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.

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.

New MIPS Flowcharts for 2018 Quality Measures

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

2019 Proposed Rules Released

CMS released the CY 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule last week, which also includes provisions related to the third year of the Quality Payment Program (QPP).

APMA is pleased to announce the winners of the APMA 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstract Competition.

The competitive spirit at The National will be strong Saturday afternoon. After cheering the contestant from your alma mater at the Podiatry School Student Quiz Bowl, join APMA for the ever-popular Controversy Debates, this year pitting newer podiatrists against more established practitioners.

The surgical blitz returns today with presentations on 11 procedures, as well as on how to code for each diagnosis. “I will look at the surgical techniques speakers will be discussing and tailor my presentation around them so it is an all-encompassing session,” said Jeffrey Lehrman, DPM. “We will cover clinical and surgical aspects, but attendees also need to be able to code for the services they are performing. We hope to cover everything they need to know, from beginning to end.”

During a reception Thursday evening, Podiatry Management installed Daniel F. Vickers, executive director of the Podiatry Institute, and Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM (R-OH), into its Hall of Fame.

Continued increases in the use of opioid medications to manage pain and the number of patients addicted to opioids are one of the greatest crises facing health-care providers today. The Alliance for Patient Access (APA) is working to reduce that trend, and the APA chair will deliver Saturday’s Plenary Lecture.

In 2015, Congress passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). The law replaced the much-maligned sustainable growth rate with new mechanisms for CMS to determine physician reimbursement rates. The chief determinant for many physicians is the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). Your MIPS score during a given reporting year dictates what sort of payment you will receive in two years—a bonus, a penalty, or neutral.

From toes gone wild to Lisfranc fractures to discussions of fusion versus implants for treating hallux issues, the best treatments for forefoot and midfoot surgeries were examined Thursday. “Back to Basics: Forefoot and Midfoot Surgical Techniques” featured four experienced surgeons discussing their approaches, followed by a presentation on tips for ICD-10 coding.

For more than a year APMA has been undergoing a brand audit. The purpose of this effort is to position the association for a bright future by emphasizing its strengths and addressing its weaknesses while connecting with the newest generation of podiatrists. The process is nearly at an end, but APMA has already begun acting on the findings of the audit.

During a celebratory opening session Thursday, Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM (R-OH), the first podiatrist to serve in the US House of Representatives, congratulated APMA members on the passage of the VA MISSION Act, including APMA’s VA Provider Equity Act. “This was not only about pay,” Rep. Wenstrup said, referring to the bill, which placed podiatrists in the same authority as their allopathic and osteopathic colleagues at the Veterans’ Health Administration. “It was about leadership. And it was important for our veterans. Our veterans so often have comorbidities. And that’s what we do as podiatrists.”

Four Friday workshops will give attendees hands-on experience in new procedures on cadavers, an opportunity to sharpen skills using established techniques, and information about new approaches to a variety of conditions treated by podiatrists.

Diagnosing dermatologic conditions on the lower extremities can be challenging because many conditions look alike. Two speakers at Thursday’s Breakfast Symposium will explain their tips for diagnosing and managing a variety of common and unusual conditions and explore new technology for an old problem.

The 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting (The National) will officially kick off this morning with an opening address by Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM (R-OH), the first podiatrist to serve in the US House of Representatives.

You have committed to the must-attend meeting for every podiatrist; now make the most of your time at The National with the must-download app for every attendee. Search for the APMA Meetings app in the iTunes store for IOS devices or the Google Play store for Android devices. If you are a returning attendee, you are all set! Just select this year’s meeting in the app.

Welcome to the APMA 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting (The National). The National is truly the must-attend event for every podiatrist. From workshops, to surgical blitzes, to expert practice advice, to specialized topics from participating organizations, The National covers the entire spectrum of foot and ankle care.

