August 9, 2013

Rule proposed would authorize DPMs to prescribe, dispense DME.

On August 8, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a new proposed rule that will bring an end to a disparity faced by podiatrists that APMA has long fought to overturn. Once the proposed rule becomes final, all DPMs will be allowed to prescribe and dispense durable medical equipment (DME) to TRICARE patients.

APMA has been in contact with the DoD and TRICARE Management Activity (TMA, TRICARE’s administrating body) for more than five years in an effort to change this regulation. While TMA has readily admitted it was not its intent to exclude podiatrists from prescribing and dispensing DME, the movement toward amending the existing regulations has been slow. APMA also has lobbied Congress to put pressure on DoD and TMA to correct this disparity. Despite the long process, APMA is pleased with an end result that recognizes podiatrists as eligible and necessary providers of DME under TRICARE.

The comment period for the proposed rule will end on October 7. During this time, APMA will submit comments supporting the new regulation and highlighting the training and education of podiatrists. If you have any questions, please contact APMA’s Health Policy and Practice department at healthpolicy.hpp@apma.org or review APMA's DME resource page.

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