APMA News - May/June 2020 - 22

Federal Advocacy Forum
By Patrick A. DeHeer, DPM, and William S. Long, DPM, Legislative Committee Co-Chairs

APMA's COVID-19 Advocacy
The COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down
in a frighteningly short period of time, shaking the entire
medical profession to its core. Health-care professionals battle on the front line of the war with the virus at great physical,
emotional, and financial costs. APMA's legislative advocacy
efforts to protect podiatric physicians during these historic
times exemplify the importance of lobbying.
Congress acted quickly to pass the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,
and Economic Security (CARES) Act in April. APMA lobbied
to ensure its members were protected in the $2 trillion-plus
relief package and provided resources to keep members informed about loans and grants available to podiatrists. Staying informed about the evolving governmental resources will
be critical; an anticipated fourth package is being deliberated
in Congress as this column is being written. The Department
of Health and Human Services stimulus package in early
April provided financial support to Medicare providers in the
form of a grant requiring attestation. APMA continues to
monitor the stimulus package specifics to keep members informed. CMS established the Accelerated and Advanced
Medicare Payments Program to provide emergency funding
and address cashflow issues based on historical payments for
all Medicare providers throughout the country during the
COVID-19 public health emergency. APMA partnered with
key stakeholders to ensure members would have access to
these funds.
Advocacy surrounding the struggle for adequate personal
protective equipment (PPE) for health-care providers is a
top priority for APMA. Confirmed COVID-19 patients and
at-risk patients requiring lower extremity urgent care clearly
demonstrate the vital role of podiatric medicine and surgery
during this pandemic. Like other health-care providers on
the front line, podiatric physicians risk their physical health
to provide care.
CMS implemented temporary modifications of telemedicine and telephone regulations that allow podiatrists to provide safe and necessary patient care for more routine complaints. APMA lobbied for the inclusion of podiatric
physicians in virtual patient care. APMA continues to provide education to its members on the changing landscape of
virtual medicine.
APMA, along with the American Board of Foot and Ankle
Surgery, American Board of Podiatric Medicine, American
College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and American College
of Podiatric Medicine, sent a letter to the National Governors
Association urging governors to expand the scope of practice
22 APMA News May/June 2020

for podiatric physicians during the COVID-19 health crisis
(read this letter at www.apma.org/commentletters). The
position statement supports the advancement of the
profession as it moves toward parity with allopathic and
osteopathic physicians.
During a crisis, decisive leadership is critical not only to
survive, but also to evolve. Uncertainty and fear abound, but
APMA's leadership and advocacy will empower its members
to stand strong on behalf of their patients.
Visit www.apma.org/covid19 for a comprehensive suite of
member COVID-19 resources. n
http://www.apma.org/commentletters http://www.apma.org/covid19
APMA News - May/June 2020

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