APMA's advocacy team has been working hard to expand congressional visibility on the important issues affecting podiatrists. APMA co-hosted an event in support of Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Medicare program. APMA staff and Maryland Podiatric Medical Association President Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, attended the event and discussed prior authorization and Medicare Advantage (MA) reform. Dr. Parthasarathy spoke about her practice's challenges with MA, detailing the administrative burden in the MA prior authorization process and the lack of reimbursement parity with traditional Medicare.
The APMA advocacy team also hosted an event supporting Diabetes Caucus Co-Chair Representative Diane DeGette (D-CO-01). Representative DeGette serves as the Ranking Member of the House Energy & Commerce's Health Subcommittee and has been a consistent champion of the podiatry profession throughout her career. She has been the long-time Democratic lead of the Helping Ensure Life-and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians (HELLPP) Act, which would add podiatrists as covered physicians under the Medicaid program and reform Medicare documentation requirements for therapeutic shoes. APMA Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Medical Director Dyane Tower, DPM, MPH, MS, CAE, thanked the Congresswoman for her support of podiatry and her efforts to strengthen care for diabetic patients. Dr. Tower also spoke on the challenges associated with rural foot and ankle care access.
These events provide important forums to educate members of Congress on the policy issues impacting podiatric medicine. They also serve to strengthen APMA's relationships with key policymakers, ensuring podiatric physicians are heard.
Contact the APMA Advocacy Department if you would like to get involved.