has released the update to Guiding Principles for the Care of People with or at Risk for Diabetes. This resource provides a set of 10 clinically useful principles highlighting areas of agreement in diabetes care and prevention. APMA has signed on as one of the 20 professional organizations and federal agencies supporting the use of Guiding Principles.

CMS 2019 MPFS Proposed Rule Comment Period Now Closed—What's Next?

APMA submitted its formal comments to CMS on September 10 in response to CMS' proposed rule for the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. We are incredibly proud of our members’ efforts to let CMS know its proposals related to separate E/M coding for DPMs are unacceptable.

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 compliance of the Midwestern University Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine in Glendale, AZ, with the standards and requirements of the council. The council will take into consideration all comments received by December 15 as part of the college’s on-site evaluation scheduled for January 22–25, 2019.

To receive your continuing education certificate of attendance and verification report, you must complete the overall meeting evaluation. Follow the below instructions to do so.

Tell CMS, Congress, You Don’t Support E/M Coding Discrimination

As APMA has reported, CMS released its 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule [CMS-1693-P] that, if finalized, would require podiatrists to use different E/M codes from all other Medicare physicians. The codes would reimburse at a significantly lower rate.

On July 12, CMS released a proposed rule [CMS-1693-P] that, if finalized, would require podiatrists to use different E/M codes from all other Medicare physicians. The codes would reimburse at a significantly lower rate. APMA urges podiatrists, their patients, and other stakeholders to take action today to address this discriminatory and punitive proposed rule.

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.

Wisconsin to Allow Podiatrists to Supervise Physician Assistants

APMA congratulates the Wisconsin Podiatric Medical Association (WPMA) on its recent legislative success.

Many awards were presented at the APMA House of Delegates meeting in Washington, DC.

APMA is deeply saddened by the passing on February 7 of Harry Goldsmith, DPM, after a battle with cancer. Dr. Goldsmith was a noted coding expert and a consultant to the APMA Health Policy and Practice department. His vast knowledge of coding was instrumental in the development and evolution of the APMA Coding Resource Center, and he supported APMA’s RUC and CPT initiatives, committee activities, and other efforts.

Critical deadlines for MIPS Performance Year 2017, as well as the Medicare EHR Incentive Program 2018 adjustments are approaching.

Attention Young Physicians: Don’t Miss This Advocacy Overview Designed Just for You

APMA is offering a special advocacy opportunity designed specifically for young physicians: the CEO Briefing. Space is limited, so you’re encouraged to register early.

New MIPS FAQs Available on APMA.org

A new set of FAQs addresses the MIPS quality payment program. It is available on the MACRA resource page, along with other valuable MACRA-related tools.

APMA celebrated a major advocacy victory this week when CMS withdrew proposed rule CMS-6012-P, which would have required previously exempted, qualified practitioners including podiatrists to obtain additional certification and licensing to furnish and fabricate orthotics and prosthetics.

APMA staff and members from the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society (MPMS) recently attended the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), August 6–9 in Boston. NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, commonwealths, and territories.

Join the AACPM DPM Mentor Network to help ensure a bright future for podiatry.

The APMA House of Delegates secured PICA’s $25,000 matching grant by raising more than $100,000 at the house. Visit www.apma.org/donate and donate today to support our students.

The 97th APMA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting convened yesterday in Washington, DC.

APMA President R. Daniel Davis, DPM, presented Timothy Tillo, DPM, with the Distinguished Service Citation on Saturday at the 97th Annual APMA House of Delegates meeting in Washington, DC.

APMA Demands Humana End Denial of At-Risk Foot Care Claims with -59 Modifier

As previously reported, APMA has been working over the past year and half to resolve APMA members’ ongoing issues with Humana Medicare Advantage plans’ blanket denials of at-risk foot care claims with the -59 modifier.

Social media has woven its way into every part of our lives, including health care. According to MediaBistro.com, 40 percent of those surveyed reported information they see via social media impacts how they handle their health. How are you using social media to help promote your practice?

