Monthly Focus

Upcoming Events
State Components: Link to APMA’s COVID-19 Resources
APMA has a wealth of information, including original webinars, articles, and podcasts, available to members to assist them in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources cover everything from general information to “COVID Toes” to reopening practice with restrictions in place. APMA strongly encourages its state component organizations to link to these materials from their websites. We have heard from several members who have been unable to find information on their state organizations’ sites. Take advantage of the materials APMA has created. Link to www.apma.org/covid19.
Save the Date: CAC-PIAC Meeting November 13 in Dallas
APMA’s 20th Annual Joint Podiatric Carrier Advisory Committee & Private Insurance Advisory Committee Meeting (CAC-PIAC) meeting is scheduled to take place on November 13 in Dallas.

Keep an eye out for more information and registration details in the coming months. In the meantime, email APMA’s Health Policy and Practice department if you have questions or comments about the meeting.
APMA Partner Offers Cash Flow Assistance Without the Hassle
At a time when having cash flow is critical and consolidating multiple, high-interest payments and preparing for upcoming expenses are top of mind, you need a financial partner who is ready to provide you funding, fast.

APMA has teamed up with Bankers Healthcare Group to be that partner for you.

Unlike most traditional and online lenders, BHG is actively lending and is an expert on the financing needs of health-care professionals. BHG also offers you the flexibility to use your funds as you see fit—regardless of whether or not you received a Paycheck Protection Program loan.

The new BHG Assistance Loan can help you get the money you need now, and you won’t make your first payment for up to 89 days from loan closing. This loan features an affordably low monthly payment, and unlike other lenders, BHG’s repayment term goes up to 10 years.

BHG Assistance Loan At-A-Glance:

  • Up to $250,000
  • Approval in 24 hours and funding in as few as 3 days¹
  • Minimal paperwork required, we do all the work
  • Repayment terms up to 10-years
  • Loan will not appear on your personal credit²
  • First payment up to 89 days from loan closing
  • No personal collateral required

As a health-care professional, you have earned a better lending experience. Learn more about BHG’s loan solutions and begin the application process at apma.bhgchoice.com.

P.S. If you need a loan to cover personal expenses, BHG can help you with that, too.

¹Subject to credit approval. Loan sizes and interest rates vary and are determined by applicant’s credit profile.
²Monthly payments will not be reported to credit reporting agencies. However, accounts in collections with serious delinquencies may be reported. Loans made or arranged pursuant to the California Financing Law, License No. 603-G493. Call for full program details.

These products and services are being offered by Bankers Healthcare Group (BHG). APMA is not endorsing BHG; all transactions are strictly between BHG and the member, and APMA expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for the products or services offered by BHG.
Apply for an Innovation Grant Today
As part of the APMA Center for Professional Advocacy’s (CPA) Scope of Practice Advocacy Initiatives, APMA is proud to once again award grants to component societies in states that already include the ankle in their scope of practice. The grants may be used to assist state components to:

  • update their scope law to better align with APMA’s Scope of Practice template;
  • change state law to define DPMs as physicians; or
  • educate payers, policymakers, and MD/DOs about the podiatric medical profession.

The purpose of the grants is to incentivize state component leaders to develop innovative advocacy initiatives to advance the profession. CPA hopes that states will explore new and creative techniques that will move the profession forward and can be replicated in other states.

Learn more and apply for an innovation grant at www.apma.org/innovation.
Recorded Webinar on E/M Coding Changes Coming in 2021
At the February 2020 AMA CPT panel meeting, multiple panel actions were taken that will change coding for office and outpatient Evaluation and Management (E/M) services effective January 1, 2021. APMA’s Coding Committee recently recorded a webinar to instruct you on the most relevant changes set to take effect January 1, 2021.

You are encouraged to watch the recorded webinar and learn more about these changes and how they might affect podiatrists. Share this with your state membership!

Remind Your Members They Can Earn Up To 25 CECH This Summer
The APMA Online CECH Summer Series will provide attendees with up to 25 CECH of virtual learning and cover the full spectrum of podiatric surgery and medicine. Taking place over two weekends, August 8–9 (13 CECH) and 15–16 (12 CECH), the Summer Series allows podiatrists to earn much-needed CECH without taking time away from your patients and practice!
Important News and Updates from CPME
Proposed revisions to the CPME publication College Accreditation Eligibility Requirements are scheduled for consideration by CPME in October 2020. The proposed edits can be found at here. Comments are due to Heather M. Stagliano, DHSc, by August 15.

At the May 2 CPME meeting, the council elected its officers, effective at the close of the council’s October 2020 meeting: Kieran Mahan, DPM, of Philadelphia was reelected chair, and Keith Cook, DPM, of Newark, NJ, was reelected vice chair.

Following a review of the comments from the community of interest, the proposed revisions to the College Accreditation Eligibility Requirements will be considered for final adoption by the council during its October 2020 meeting.

CPME has added a page to its website with all information concerning COVID-19 guidance for colleges, residency/fellowship sites, and providers of continuing education. Visit www.cpme.org/covid19 to view these guidance documents. A new guidance document on COVID-19 and resident and fellow employment is available on the council’s website. This webpage will be updated as new guidance becomes available.