Category Archives: MarketMechanics
June 2018
The Future Is Knocking: Tufts Engineers Develop Smart Bandage
A team of engineers led by Tufts University has developed a bandage to actively monitor the condition of chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, and deliver drug treatments to improve the chances of healing. With the idea of assisting the natural healing process, the researchers designed the bandages with heating elements and thermoresponsive drug carriers that can deliver tailored treatments in response to embedded pH and temperature sensors that track infection and inflammation. Continue reading
June 2018
In Memoriam: Lawrence G. Lefler, DPM
Lawrence G. Lefler, DPM, passed away June 23. He was 92 years old. Lefler was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps and was an air traffic controller until being discharged in 1946. He then attended the University of Nebraska, eventually being admitted to what is now the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, which he graduated from in 1952. Continue reading
June 2018
Ottobock Names New CFO
Ottobock, Duderstadt, Germany, announced Philipp Schulte-Noelle will join the management team of the international medical technology manufacturer under CEO Oliver Scheel Dr. rer. nat. Dipl. Chem, starting August 15. He comes to Ottobock from Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Bad Homburg, Germany, where he began in 2013 as corporate business development/M&A; most recently he was CFO and labor director of… Continue reading
June 2018
ACFAS Calls for Manuscript, Poster Submissions
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) has issued a call for manuscript and poster submissions to be presented at its 77th Annual Scientific Conference Program, which will be held February 14-19 in New Orleans. Continue reading
June 2018
NAAOP Comments on MEDPAC Orthotics Report
In June, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC) filed a report with Congress, regarding Medicare and the healthcare delivery system, in which there is a section on orthotics and that includes a recommendation to implement competitive bidding for off-the-shelf (OTS) orthotics. Continue reading
June 2018
Bill Will Allow NPs, PAs to Certify Need for Diabetic Shoes
New legislation was recently introduced that would allow nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) to satisfy Medicare’s documentation requirement for coverage of certain shoes for people with diabetes, allowing those patients easier access to that care. The bill, “Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act,” was introduced into the 115th Congress by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME). Continue reading
June 2018
Low-Cost Prosthetic Foot Mimics Natural Walking
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineers have developed a simple, low-cost, passive prosthetic foot that can be tailored to an individual. Given a user’s body weight and size, the researchers can tune the shape and stiffness of the prosthesis, such that the user’s walk is similar to an able-bodied gait. Continue reading
May 2018
SMU President Sharon Diaz announces retirement
Sharon Diaz will step down as president and chief executive officer of Samuel Merritt University (SMU) in Oakland, CA, by January 2019. In 2002, Diaz was instrumental in bringing about the merger of SMU and the California College of Podiatric Medicine, now called the California School of Podiatric Medicine. Diaz was the first president of SMU and has been a leader in education for 45 years. Continue reading
May 2018
Iowa governor signs the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law April 4, 2018 the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (House File 2425). The compact is an agreement between member states to improve access to physical therapy services by increasing the ability of physical therapists to work in multiple states. Continue reading
May 2018
APMA Registry Ready for MIPS 2018 Reporting Year
The American Podiatric Medicine Association (APMA) registry is accepting 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting data from MIPS eligible practitioners. The 2018 performance period score will impact 2020 Medicare payments, with a positive, neutral, or negative payment adjustment. Continue reading
May 2018
Podiatry Care May Lead to Reduced Hospitalizations and Opioid Prescription, Study Shows
A New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) survey, initiated in late 2017, has found that expanding podiatry’s role in health care may lead to reduced hospitalizations, long-term health care costs, and opioid prescription in 4 target groups: diabetes, obesity, substance abuse/back pain, and fall prevention. Improvement in health care in these conditions aligns with New York’s Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment program health goals. Continue reading
May 2018
PT Referral Rates Nearly Halved Between 2003 and 2014
A study recently published in the April issue of Journal of General Internal Medicine has found that primary care physician referrals to physical therapists for musculoskeletal conditions declined by nearly half over a 12-year period, while referrals to specialists during that time increased by a similar rate. Continue reading