APMA Comments on CMS Call for 2019 Promoting Interoperability Measures

APMA submitted comments to CMS on June 29 in response to a call for 2019 measures for the Promoting Interoperability (PI), formerly Advancing Care Information, performance category.

APMA Committee Nominations Deadline September 1

Looking for a way to be more involved with APMA? Submit your name for consideration to serve on an APMA committee. Hurry! The deadline to submit nominations is September 1.

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.

The APMA Registry is now ready to accept 2018 MIPS reporting data. If you have not used the registry before, get started at the APMA Registry Sign Up Portal. The registry is free to use and allows all APMA members to complete their ACI and CPIA attestations for the MIPS 2018 reporting year.

Palmetto to Fix Service Edits for Routine Foot Care Claims

Palmetto GBA, the Medicare Administrative Contractor for Jurisdictions J and M, issued a notice that the “routine foot care service edit, based on the Routine Foot Care Local Coverage Determination (LCD), L37643, has been editing incorrectly and only allowing one CPT/HPCPS code identified in the LCD per patient, per claim.”

New Medicare Card Transition Began on April 1

APMA members should be alert to CMS rolling out its new Medicare card program. Patients began receiving these cards with the new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) on April 1.

Latest Update on VA Provider Equity Act

As Congress works to avert a government shutdown, APMA continues its efforts to move its legislation forward.

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

The 98th APMA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting convened yesterday in Washington, DC.

Ira Kraus, DPM, Tells Members What APMA Has Done for Them

Dr. Kraus enumerated a long litany of accomplishments on behalf of members, including passage of legislation in the House of Representatives, major regulatory wins, development of a data registry, the launch of a new website, a massive and growing volume of media coverage, support of hundreds of students through APMA Educational Foundation scholarships, and many more.

APMA Submits Comments to CMS on Ulcer Pressure Quality Measure in Development

APMA submitted comments to CMS On March 6 on its ongoing development of a quality measure addressing hospital treatment of pressure ulcers in hospital settings.

APMA Submits to CMS Improvement Activities, Provides Comments on MA Changes

APMA submitted four proposed improvement activities to CMS for the 2019 MIPS Performance Year on March 1. APMA also submitted comments to CMS on March 5 addressing CMS’ notice of changes to the 2019 Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates, Part C and Part D payment policies.

Medicare Low Volume Settlement Appeals Deadline Approaching

If you currently have fewer than 500 appeals pending at the Office of Medicare Hearing and Appeals (OMHA) and the Medicare Appeals Council at the Departmental Appeals Board, you may be eligible for a limited settlement agreement option for resolution to settle the portion of your pending appeals that have total billed amounts of $9,000 or less per appeal in exchange for timely partial payment of 62 percent of the net Medicare-approved amount.

IPAB Repealed: Legislative Wins Show Power of Grassroots Letters

The Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) has been repealed—an action long sought by APMA and other patient and physician groups—as a result of the two-year budget agreement signed into law Friday, February 9.

Performance Scores for 2017 Claims Data Available on Quality Payment Program Website

MIPS eligible clinicians can now view performance scores for 2017 claims data.

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

Jurisdiction J MAC Goes from Cahaba to Palmetto

The Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for Jurisdiction J (Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia) is transitioning from Cahaba to Palmetto. The Part A transition went into effect January 26.

APMA Has Saved Me How Much?

APMA provides tangible benefits for your dues dollars, but your association’s advocacy efforts also save you thousands of dollars—if not more—each year. Just two of APMA’s recent initiatives have saved members more than $100 million.

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.

Important Information about MIPS in 2017 and 2018

The performance period for MIPS in 2018 started on January 1. The 2018 performance period for eligible clinicians (those who see more than 200 Medicare Part B patients a year and have more than $90,000 in Medicare Part B allowable charges) is as follows: 12 months for the Cost and Quality performance categories; and 90 days for the ACI and CPIA performance categories.

