AMA House of Delegates
APMA President Patrick DeHeer, DPM, recently participated in the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates, where APMA is an official observer. The meeting brings together physician leaders from specialty societies, state medical associations, and national medical organizations to discuss and shape policy on issues affecting patients and the medical profession.
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Medicare Physician Payment
APMA submitted a letter to the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee in response to a hearing examining the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) reauthorization, and opportunities for payment reforms. APMA highlighted the importance of advancing federal reforms that tie yearly Medicare physician payment fluctuations to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) and establish a more physician-centered Merit-Based Incentives Payment System (MIPS) framework.
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Prior Authorization and PAD
The House Appropriations Committee unanimously supported an amendment in the FY 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill that would block funding for the WISeR Model. The bill also included important report language on PAD education, screening, and amputation prevention.
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Iowa IPMLC
APMA congratulates the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society (IPMS) on the enactment of HF 2498, legislation adopting the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact (IPMLC) in the state. Governor Kim Reynolds recently signed the bill into law, making Iowa the second state to join the compact.
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Colorado Independent Podiatry Board
APMA congratulates the Colorado Foot & Ankle Society (CFAS) on the successful enaction of HB 26-1344, which preserves the independent Colorado Podiatry Board following the state’s sunset review process. APMA supported these efforts by submitting a formal letter to lawmakers outlining concerns related to workforce impacts, patient safety, and the importance of specialty-specific oversight for podiatric physicians.
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2026 MIPS Performance Year Exception Application
CMS is now accepting exception applications for the 2026 Merit-based Incentive Payment System performance year. Clinicians affected by circumstances beyond their control, such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or cyberattacks, may be eligible for a MIPS exception and reweighting of performance categories.
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Physician-Focused Immigration Relief Policies
APMA recently urged the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security to explicitly include Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) and podiatric residents in physician-focused immigration prioritization and expedited processing policies.
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APMA Unveils New eAdvocacy Action Center
APMA has officially launched its new eAdvocacy Action Center for members, patients and students to engage in grassroots advocacy. The platform empowers APMA members to quickly engage their members of Congress and influence federal health policy. It also provides tools to take action on critical state legislation.
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CAC/PIAC Meeting Highlights Payer Trends and AI Use
Representatives and APMA staff participated in a robust discussion of payer utilization management practices, modifier advocacy, including the new 25 Modifier Progress Note Guidance, the evolving use of AI in payment review and denial, Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) engagement, skin substitute reimbursement concerns, and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) issues.
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Diabetes Foot Bill Update
Samuel Gorelik, DPM, recently attended a Massachusetts town hall hosted by Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA), where he discussed the importance of the Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act. Representative Moulton cosponsored the legislation the very next day.
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