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APMA Daily eNews
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 (No. 2,524)
APHA Writes Letter of Support Regarding Title XIX Legislation
American Public Health Association (APHA) Executive Director Georges Benjamin, MD, has written a letter in support of HR 1647 and S 399 as a result of a successful meeting with APMA January 30, and because of the overall groundwork laid by the Podiatric Health Section of APHA. APMA is asserting that DPMs should be referred to as "podiatric physicians" because our members are the experts in foot and ankle care.
At the meeting, Benjamin recognized that APMA's Title XIX legislation is the only step that will address the access imbalances that arise for Medicaid "optional" services.
In his letter of support, dated February 29, Benjamin stated that:
HR 1647 and S 399 would amend the definition of "physician" in Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act so that Medicaid beneficiaries would have the freedom to obtain essential, covered foot care services from a podiatric physician. The legislation would also make the Medicaid program more consistent with Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, which has recognized doctors of podiatric medicine as physicians since 1965.
In a similar vein of cooperation, APMA urges its members to join the APHA Podiatric Health Section. According to APMA President Chris Robertozzi, DPM, "Those who make decisions for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are both directly and indirectly involved with APHA, as are many other major players in healthcare. We must be involved at every level if we want to have a credible voice."
I know this isn't teh point of the legislation, but should we as the new generation start calling ourselves "podiatric physicians/surgeons" instead of "podiatrists"?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 (No. 2,524)
APHA Writes Letter of Support Regarding Title XIX Legislation
American Public Health Association (APHA) Executive Director Georges Benjamin, MD, has written a letter in support of HR 1647 and S 399 as a result of a successful meeting with APMA January 30, and because of the overall groundwork laid by the Podiatric Health Section of APHA. APMA is asserting that DPMs should be referred to as "podiatric physicians" because our members are the experts in foot and ankle care.
At the meeting, Benjamin recognized that APMA's Title XIX legislation is the only step that will address the access imbalances that arise for Medicaid "optional" services.
In his letter of support, dated February 29, Benjamin stated that:
HR 1647 and S 399 would amend the definition of "physician" in Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act so that Medicaid beneficiaries would have the freedom to obtain essential, covered foot care services from a podiatric physician. The legislation would also make the Medicaid program more consistent with Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, which has recognized doctors of podiatric medicine as physicians since 1965.
In a similar vein of cooperation, APMA urges its members to join the APHA Podiatric Health Section. According to APMA President Chris Robertozzi, DPM, "Those who make decisions for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are both directly and indirectly involved with APHA, as are many other major players in healthcare. We must be involved at every level if we want to have a credible voice."
I know this isn't teh point of the legislation, but should we as the new generation start calling ourselves "podiatric physicians/surgeons" instead of "podiatrists"?