APMA MACRA Comment Letter

APMA submitted comments to CMS on December 19 regarding the finalized rule for the Medicare Quality Payment Programs, the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APMs).

APMA’s Center for Professional Advocacy Sponsors Scope of Practice Advocacy Initiatives

APMA’s Center for Professional Advocacy (CPA) sponsored a Scope of Practice Advocacy Summit on December 5 for state component leaders in states that have been unable to update their scope of practice laws to include the ankle and its governing and related structures.

2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Released

CMS has released the final CY 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. APMA will review the information during this weekend's 16th Annual Joint CAC-PIAC Meeting.

This morning, CMS announced the final rule implementing the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM) provisions in MACRA, which are collectively known as the Quality Payment Program.

When ICD-10 was adopted on October 1, 2015, CMS instructed Medicare contractors to not deny claims billed under the Part B physician fee schedule through either automated medical review or complex medical record review based solely on the specificity of the ICD-10 diagnosis code as long as the provider used a valid code from the correct family. This policy will end on October 1, 2016.

CMS announced today that it will allow physicians participating in MACRA’s Quality Payment Program four options to comply with the first year of the law and avoid penalties. APMA, along with other physician specialties, have called on CMS to delay implementation and provide more flexibility in the program.

APMA Responds to Proposal to Fix Medicare Appeals Backlog

APMA submitted comments on the proposed rule by CMS and the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA) on Monday, August 29.

Private Insurance Resource Guide (PIRG)

The Private Insurance Resource Guide (PIRG) is an online, detailed guide just for members on elements of insurance related to the practice of podiatry.

2015 PQRS Feedback Reports, Annual Quality and Resource Use Reports Available Soon

The 2015 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) feedback reports will be available in September for individual eligible professionals (EPs) and PQRS group practices. The 2015 Annual Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRURs) will also be available in September for groups with two or more EPs and solo practitioners.

APMA presented on social media to a standing room only crowd.

Don't miss a thing at The National with our meetings app.

APMA Chides CMS for MACRA Proposed Implementation Timeframe; Calls for more Flexibility

APMA submitted comments to CMS on June 27 addressing concerns with the proposed rule implementing the new Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs) established by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA).

CMS Webinar on Resource Use Performance Category

CMS invites the public to join an upcoming listening session on June 8, 12-1 p.m. EDT, to learn more about the Resource Use performance category, part of the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) proposed in the recently released MACRA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).

Join CMS for a webinar on the comparative billing report on Podiatry: Nail Debridement and Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services (CBR201608), Wednesday, June 22, from 3–4:30 p.m. EDT.

Five Practice Management Lessons from Inaugural PM Expo

Get five key lessons from this unique event, and watch for details about future PM Expo dates.

APMA’s legislation to recognize podiatrists as physicians within the Veterans Health Administration—the VA Provider Equity Act—is in danger of failing after being left out of the Senate’s VA omnibus bill, the Veterans First Act.

Help a student out today at www.apma.org/donate.

APMA sponsored a briefing on Capitol Hill underscoring for legislators and staffers the critical importance of podiatrists in diabetic limb salvage and promoting the Helping Ensuring Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians (HELLPP) Act.

The APMA House of Delegates took time on Saturday to honor the memory of past Delegate Oliver “Ollie” Foster, DPM, of California, who passed away last week. The APMAPAC Kaplan-Clarke-Foster Practice Management Seminar is named in honor of Dr. Foster, who was an avid supporter of the PAC.

Former APMA Executive Director and CEO honored at 2016 APMA House of Delegates meeting.

APMA President Phillip E. Ward, DPM, honored Dyane Tower, DPM, MPH, MS, with the Rising Star Award on Saturday.

APMA members describe what they take back to their practice after attending The National.

APMA Executive Director and CEO James R. Christina, DPM, invites you to attend The National 2016.

SGR Reform Clears Senate; President Obama to Sign Legislation

SGR reform has now cleared the Senate after passing in the House nearly two weeks earlier. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation into law soon.

APMA’s 95th House of Delegates meeting convened in Washington, DC, on Saturday, March 21.

