The Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention (LEAP) Alliance, a Nevada-based not-for-profit organization has announced it has successfully obtained a CMS-Medicare determination that confirms podiatric physicians will be reimbursed for the eligible services they provide when they participate in Medicare Connected Care, a CMS public education campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of its chronic care management (CCM) program. CCM services are generally non-face-to-face services provided to Medicare beneficiaries who have chronic conditions expected to last at least 12 months, or until the death of the patient.
According to Lawrence Rubin, DPM, director of the LEAP Alliance, this determination enables the LEAP Alliance to begin forming a nationwide network of solo and small group practice podiatrists who will integrate their services with the services of collaborating primary care and specialty physicians. Together they will provide comprehensive preventive care and treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Dr. Rubin says the podiatry network goal is, "to have at least one podiatrist in a Medicare Connected Care provider team that helps save limbs and lives in every community in the country."
