APMA News - April 2013 - (Page 26)

A Podiatric Medical Assistants’ Program at The National Promotes Team Learning t the 2013 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting (The National) in Las Vegas, July 21–25, APMA will once again present the Podiatric Medical Assistants’ Educational Program in conjunction with the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants (ASPMA). This year, the program is bigger and better than ever with more lectures and breakout sessions than in years past. Running simultaneously with the general educational sessions, the Podiatric Medical Assistants’ Education Program offers unparalleled opportunities for assistants to enhance their contributions to podiatrists’ practices. Featuring sessions led by podiatrists, certified podiatric medical assistants, and experts in practice management, the program includes a balance of lectures about podiatric care and general office management. “The National focuses on education for the podiatric staff as a whole,” said Tina Del Buono, PMAC, scientific program chair at ASPMA. “It makes it easier to implement ideas when you get back to your office if you have all heard them together. Podiatry is forever changing and evolving, and just as the physicians need to continue their education, it is important for the support staff to be educated as well.” This year, the program has been expanded to capture all facets of the podiatric medical assistants’ role in a practice. Each day, assistants will participate in the breakfast symposium, general plenary lecture, and other select tracks, such as sports medicine and ethics, side-by-side with podiatrists to gain key clinical experience and insight. “Our patients are more educated today with the power of the Internet; thus, all staff members need to be educated in podiatric diseases and treatment,” Del Buono said. Of course, not all sessions will overlap. At other times, assistants will attend their own dedicated sessions covering topics such as Tools to Advance your Career, Tools to Increase Productivity and Profits, and Health Information Technology for the Podiatric Medical Assistant. There also is an office manager breakout session this year. Looking for the preliminary program? As mentioned in the February issue, the preliminary program is not appearing in future editions of APMA News. The schedule of events, hotel and travel information, and more is accessible online at www.apma.org/ thenational and updated regularly. Please check the site often to see the latest additions to The National, and look for more meeting highlights in upcoming issues of APMA News! 26 APMA News April 2013 The online registration process is simple: assistant log in APMA.org. If • Have yourhas attended ThetoNational in theyour assistant past, he or she has an account on APMA.org. If your assistant can’t remember his or her username or password, use the “Reset Your Password” feature or contact APMA for assistance. account, he • If your assistant doesn’t have anAccount” linkor she can use the “Create a New at the bottom of the login page. Fill in the information (assistants should be sure to mark themselves as such in the “demographic” question). there, proceed to “Online Registration” for • FromNational. The “The program as a whole is fantastic this year,” said Del Buono. “With the office managers’ session, APMA Coding Seminar, ethics, and risk management sessions, I think we will have covered all of the bases for a great, well-rounded meeting.” Along with abundant educational sessions, the assistants’ program also will offer comprehensive review courses and certification examinations during The National. Certification exams are offered only a few times a year, so The National provides a valuable opportunity to augment your practice with the addition of credentialed staff. Del Buono explained, “Passing either the clinical or administrative certification courses and obtaining your [podiatric medical assistant certification] demonstrates that you have succeeded in achieving a standard of education in the podiatric field. It also shows your physician that you are committed to the field of podiatry.” Just like APMA members, podiatric medical assistants also enjoy the community aspect of the meeting. “The National is a great place to meet assistants from all over the country and spend time learning and sharing together,” said Del Buono. “Many of us enjoy participating in the Team APMA 5K Run/Walk.” Naturally, the location doesn’t hurt. “There is so much to see and do in Vegas. Just the lights at night are amazing to see,” added Del Buono. The Podiatric Medical Assistants’ Educational Program at The National is a unique event to further educate your staff members so they may better assist you and your practice. Don’t forget to complete their registration while making your own plans to attend! APMA members pay the full price ($195) to register their first assistant but receive a 25-percent discount on each additional assistant attending from the practice. Visit www.apma.org/thenational to see the full assistants’ program schedule, and register yourself and your team today! n http://www.APMA.org http://www.APMA.org http://www.apma.org/thenational http://www.apma.org/thenational http://www.apma.org/thenational

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - April 2013

APMA News - April 2013
President’s Message
Contents
Beat Bunion Blues: APMA’s Spring PR Campaign
Matthew G. Garoufalis, DPM: Presidential Inaugural Speech to the APMA House of Delegates
Nuts and Bolts of the House of Delegates and Resoultions Outcomes
State Advocacy in Focus: Building Relationships
Medicare Advantage: Answering Questions about Coverage
2012 Podiatric Practice Survey: Corporation Type
Podiatric Medical Assistants’ Program at The National Promotes Team Learning
Annual Scientifi c Meeting Registration Forms
Annual Scientifi c Meeting Sponsors
Team APMA 5K Run/Walk
Seeking Award Nominations
Reimbursement
Federal Advocacy Forum
APMAPAC Chair Report
IT Consultant
Inside APMA’s Social Media
Website Wisdom
On the Road with APMA
Small Business 101
CPME Update
In Short
Worthy of Note
Insurance Advisor
New Members
Death Notices
APMAPAC Update
Development Update
Classifi ed Advertising
Dates to Remember
Advertising Index
10 Questions
Your APMA

APMA News - April 2013