Frank Spinosa, DPM, presented his President’s Award to James A. Lamb, retired executive director of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS), in recognition of his 18-year tenure at ABFAS and his many contributions to the profession.

APMA is pleased to announce that James R. Christina, DPM, has been confirmed as its new executive director and CEO. Dr. Christina was selected after a lengthy national search process conducted by JDG Associates executive search firm and confirmed by the House of Delegates today during its annual meeting.

Podiatrists, Other Medical Professionals Report Tax Scam

Several podiatrists from different states alerted APMA last week that they have been victims of tax scams and possible identify theft. After further research by APMA, it appears that the same or similar tax scam schemes have targeted all types of medical providers.

To enhance the already robust selection of tracks available through the educational program at The National, this year attendees will be able to receive additional focused knowledge through small group discussions hosted by APMA affiliates on Friday, July 24, from 1:30–5:30 p.m. The group discussions are designed for more intimate learning than general lectures and explore topics of specific interest to the affiliate host.

National Academies of Practice Seeks New Members

The National Academies of Practice (NAP) is seeking nominations for deserving individuals to be inducted within its ranks. NAP is dedicated to affordable, accessible, coordinated quality health care for all. NAP believes that health-care practice that has an interprofessional foundation and addresses a person as a whole provides better health care and better preventive care.

Volunteers Sought for ICD-10 End-to-End Testing in Spring; Applications Due January 21

A second sample group of providers will have the opportunity to participate in ICD-10 end-to-end testing with Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and the Common Electronic Data Interchange (CEDI) contractor April 26–May 1.

APMA requests submissions from members who are interested in presenting a lecture(s) at the APMA 2015 Annual Scientific Meeting (The National), July 23–26 in Orlando, FL.

APMA Submits Comments on the Discussion Draft of Protecting the Integrity of Medicare Act of 2014

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.

Clarification on Physician Supplier Requirements for Hours of Operation, Beneficiary Copies of Supplier Standards

APMA’s DME Workgroup recently obtained clarification concerning the requirements for posting and maintaining hours of operation for DME physician suppliers.

The National will have two opportunities for attendees to gain hands-on training from renowned experts with an ultrasound workshop and ankle arthroscopy workshop. Attendance is limited, so register today!

APMA Comments on FTC’s Health-Care Competition Notice

In February, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published a notice on health-care competition. APMA submitted a comment letter in response to this FTC notice last week. It addressed the education, training, and experience of podiatrists, as well as scope of practice laws and other legislative and regulatory restrictions that do not reflect the advancement of podiatric medicine and the value of care by podiatrists.

APMA’s 94th House of Delegates meeting today welcomed several special guests to the meeting.

Frank Spinosa, DPM, was installed as APMA president at the 2014 House of Delegates.

APMA President Matthew Garoufalis, DPM, honored US Rep Brad Wenstrup, DPM (R-OH), during the 2014 APMA House of Delegates meeting with the President's Award in honor of Dr. Wenstrup's outstanding achievements.

Comedian Greg Schwem will be the opening speaker for the APMA 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting in Honolulu, July 24-27.

Participate in PQRS in 2013 or Lose Money in 2015

Participate in PQRS by December 31, 2013, or your Medicare Part B payments will decrease by 1.5 percent in 2015. Participation is easy; follow these steps to ensure you don't lose money.

The Physician Payment Sunshine Act (OPEN PAYMENTS), section 6002 of the Affordable Care Act, requires drug, medical device, biological, and medical supply manufacturers to publicly report to CMS payments and other transfers of value made to physicians, including podiatrists.

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.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld shares his story of how an APMA member podiatrist ended his 30-year struggle with heel pain.

AACPM and CPME Respond to Need for Additional Residency Positions

Learn how APMA and CPME are working to address the podiatric residency shortage.

PPSA FAQs and APMA HIPAA Manuals Updates

APMA has answered frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Physician Payment Sunshine Act (PPSA). PPSA requires drug, medical device, biological, and medical supply manufacturers to disclose to CMS certain payments and other transfers of value made to physicians, including DPMs.

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.