Resolutions Submissions Due January 17

All resolutions for consideration at the 2018 House of Delegates (HOD) meeting this March must be submitted to APMA Executive Director and CEO James R. Christina, DPM, by January 18. Resolutions Preparation Guidelines are available on the HOD page.

CMS to Reduce Medicare Claims for Some X-Rays in 2018

Effective January 1, 2018, Medicare claims for X-rays taken using computed radiography/cassette-based imaging must include modifier “FY” and a 7-percent reduction in reimbursement will be applied to the technical component (and the technical component of the global fee) from 2018–22, and the reduction will increase to 10 percent in 2023. For purposes of this provision, computed radiography (CR) is defined as “Cassette-based imaging utilizing an imaging plate to create the image involved.”

APMA, AOPA Submit Joint Letter to CMS on DMEPOS Quality Standards

APMA and AOPA submitted a joint letter on December 5 to CMS expressing concern regarding the proposed changes to the DMEPOS Quality Standards, specifically on the changes that address custom fabricated shoe inserts for diabetic patients.

VA Provider Equity Act Added to Caring for our Veterans Act

In a major development for APMA's VA Provider Equity Act, the bill was adopted Wednesday as an amendment to the bipartisan Senate Caring for our Veterans Act of 2017, legislation that would renew funding for the program that allows veterans to receive health care at non-VA facilities when appropriate care is not readily accessible at a local VA facility.

APMA Submits Comments to CMS, CMMI on Cost Measures and Possible CMMI Changes

APMA submitted comments to CMS addressing the ongoing field-testing of episode-based cost measures for MIPS physicians.

New Free CMS Resources to Prepare Your Patients for the New Medicare Card

CMS will roll out the new Medicare cards to patients mid-April 2018, removing the patient’s Social Security Number (SSN) Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) and replacing it with a new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI).

Center for Professional Advocacy Awards Innovation Grants

As part of APMA Scope-of-Practice Initiatives, the Center for Professional Advocacy awarded Innovation Grants to eight state components.

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

New Benefit is Accessible to All APMA Members Regardless of EHR

Do you have questions about the APMA Registry, our new member benefit that will help save you thousands of dollars in Medicare reimbursements? Learn more in the recorded version of the "MACRA Made Easy: Registry Reporting" APMA's webinar coming soon.

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.

Future of Profession on Display at 2017 Young Physicians’ Institute

Young physicians from across the country came together for leadership training and networking this past weekend at the 2017 Young Physicians’ Institute at PICA headquarters in Franklin, TN.

Now Available: Qualifying APM Participant Look-Up Tool

CMS is announcing the results of the first Qualifying APM Participant (QP) determinations based on eligible clinician participation in the 2017 Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs). APMA encourages members to use the new interactive look-up tool where many 2017 Advanced APM participants can look up their QP status based on calculations from claims with dates of service between January 1, 2017, and March 31, 2017, for the first QP snapshot.

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.

Marshaling Clinician Leadership to Counter the Opioid Epidemic

APMA encourages members to use our Opioid Use and Abuse Prevention resource page, which includes a drug abuse screening test, CDC guidelines for prescribing, a state reference manual and more. The special publication and our resources support APMA’s resolutions.

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

Alert: Medicare Fraud, Improper Payment Audit Process Changes

CMS has updated its Medicare fraud and improper payment audit process to target providers and suppliers who frequently demonstrate high medical billing error rates. The new Targeted Probe and Educate method replaces a medical review strategy that included broad medical billing investigations and provider education.

APMA Submits Comments to CMS on Proposed MIPS, QPP 2018 Changes

APMA submitted comments to CMS on August 21 in response to its proposed rule on CY 2018 Updates to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) and MIPS Year 2, which will impact Medicare payments made to physicians in 2020.

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.

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).

The National is an incredible event for early-career physicians. Consider these numbers ...

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!

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).

Win $100 Amazon Gift Card for Taking Practice Analysis Survey

The National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) commissioned a practice analysis study to update the Part I & II Examinations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.