CMS announced on June 24 that any clinician "significantly impacted" by the COVID-19 public health emergency may submit an Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Application to reweight any or all MIPS performance categories for the 2020 PY if they choose.

NCCI Erroneous Edit Correction Victory

APMA is pleased to announce that the joint effort we led with AAOS and AOFAS has resulted in the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) correcting an erroneous NCCI edit related to CPT 28296 and CPT 28289.

Looking for a way to be more involved with APMA? Submit your name for consideration to serve on an APMA committee!

Congratulations to the Class of 2020 APMA/TDI Public Health Fellow, Brandon Brooks, DPM, MPH! Dr. Brooks has officially joined the ranks of APMA/TDI alumni through a virtual ceremony held by The Dartmouth Institute on Friday, June 12.

Congress recently passed new flexibilities for recipients receiving funds via the Paycheck Protection Program.

Last week, APMA submitted a letter to Department of Health and Human Services’ Secretary Alex Azar regarding the inability of our members who are acknowledged as eligible recipients for funds from the HHS Provider Relief Fund, but through some oversight on the backend, did not receive any monies from the first distribution.

The Step into Podiatry website has had more than 136,000 pageviews since its launch in January, and during the COVID-19 public health crisis, the site has hosted several webinars to help potential applicants connect with current students and admissions administrators.

In recent weeks, our country has been reminded that we have much work to do to overcome racism and hate. The American Podiatric Medical Association—its leaders, staff, and members—unequivocally condemns all acts of racism and violence.

The US Small Business Administration (SBA), in partnership with the Department of the Treasury, issued an interim final rule (IFR) with comment period last week, addressing loan forgiveness requirements for the Paycheck Protection Program. This new rule is effective immediately.

The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA) website got a facelift! You are required to reset your password to access the journal now that the new site is live.

APMA is working closely with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) on its established COVID-19 registry, www.aad.org/covidregistry. APMA encourages its members to report cases of lesions on the feet associated with COVID-19 through this HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved registry because it could have strategic benefits for our profession.

Did you know there is a simple way for you to help reinforce APMA’s initiatives? Visit www.apma.org/eAdvocacy and voice your support for APMA's legislative priorities.

CPME has developed a petition form to be completed and submitted by the residency director by May 31 for residents who will not meet the MAV/rotation requirements, but who have demonstrated competence through alternative means, as referenced in the CPME Statement on COVID-19 and Minimum Activity Volume (MAV) published on March 30.

The APMA Online CECH series continues this week with “Juvenile Hallux Valgus.” Members can earn up to 1.0 CECH for attending. APMA Trustee Patrick DeHeer, DPM, will lecture on juvenile hallux valgus. Registration is also open for week 4.

In the past week, the Small Business Administration (SBA), US Treasury, and IRS have released more rules and guidance on the PPP, and CMS issued a new interim final rule with comment period that, among other changes, increases the reimbursement for telephone-only teleheath visits.

Last week HHS announced additional plans for distributing funds from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. Approximately $10 billion was scheduled to be released on April 24 to providers who have already shared key data with HHS.

CMS announced on April 26 its decision to reevaluate the amounts that will be paid under the Accelerated Payment Program and to suspend its Advance Payment Program to Part B suppliers.

Exciting New Features in APMA Coding Resource Center

APMA Coding Resource Center (CRC) subscribers will see exciting changes when they log in to their accounts this week.

Take the Physician Call Coverage Compensation Survey

BuckheadFMV is conducting a survey on physician call coverage compensation practices and is looking to obtain data specific to doctors of podiatric medicine along with other physicians.

On April 10, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began distributing the initial $30 billion in relief funding to Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) facilities and providers in support of the national response to COVID-19. Some providers have already received payments from this initial distribution. These are grants, not loans, and do not have to be repaid.

APMA has been working hard to ensure our members are seen, heard, and represented as various government agencies work to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, APMA advocated for members via several key mechanisms.

APMA has recorded two new special podcasts for members.

The WHO has declared the outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus a pandemic. As organizations, including APMA, cancel events and governments take steps to flatten the curve of the outbreak, many podiatrists are searching for answers about how to address COVID-19 in their practices. APMA is here to help.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) released an interim final rule on April 2 addressing the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a new SBA loan option created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

APMA is working hard to make sure members have access to the most up-to-date information on recent changes to how and what services podiatric physicians can provide to patients via non face-to-face services. As of March 30, the biggest changes for Medicare and Medicare Advantage patient billing are the following.

CMS announced an expansion of its accelerated and advance payment program for Medicare participating health-care providers and suppliers to ensure they have the resources needed to combat the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This program expansion includes changes from the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

CMS released its “Frequently Asked Questions on Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief related to COVID-19” on March 22, which includes the toll-free hotlines available to provide expedited enrollment and answer questions about COVID-19 enrollment requirements.

In consideration of the current COVID-19 pandemic, APMA has made the decision to cancel The Coding Seminar, scheduled for March 28 in Dallas.

APMA Comments on CMS’ Advance Notice on Medicare Part C

APMA submitted its comments to CMS on March 6 in response to CMS’ Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year (CY) 2021 for Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies.

RIPMA Awarded Advocacy Grant

RIPMA was recently awarded an APMA CPA Assistance Grant to help obtain a legal opinion related to a hospital discrimination issue.

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.

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.

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

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.”

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.

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?

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.

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.