News Archives
Significant Changes to Steroid HCPCS Coding
Effective April 1, HCPCS J1020, J1030, and J1040 have been deleted from the HCPCS code set, which is managed by CMS. A new code has replaced these deleted codes.
Help Us Help You to Update Medicare Clinician Payment! APMA Members Encouraged to Participate in the Clinician Information Survey
The Clinician Practice Information (CPI) Survey, a partner survey to the Physician Information Survey (PPI) will soon be underway, and APMA members are encouraged to engage in this effort.
2023 MIPS Final Score Preview Now Available
CMS has announced that the 2023 MIPS Final Score Preview is now available to all authorized representatives of practices, virtual groups, and Alternative Payment Model (APM) Entities that can sign into the Quality Payment Program (QPP) website to preview the MIPS final scores for the 2023 performance period.
APMA Raises Concerns with CMS Directly Regarding Non-Pressure Ulcer Episode-Based Cost Measure Development
On June 28, APMA communicated directly to CMS its ongoing concerns related to the development of the Non-Pressure Ulcer Episode-Based Cost Measure.
In Memoriam: William F. Munsey, DPM
APMA is saddened to report that William F. Munsey, DPM, past president, has passed away. He was elected president of APMA in 1979. He was the recipient of many honors and awards culminating in the APMA Distinguished Service Citation in 2009. Dr. Munsey will be deeply missed by a grateful profession.
Students and Residents: Travel Free to The National!
The APMA Educational Foundation is excited to announce the 2024 Travel Scholarship Video Contest, open to students and residents! Ten winners will receive a $500 travel scholarship to attend the APMA 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting (The National).
APMA Defends Podiatrists Against AMA
In a recent social media post, the AMA noted that "Most patients wrongly believe that podiatrists are physicians." APMA swiftly corrected the post via X and Facebook, and the Board of Trustees is considering further action in response.
2024 Spring Coding Seminar Now Available On Demand
APMA members can now earn CECH for the 2024 Spring Coding Seminar on demand, featuring APMA coding expert Jeffrey Lehrman, DPM, CPC. Originally recorded on April 27 as a part of the APMA 2024 Coding and Clinical Education Seminar, the on-demand version offers four continuing education contact hours.
Using CPT® 11305 Correctly?
CPT® 11305–Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less
APMA Supports CAC Representatives and the Profession in Comments on Skin Substitute Services
At the end of last week, APMA submitted comments to all seven Part B Medicare Administrative Contractors in conjunction with APMA’s Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC) representatives to address concerns with draft Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) and Local Coverage Articles (LCA) related to use of skin substitute products (also referred to as Cellular and/or Tissue Based Products, or CTPs) used for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and Venous Leg Ulcers (VLU).
APMA Health Policy and Practice and Coding Committee Meet to Discuss This Year's Goals
Updated information from the recent annual meetings of the Health Policy and Coding Committees.
APMA Statement on Physician Mental Health
May was Mental Health Awareness Month. In recognition of that observance, APMA wishes to extend our thoughts and support to the podiatric community, especially those who may be struggling. APMA strongly supports physicians who have the courage to seek treatment for mental health conditions or addiction.
Do You Have Residents In Your State?
APMA is excited to offer its resident members the opportunity to complete their annual didactic instruction requirements as outlined in CPME 320 through the APMA Online Learning Center. The "Resident Essentials" learning path includes six courses which match required topics on which residents must receive training once per year.
Register Now for CPA Mini Summit Series on Negotiating Contracts, July 16
The APMA Center for Professional Advocacy (CPA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the next installment in our Mini Summit Series, “Negotiating Contracts.” This smaller, more focused offering was born out of the CPA and its committee members, after hearing feedback from the virtual forum attendees in 2022. It will take place via Zoom on July 16, 8–9:30 p.m. EDT. Registration closes on July 12.
CMS: L1951 Now Requires Prior Authorization, Effective August 12
CMS added nine items to the Required Prior Authorization List of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies, a list of items that require prior authorization as a condition of payment.
APMA Provides Feedback to CMS on Medicare Advantage Data Collection
On May 29, APMA submitted comments to CMS in response to the institution’s request for information (RFI), “Medicare Program; Request for Information on Medicare Advantage Data; CMS–4207–NC.”
Submit Your Reimbursement and Coding Issues to be Deliberated at Upcoming Health Policy and Practice and Coding Committee Meetings
Members are being offered the opportunity to submit their questions or issues for our committees to discuss.
Another Advocacy Win: Change Healthcare 2024 MIPS Exception Application is Here
Thanks to APMA and others' advocacy on your behalf, CMS is now allowing providers impacted by the Change Healthcare cyberattack to apply for a hardship exception from MIPS participation in 2024!
Another Advocacy Success: Fee Schedule Increase!
Following advocacy by APMA and others, Congress has decreased the 2024 physician pay cut by about half.
Update: Change to Palmetto Routine Foot Care Policy
On May 6, APMA and Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC) representatives from Palmetto Jurisdiction states met with Palmetto GBA to discuss recent changes to their Local Coverage Article (LCA) related to at-risk foot care.