Complete Story
03/20/2026
Updates from the APMA House of Delegates and Legislative Conference
Your Ohio APMA Delegates traveled to Washington, DC March 13-15 to make Ohio's voice heard at the APMA House of Delegates (HOD). The APMA HOD is the legislative and governing body of the APMA, making key decisions on the organization's strategic direction. Ohio was represented by Drs. Thom Arnold, Marc Greenberg, Karen Kellogg, Joy Rowland, Adam Thomas, and Kelly Whaley, along with Alternate Delegate Dr. Jonathan White.
The weekend was packed with updates about APMA and the future of podiatric medicine. Several new initiatives passed at the APMA House of Delegates this year, including the creation of new delegation for resident and fellows to ensure the voice of young podiatric physicians is represented within the profession. The house passed policy propositions that oppose payer practices on downcoding of E/M services, limits on coverage for evidence-based, non-surgical and non-opioid treatments, and automatic denials for modifier 25.
The weekend also recognized Dr. Alan Block, OHFAMA Past President, for completing two terms on the APMA Board of Trustees. As the landscape for podiatric medicine continues to evolve, both OHFAMA and the APMA remain committed to advocating for the future of the profession and serving its members.
APMA HOD First Row: Drs. Kelly Whaley, Joy Rowland, and Karen Kellogg, Second Row: Executive Director Luci Ridolfo, Drs. Jonathan White, Adam Thomas, Marc Greenberg, and Thom Arnold; APMA Finance Committee Meeting, Executive Director Luci Ridolfo sits on this committee as the American Society of Podiatric Executives liaison; Chief Ohio Delegate Dr. Marc Greenberg thanked Dr. Alan Block, OHFAMA Past President, for completing two terms on the APMA Board of Trustees.
For Executive Director Luci Ridolfo and President Dr. Joy Rowland, the work wasn't over yet as the APMA Legislative Conference kicked off March 16-17. After extensive training, over 100 podiatrists took on Capitol Hill for more than 200 meetings with congressional offices. Ohio's representation also included Student Doctors Nicholas Carey, Pavithra Kannan, and Emily Orr.
A primary focus of the meetings was the Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act (S4070/HR7905) legislation aimed at modernizing the Medicare therapeutic shoe benefit and removing restrictions that limit Medicaid patients’ access to podiatrists. "For me, it was a full circle moment," said Executive Director Luci Ridolfo. "Reducing the administrative burdens associated with prescribing therapeutic footwear was a major focus of Dr. Lesnak's presidency in 2025. To go from discussing this issue in OHFAMA board meetings to advocating for change directly with legislators on Capitol Hill with APMA showed how we are making an impact."
Another key priority raised with legislators was the Support the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (S1816/HR 3514), a bipartisan legislation that would streamline and standardize the inefficient Medicare Advantage prior authorization structure, protecting seniors from unnecessary delays and reducing administrative burden on providers.
Podiatric physicians see how their care impacts their communities everyday. By sharing their stories, OHFAMA representatives advocated for patients and reinforced the importance of access to timely, evidence-based care. While the work continues, you can help! Use the APMA E-Advocacy tool to contact your legislators and make your voice heard.
Ohio representatives Student Doctors Pavithra Kannan, Nicholas Carey, and Emily Orr with President Dr. Joy Rowland and Executive Director Luci Ridolfo; OHFAMA representatives on Capitol Hill; Ohio representatives thank Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act Champion Rep. Michael Rulli (Ohio District 6); outside of one of the seven congressional offices OHFAMA representatives visited on Tuesday, March 17
Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act:
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Cuts red tape by replacing a cumbersome paper documentation process for certifying medical necessity of diabetic shoes in Medicare with a simplified, attestation-based framework;
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Strengthens self-referral safeguards related to prescribing, fitting, and furnishing diabetic shoes; and
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Recognizes doctors of podiatric medicine as “covered physicians” under the Medicaid program, aligning Medicaid’s physician designation with Medicare and ensuring Medicaid beneficiaries access to podiatrists across the country.
Thank you to Champion Congressman Michael Rulli (Ohio District 6) for his support.
