APMA News - July/August 2012 - (Page 36)

Federal Advocacy Forum By Seth A. Rubenstein, DPM The First Century and Beyond Even though APMA’s formal Legislative Advocacy Department only came about in the late 1960s, in a very real sense we have been advocating for the last 100 years through the collective voices of our dedicated members. Advocacy is a pillar of the association—it’s one of the association’s reasons for being. We all think very highly of our profession and are proud to be part of it. Some may look and see a small profession with little capability to effect change. In fact, I have always been amazed at the job the association is able to do despite only being about 12,000 in number. We’ve been able to make a real impact on govern- • • • • I have always been amazed at the job the association is able to do despite only being about 12,000 in number. We’ve been able to make a real impact on government relations because we represent sound ideas and have highly motivated members. ment relations because we represent sound ideas and have highly motivated members. Every month this year, APMA News has highlighted a different decade in our evolution and development as we celebrate our 100th Anniversary. It is also worthwhile to highlight some of our most significant advocacy milestones over the past century: DPM, and Irvin O. Kanat, DPM, in 1963—was officially incorporated as a political action committee; In 1997, we won an exemption for podiatric residencies from the graduate medical education caps placed on the number of allopathic and osteopathic residents Medicare would financially support; In 2003, we won the right to “opt out” of Medicare and enter into private contracts with Medicare beneficiaries; In 2008, APMA succeeded in achieving recognition for podiatrists equivalent to other physicians in prescribing and furnishing DMEPOS to patients; and In 2012, we were successful in changing Medicare hospital conditions of participation to allow podiatrists to serve in medical staff leadership positions where not otherwise prohibited by state law. We are also working with Congress to help modify TRICARE regulations that prohibit podiatric physicians from dispensing DME products. • • • • In 1943, when we were still named the National Association of Chiropodists, we ran an ad campaign in Life magazine highlighting podiatrists’ efforts to keep America’s soldiers marching; In 1959, APMA’s Educational Foundation was established to advance the growth and stability of podiatric medicine through student scholarships and increase nationwide awareness of foot and ankle health; In 1967, through advocacy efforts, podiatric physicians were included as covered providers under the Medicare program; In 1974, the Podiatry Political Action Committee—informally founded by APMA Past Presidents Earl Kaplan, Of course, many challenges remain—challenges we must meet head-on through active member grassroots participation. A key legislative issue—ensuring Medicaid beneficiary access to podiatry (Title XIX)—is an integral part of Vision 2015. We need all APMA members to keep up constituent input by making phone calls to your members of Congress and urging them to join as cosponsors to our bipartisan Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act (HR 3364/S 1309). Over the last 100 years, our association has done an incredible job representing our specialized medical profession in the ever-changing winds of Washington, DC, and around the country. We are now recognized as a critical component in mainstream medical practice and public health sectors. APMA’s advocacy not only watches our back but also gives us a louder, unified voice. The ability of podiatric medicine to participate as an equal partner in the development of the nation’s health policy has been well earned. That ability is a solid base for our profession as it moves into its next century. Happy anniversary, APMA! Let’s keep working together to make our next 100 years even more remarkable than our first. n APMA Trustee Seth A. Rubenstein, DPM, can be reached at sarubenstein@apma.org. 36 APMA News July/August 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - July/August 2012

APMA News - July/August 2012
President’s Message
Contents
Innovative, Intuitive, Inventive
Health Policy & Practice Committees Meet to Address Issues Facing Podiatrists
MPMA Instrumental in Uncovering Health-care Fraud
Does the Media Still Matter?
Introducing APMA’s ACO Workgroup
APMA By the Decade
The US House of Representatives Recognizes APMA’s 100th Anniversary
2011 Podiatric Practice Survey
Profiles in Progress
Reimbursement
Federal Advocacy Forum
List of Cosponsors to the Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act
APMAPAC Chair Report
IT Consultant
Technofile
Get 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting Coverage
Annual Scientific Meeting Preliminary Program
Annual Scientific Meeting Sponsors
Annual Scientific Meeting Registration Form
APMA All Stars
In Short
CPME Invitation for Comments
Worthy of Note
Call for Committee Nominations
Affiliates Corner
List of Affiliated Organizations
Insurance Advisor
Bylaws Propositions Due
New Members
Death Notices
APMAPAC Update
Development Update
Classified Advertising
Dates to Remember
Advertising Index
10 Questions
Your APMA
100th Anniversary Commemorative Section

APMA News - July/August 2012