"When you sign a contract with Medicare, you agree to follow the rules." I agree this must be done. However, I believe the purpose or intent behind Jeff Kass, DPM's post were that the rules did not make sense and were unfair and needed to be changed. This is one reason why I feel that the APMA and our state societies can attempt to advocate for fairness. Cutting a corn adjacent to a mycotic toenail that was debrided should not be incidental to that procedure. These are two different diagnoses, each usually treated with different instruments.

—Daniel Chaskin DPM

To respond to this, email [email protected].               

The Google Scholar snapshot accompanying this post reads 100,015 citations for the DGA Research Constellation, an h-index of 136, and an i10-index of 591. I had to look twice.

This is the first time a podiatric surgeon’s body of work has crossed the 100,000-citation threshold. That is a meaningful moment for our specialty, and one I am very happy to share. It also gives us a chance to say thank you to the people who made it possible.

—David Armstrong, DPM, MD,

Read the entire post about this milestone by clicking the button below. And to submit a response, email [email protected].

APMA is investigating reports from members in several states that Anthem is seeking repayment of previously paid commercial claims for foot orthotics, including claims dating back to 2024.

Anthem’s Orthopedic Footwear (CG-DME-20) policy generally limits coverage of orthopedic footwear, including inserts and other shoe modifications, for non-diabetic patients to situations where the item is part of a medically necessary leg brace and is necessary for the brace to function properly. While the policy has been in place for some time, members have raised concerns about recent retrospective recoupments, including situations where practices report that Anthem previously indicated the service was covered or that prior authorization was not required.

Source: APMA

The final 2027 Medicare physician fee schedule, which as proposed would cut the conversion factor for most physicians 1.68%, is due in November. Federal funding runs out Dec. 11, and three temporary Medicare payment provisions expire at the end of the year. In January, a mandatory payment model for some specialists and Medicaid work requirements take effect.

Source: Medical Economics

The latest raise philosophy that your practice has adopted has become known as a “peanut butter”-style employee wage increase—one that is spread equally amongst all employees.

While not new to businesses, this approach is becoming increasingly popular, as opposed to the familiar merit-based pay raise, sparking both praise and criticism from employers and employees alike. Peanut butter raises are the salary trend to watch in the upcoming year.

AI tools are already in your practice. The question is whether you know about them and whether they are HIPAA compliant. Most practices are using AI in some form already, whether it’s an EHR feature, a note-taking assistant, or a chatbot tool; however, they may not be aware of all locations where AI is used.

Join Ryan Boudreau, senior VP of operations at the healthcare compliance company Abyde, as he walks you through where AI may already be hiding in your practice, the HIPAA and privacy risks it creates, and a simple framework for using AI while remaining HIPAA-compliant. Wednesday, September 30, noon Eastern.

Source: The HIPAA Journal

You’re now receiving the podiatry sector’s newest source of timely and reliable information about everything from medical breakthroughs to practice management strategies. Share PM Pulse with your colleagues, and let us know how we can keep improving by emailing:

—It already has: 22 percent

—Within 6-12 months: 16 percent

—Not for at least 12 months: 27 percent

—It never will: 26 percent

Total Replies: 85

Aria Care Partners in Overland Park, Kansas, has named Veda Lewis-Simmons, DPM, MHA, to the position of chief medical officer of podiatry. The role is responsible for operational effectiveness and clinical quality of the company's onsite podiatry services for skilled nursing facilities (SNF).

Dr. Lewis-Simmons earned a master's degree in healthcare administration and a doctor of podiatric medicine and Surgery from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences. She completed her residency at University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and is board certified.

Source: PR Newswire

PM Pulse wants to hear from you! Submit your questions, concerns, and opinions to [email protected] to share and receive feedback from your colleagues and peers about all aspects of the podiatry sector. All submissions must meet our standards for professionalism and decorum, and submissions may be edited for length and clarity. Still have questions? Send us an email.

Full-Time Chair—Department of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery

The Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine is seeking a full-time chair for the Department of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery. The chair will lead faculty, drive academic excellence, and oversee clinical experiences in a collaborative environment. Generous benefits! ($120K–$140K)

Contact: [email protected] or apply at https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/employment/

For more information about submitting a classified ad, click the button below, or email [email protected].

We want to get your thoughts on our exciting new direction, and we’d love to hear your ideas about the topics, programs, content, and people you’d like to see more of on this page and in Podiatry Management magazine.