Upcoming Events and Deadlines

• Follow link for dates: APMA Coding Documentation Webinar Series
• Follow link for dates: APMA MIPS Webinar Series
• December 31: Deadline to Apply for MIPS PI Hardship Exception
• February 1: NEW, extended deadline to Apply for MIPS COVID-19 Hardship Exception
Copy, Paste, and Share This News With Your Members
There’s now a quick and easy way for you to share the information in this newsletter with your state membership.

We have created a web page with all of the Monthly Focus news with minimal formatting to make it easy for you to copy and paste the articles into your own communications.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Advocacy for DPMs: A Template Letter for State Leaders
In preparation of the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, APMA sent a letter to the National Governors Association recently recommending that state governments include doctors of podiatric medicine in the first phase of distribution of the vaccine.

We also urge that all states authorize podiatric physicians to prescribe and administer the vaccine. CDC guidance on vaccine distribution calls for all health-care personnel to be given the vaccine under the phase 1a. It is clear from our reading of the CDC’s definition of health-care personnel that podiatric physicians and surgeons are unequivocally included in this first phase.

Because the United States is responsible for managing the distribution of the vaccine, APMA recommends that state components contact their governor’s office or Department of Health. APMA has created a sample letter template for state components to use to communicate with policymakers. APMA is also posting a similar letter on www.apma.org/eAdvocacy for individual members who want to reach out to the governor in their state. If you have any questions or comments, contact APMA Center for Professional Advocacy Director Chad Appel, JD.
APMA Diabetes Awareness Campaign Materials
While APMA’s 2020 Diabetes Awareness Month campaign is over and was a success, APMA strongly encourages members to keep using the “Keep Your Appointment. Keep Your Feet,” campaign materials at www.apma.org/diabetes, to encourage patients to access their regular diabetes care, particularly as COVID-19 is surging nationwide.
20th Annual CAC-PIAC Meeting an Online Success
Nearly 70 podiatrists, APMA staff members, and industry experts participated in the 20th Annual Carrier Advisory Committee (CAC) and Private Insurance Advisory Committee (PIAC) Meeting on Saturday, December 5. The meeting was held virtually. CAC-PIAC meeting recap and information for state components to distribute to members are available at www.apma.org/CACPIAC2020. | READ MORE >
Congratulations to the 2021 Innovation Grant Recipients
As part of APMA’s scope-of-practice initiatives, the Center for Professional Advocacy (CPA) awarded eight state components 2021 Innovation Grants of $1,000 to pursue their initiatives.

The purpose of the grants is to incentivize state component leaders to develop innovative advocacy initiatives to advance the profession. | READ MORE >
Summarizing the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2021
CMS released the CY 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Final Rule on December 1. APMA has posted a recording summarizing the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2021. Visit www.apma.org/Medicare for more Medicare resources.
Free Resource: Lauge-Hansen Ankle Fracture Classification iBook
Take advantage of APMA’s Lauge-Hansen Ankle Fracture Classification iBook, a FREE resource available for download on all Apple products. The digital book explores ankle fractures and accurately diagnosing them, which can be challenging given the complex anatomy of the area. Interactive models and videos are used throughout the book to enhance understanding of the relationships between the bones and ligaments of the ankle.

The Lauge-Hansen Ankle Fracture Classification iBook is a great resource for students and residents, as well as practicing podiatrists at any stage in their career.
Deadline Extended for Call for Comment on Proposed Revisions to CPME 330 and 320
The Council on Podiatric Medical Education has published the proposed revised versions of the CPME publications 320, Standards and Requirements for Approval of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residencies and CPME 330, Procedures for Approval of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residencies. In addition to the draft documents, summary documents have been created to provide insight into the revisions made. The call for comment period related to these documents has been extended to Monday, February 15, 2021.

Virtual Town Hall meetings have been scheduled in order to provide an opportunity for interested parties to hear a more detailed explanation of the draft documents. The remaining town hall will be held on January 26, 2021 at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST. The revised documents, information on the town hall meetings, and links to submit comments, can be found on at the council’s website under the Residencies tab.

Once the comment period closes, CPME will review the feedback received to determine next steps in adopting the revised documents.
Share and 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 health crisis.

APMA strongly encourages its state components and affiliates to link to these materials from their websites. Take advantage of the materials APMA has created. Link to www.apma.org/covid19.