APMA hosted a congressional briefing to highlight the importance of passing the Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act. Congressional staffers heard from panelists on the current barriers prescribing and furnishing therapeutic shoes in Medicare, highlighting how the provisions of the legislation would improve patient outcomes, reduce health-care costs, and improve timely access to diabetic care.
APMA congratulates the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society on the passage of HF 2498, legislation to adopt the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact (IPMLC) in Iowa.
APMA urged CMS to update and improve the feedback reports clinicians receive after each MIPS performance year. Specifically, APMA recommended that the annual reports deliver performance feedback in a clear, interpretable, and actionable format.
Following sustained advocacy CMS confirmed that co-signed notes are not required for coverage of diabetic shoes/inserts when other specific documentation standards are met. APMA also requested that CMS publicize this confirmation, which it did with a newly published article.
APMA is pleased to share two recent state advocacy victories that reflect the impact of both direct APMA financial assistance and broader advocacy and grassroots engagement. Kentucky became the 13th state and US territory to adopt DPM authority to supervise physician assistants. Maryland became the first state to adopt the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact!
APMA added a new educational resource to its -25 Modifier Resources page to help members better understand documentation expectations when using a -25 modifier to report an evaluation and management (E/M) service performed on the same day as a procedure.
APMA submitted a letter responding to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee for a hearing on "Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of the U.S. Provider Landscape." The letter highlighted opportunities to reduce regulatory burden, reform physician payment, and improve access to Medicare and Medicaid services by podiatrists.
Congressional champions recently introduced the Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act, which would modernize outdated Medicare documentation requirements that cause significant delays in care for therapeutic shoes and establish Medicaid coverage parity for podiatrists. To help support the advancement of this priority legislation and facilitate member advocacy, APMA created a new web page where all resources and updates will be published.
APMA sent letters of support to congressional champions for two important pieces of legislation that would strengthen patient access to foot and ankle care: the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act and the Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act.
Representatives Greg Murphy, MD, (R-NC) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced HR 8163, the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act, which provides the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with more flexibility to adjust physician payment while capping the volatility of year-to-year rate change
April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, and the best way to advance foot care awareness is to urge your member of Congress to cosponsor the Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act. This bipartisan legislation would modernize outdated Medicare documentation requirements that cause significant delays in care for therapeutic shoes and establish Medicaid coverage parity for podiatrists.
APMA would like to congratulate the Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association (TPMA) on a major legislative victory after its scope of practice modernization bill passed both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support.
APMA advocacy staff met with Aetna leadership to discuss prior authorization, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools in coverage and payment decisions, and ongoing questions related to skin substitute coverage and review processes.
National Government Services (NGS) is one of the seven Part B Medicare Administrative Contractors in the US. NGS will begin operating under a new name on April 1: Wellpoint Federal. Wellpoint reported that this change should have no impact on claims processing or the timing of payments.
During APMA's Legislative Conference, more than 100 podiatrists met with elected officials and congressional staff to address critical issues facing the profession, especially the burden of outdated Medicare and Medicaid policies. The recently introduced Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act took center stage, driving conversations in more than 200 meetings with congressional offices, including 25 directly with members of Congress.
APMA called on CMS to reverse its decision to require prior authorization for HCPCS code L1932—an ankle-foot orthosis essential for treating conditions that impact mobility and function. APMA warns that this requirement could delay access to medically necessary care and negatively affect patient outcomes, particularly for those with ambulatory challenges.
HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) added a new Work Plan project which will examine evaluation and management (E/M) services billed on the same day as minor surgical procedures without modifier 25.
APMA participated in a CAC Engagement Coalition meeting with CMS staff and coalition partners, to discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with the Medicare LCD process. APMA’s continued engagement is an important part of its larger strategy to ensure podiatrists’ expertise is represented in coverage policy discussions.
APMA responded to a Department of Health & Human Services’ “Request for Information: Diagnostic Imaging Interoperability Standards and Certification,” expressing strong support for improving standards for imaging interoperability.
APMA has two new resources to help with wound care documentation: a webinar hosted by APMA RUC Advisor, Susan Walsh, DPM, MBA, and an article in APMA News from Coding Committee member Jonathon Huey, DPM, and Dr. Walsh.