May 2018
APTA posts 2018 House of Delegates motions
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) posted on May 18 the official packet of motions to be considered by the 2018 House of Delegates when it meets June 25-27 in Orlando, FL. Packet I with Background Papers contains 57 motions includes 4 bylaws amendments that are coming before the 2018 House of Delegates. Contact APTA’s Cheryl Robinson with any questions. Continue reading
May 2018
Foundation announces 2018 scholarship and grant opportunities
The Foundation for Physical Therapy is accepting applications for the 2018 Florence P. Kendall Doctoral Scholarships and the 2018 Research Grants. The Kendall Post-Professional Doctoral Scholarships assist physical therapists and physical therapist assistants with outstanding potential who are in their first year of post professional doctoral degree studies. Continue reading
May 2018
TPE audit shows sharp decline in improper claim payment rate
An initial Target, Probe, and Educate (TPE) audit for Jurisdiction D conducted by Noridian Healthcare Solutions has found an improper claim payment rate of 19% for 4 HCPCS codes: L4360, L4361, L4386, and L4387. The codes relate to walking boot style orthoses. Continue reading
May 2018
DMU students exercise with Parkinson’s patients
In the spring, physical therapy and podiatric medicine students from Des Moines University in Iowa partner with patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson disease (PD) for weekly evenings of dancing, singing, and other forms of mild exercise. Continue reading
May 2018
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine elects new president
Magali “Maggie” Fournier, DPM, a sports medicine podiatrist in LaCrosse, WI, has been elected president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM). Originally from Quebec, Dr Fournier moved to the United States to study at New York College of Podiatric Medicine. She graduated in 2001. Also elected were Clint Laird, DPM, Port Charlotte, FL, as vice president; Howard Osterman, DPM, Washington, DC, as secretary-treasurer. Continue reading
May 2018
Dillon completes AOPA-funded systematic review project
Michael Dillon, PhD, of La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia, has completed his project, “Evaluating outcomes of dysvascular partial foot and transtibial amputation: a systematic review for the development of shared decision making resources.” The review was funded by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association. Continue reading
April 2018
CMS updates 2018 Medicare fee schedules
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted a Medicare fee schedule update effective April 1, 2018, announcing that diabetic shoe inserts fabricated using scanning devices will be now reimbursed using temporary HCPCS code K0903 at the same rate as inserts made over a positive model of the patient’s foot (A5513). The fee schedule for K0903 is set at $43.56, the current Medicare fee schedule for A5513. Continue reading
April 2018
PFA 59th annual symposium set for November
The Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) will hold its 59th Annual Symposium and Exhibition November 15 through 17, at the Marriott Grand in St Louis, MO. According to the PFA, this meeting is the largest educational event in the world solely dedicated to the practice of pedorthics and offers a full program of general and breakout sessions, networking and exhibiting opportunities, and social events. Continue reading
April 2018
Lynda Woodruff, Leader in physical therapy education
Lynda Woodruff, PT, PhD, a visiting professor at Alabama State University (ASU), where she initiated the transitional doctor of physical therapy program, died at age 70 years on March 20. She was a lifetime American Physical Therapy Association member. Continue reading
April 2018
Charles Southerland, DPM, receives humanitarian award
Charles Southerland, DPM, received the Humanitarian Award at the 98th Annual American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) House of Delegates meeting, held March 20 in Washington, D, in recognition of his medical missionary work. He serves as program director for the Yucatan Crippled Children’s Project. Continue reading
April 2018
Scope-of-practice legislation progresses in South Carolina
Legislation to expand the scope of practice in South Carolina to include the ankle under podiatric medical care received a second read April 4 in the state House of Representatives. The measure was voted forward by a 71-42 vote. The legislation was supported by the South Carolina Podiatric Medical Association. Continue reading
April 2018
Dennis Frisch installed as APMA president
Dennis R. Frisch, DPM, has been installed as president of American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). In accepting the position, Frisch underscored APMA’s unique value to its members. “Every podiatric physician has earned one thing. Continue reading
April 2018
AOPA policy forum meets with congressional representatives
Orthotic and prosthetic stakeholders met March 8 with members of Congress in Washington, DC, to discuss improving patient care and advancing other legislative objectives. Continue reading
