2023

The US Department of Education’s COVID-19 relief for student loans is ending. Interest will begin to accrue on September 1, and payments will be due starting in October.

APMA members now have access to another complimentary CECH lecture through the APMA Online Learning Center. Check out “Flatfoot Surgery: Flatfoot Correction Sparing the Talonavicular Joint,” providing 1.0 CECH.

The fellowship curriculum is designed to provide the fellow with the fundamental skills, knowledge base, and philosophical foundation in health policy and clinical practice, with specific attention paid to public health, clinical/health services research, and health-care leadership. The application deadline is September 22.

APMA created this new resource to equip members with the necessary tools and knowledge to make informed decisions in their practice.

On August 3, Novitas, First Coast Service Options, and CGS Part B Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC) finalized skin substitute policies for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers that become effective September 17.

The latest issue of JAPMA is the first of three installments dedicated to the opioid crisis. This first issue focuses on opioid problems within the profession. The next issue will focus on opioid solutions, and the third will present opioid prescribing pearls.

Last week, the APMA Center for Professional Advocacy (CPA) hosted the first-ever Mini Summit, addressing DPM supervision of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs).

A recording for the March 9 webinar, "Coding for Biopsies," part of the Coding for Basics Webinar Series, is now available exclusively to APMA members at the Online Learning Center (OLC) storefront. Coding experts Barbara Aung, DPM; Jonathan Huey, DPM; and Lawrence Santi, DPM, presented.

APMA and the APMA Educational Foundation are pleased to announce Valentina Clinton, Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, Class of 2025, as the winner of the 2023–2024 APMA–PICA full-tuition scholarship.

The biennial APMA State Advocacy Forum will be held later this week, August 25–26, in Albuquerque, NM. This event brings together component leaders from across the country for two days of learning and collaboration.

Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Lori Trahan (D-MA) sent a letter to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on July 13, reaffirming congressional intent and asking that SAMHSA use its authority to approve additional training organizations for new or renewing DEA registrants. SAMHSA responded this week, confirming its refusal to act in spite of this reaffirmed congressional intent.

Members and non-members can now purchase the recording to earn up to 4.0 credit hours towards DPM state licensure.

Last week, APMA welcomed well over 1,400 podiatric physicians and surgeons, sponsors, exhibitors, and guests to its Annual Scientific Meeting (The National) in Nashville, TN.

Aetna has informed APMA that effective July 23, it will drop its external review program regarding use of the -25 Modifier when submitted with CPT® 11719-11721, G0127, and 11055-11057.

APMA is pleased to announce Joseph Coppola, DPM, of Medford, MA, is this year’s Center for Professional Advocacy Young Physician Advocate Scholarship recipient.

APMA is pleased to announce the winners of the APMA 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstract Competition.

In a long-standing tradition, the last day of The National will focus on improving patient care through practice efficiency and proper coding. Sunday starts with the breakfast symposium “Role of the DPM in Value-Based Health Care” in Presidential D. Michael J. King, DPM, Chief Medical Officer, Upperline Health, and APMA past president, will discuss the evolution of health-care reimbursement models and where they are headed.

The APMA Students’ and Residents’ Program returns this year with even more helpful information for attendees who are in the early stages of their podiatric medical careers. Presented by the APMA Young Physician Leadership Panel (YPLP) and moderated by Rachel H. Albright, DPM, MPH, this program will cover a variety of relevant topics for students and residents.

“Don’t think it can’t happen to you.” That’s advice from Gene Pascarella Jr., DPM, who will reflect on the wrongful death malpractice suit he never saw coming during the Risk Management Breakfast Symposium today. Dr. Pascarella wants attendees to know they need to be prepared for the claim no physician wants to be forced to defend.

CMS issued the calendar year 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule and Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule on July 13. APMA is still reviewing this almost-2,000-page document.