APMA News - September 2012 - (Page 16)

Dr. Caporusso Promotes Podiatric Medicine on Capitol Hill O n Monday, July 16, APMA President Joseph Caporusso, DPM, and Peter Stein, director, Legislative Affairs at APMA, went to Capitol Hill to meet with representatives from numerous legislative offices. Dr. Caporusso was in Washington, DC, to urge congressional leaders to take action on policy issues affecting podiatric medicine. Chief on his agenda, the Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act (S 1309/HR 3364), or Title XIX legislation, was a topic of discussion with every office. “I want to stress that this is not an expansion of Medicaid, only an expansion in choice,” said Dr. Caporusso. “Foot and ankle treatment is already covered; this legislation will just allow participants to utilize the most qualified medical professionals, podiatric physicians, for these services.” Achieving access for podiatric physicians under Title XIX has been the chief target of APMA advocacy efforts for several years. APMA considers this legislation a necessary part of any health-care reform efforts. While podiatric physicians have been covered under Medicare since 1967, recognition by Medicaid is determined at the state level. In recent years APMA has come close to achieving this goal, and in fact a provision recognizing podiatric physicians under Medicaid was included in the House-passed Affordable Care Act (ACA) bill in 2010. Unfortunately, it was not a part of the Senate-passed version of the bill, and it failed to be included in the final reconciled package that was signed into law. APMA will continue to push for the passage of this bill during the fall legislative session. Bringing Medicaid in line with Medicare was not the only issue Dr. Caporusso discussed during his meetings. While in Washington, he took the opportunity to address a permanent reform to Medicare’s physician payment formula, the Sustainable Growth Rate; Independent Payment Advisory Board repeal; medical liability reform; and preservation of provider non-discrimination protections in the ACA. Dr. Caporusso also spent a significant amount of time discussing the necessity to include podiatric physicians in diabetic care. Each office received a fact sheet about the effect diabetes has on the constituents in its state and how today’s podiatrists are vital to combatting this growing epidemic. “In my own town of McAllen, TX, diabetes is a major concern,” said Dr. Caporusso. “We lead the country in amputations as a result of diabetic complications. Care by a podiatric physician can prevent amputations, which in turns allows people to maintain mobility and dignity.” While in Washington, Dr. Caporusso and Stein met with the offices of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (RKY); Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV); Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX); Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-UT); Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Mike Enzi (R-WY); House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH); and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA). APMA also has had an increased presence on Capitol Hill recently. On May 31, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) recognized APMA’s 100th Anniversary in the House of Representatives’ Congressional Record. The Senate followed suit on July 24 when Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) introduced and passed a resolution to congratulate APMA on its 100th Anniversary and many achievements. If you want to add your voice to the conversation taking place in Washington but do not have the opportunity to visit in person, you can contact your congressional leaders in just minutes using APMA’s eAdvocacy tool at www.APMA.org/ eAdvocacy. Act today! n APMA President Joseph Caporusso, DPM, left, met with several congressional ofﬁces while in Washington, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in the Capitol Building. Dr. Caporusso and Peter Stein (foreground) discussed Medicaid reform legislation with a representative from the ofﬁce of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). 16 APMA News September 2012 http://www.APMA.org/eAdvocacy http://www.APMA.org/eAdvocacy

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - September 2012

APMA News - September 2012
President’s Message
Contents
US Surgeon General Addresses APMA at The National
2012 is a Milestone Year for APMA, and for Other Institutions as Well
APMA Member and Daughter Help Disabled Find their Freedom
Dr. Caporusso Promotes Podiatric Medicine on Capitol Hill
Use eAdvocacy to Reach Your Elected Leaders Today!
APMA by the Decade: 1982–1991
2012 Podiatric Practice Survey: Net Income Statistics
Reimbursement
Federal Advocacy Forum
List of Cosponsors to the Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act
APMAPAC Chair Report
IT Consultant
Website Wisdom
Technofile
Bylaws Propositions Due
Small Business 101
APMA All Stars
Resolutions Deadlines
In Short
Worthy of Note
CPME Invitation for Comments
Affiliates Corner
List of Affiliated Organizations
Insurance Advisor
New Members
Death Notices
APMAPAC Update
Annual Scientific Meeting Sponsors
Development Update
Classified Advertising
Dates to Remember
Advertising Index
10 Questions
Your APMA

APMA News - September 2012