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February 9, 2022 ACFAS.org | FootHealthFacts.org | JFAS | FASTRAC | Contact Us

News From ACFAS


Can’t Come to Austin? Access ACFAS 2022 On Demand!
If you aren’t able to join us for this year’s meeting in Austin, you’re in luck! You can still take part in the ACFAS 2022 On-Demand Package starting March 3, 2022. Access over 20 hours of learning recorded at this year’s Annual Scientific Conference from your computer wherever you are.

The On-Demand Package includes:
  • A live-stream presentation of the Opening Keynote Session featuring Myron Rolle, MD on February 24. Note: This is the only session being live-streamed - CME is not available for this live presentation.
  • Access to a secure, OnDemand portal with anytime/anywhere viewing of 13 recorded ACFAS 2022 Sessions (put link to the sessions – there’s a PDF floating around from the email) totaling 23 CME hours. Note: These recordings are only available after March 3.
  • Ability to view session recordings for up to one year.
  • Convenient 24/7 online access.
In-person attendees will NOT receive access to the ACFAS 2022 On-Demand Package. In-person attendees can transfer registration to the on-demand package without any cancellation fees. The deadline to transfer registration is February 11. To transfer your registration, email info@acfas.org.

Visit acfas.org/Austin for more information on the ACFAS 2022 On-Demand Package.
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New ACFAS Region Officers Taking Office
Three ACFAS Regions recently chose new officers to fill open positions on their slates. Terms will commence in conjunction with the ACFAS 2022 Annual Scientific Conference in Austin this month:

Big West Region:
  • Secretary/Treasurer: Austin Matthews, DPM, FACFAS – Torrington, WY
  • Director of Education: Eric So, DPM, FACFAS – Lincoln, NE
Tri-State Region:
  • Director of Education: James P. Sullivan, DPM, FACFAS – Sea Girt, NJ
Great Lakes Region:
  • Director of Education: Hayley E. Iosue, DPM, AACFAS – Mentor, OH
Congratulations to Drs. Iosue, Matthews, So and Sullivan. Please watch your email for information about new initiatives coming out of your local ACFAS Region. If you’re planning to attend the Annual Scientific Conference, please mark your conference schedule to attend your local Region’s membership meeting. You can find out more information about your Region on acfas.org.
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ACFAS 2022 Scholars Announced
Congratulations to our 2022 ACFAS Scholars! Every year, the College recognizes our Student Club Presidents from each of the podiatric medical school campuses for all the work they do throughout the school year on behalf of the organization.

Each ACFAS Scholar will receive a scholarship for $1,000 to defray their costs of travel and lodging to ACFAS 2022. They also receive complimentary registration.

AZPod:
Shadi Mattar, Class of 2023

Barry University:
Adam McAteer, Class of 2023

CSPM:
Jake Loitz, Class of 2023

DMU:
Erica Reed, Class of 2023

Kent State:
Kiara Francis, Class of 2023

NYCPM:
Gregory Rose, Class of 2023

Scholl College:
Carly Goehring, Class of 2024

Temple University:
Emily Cziraky, Class of 2023

WesternU:
Mereat Askander, Class of 2024

Congratulations to these future leaders of the College and profession!
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Foot and Ankle Surgery


Impingement in Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy Occurs Across a Larger Range of Ankle Angles and Is Associated with Increased Tendon Thickness
Achilles tendon impingement was compared in individuals with and without insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT). Eight healthy adults and 12 adults with clinically diagnosed symptomatic IAT underwent a passive flexion exercise where ankle flexion angle, anterior-posterior thickness and an ultrasonographic image sequence of the Achilles tendon insertion were obtained. The angle of ankle plantarflexion at which the calcaneus first impinges the Achilles tendon, categorized as the impingement onset angle, was identified by an anonymized observer and by a computational image deformation-based approach. There was strong correlation between the two measurements, with the impingement onset angle and the thickness of the Achilles tendon insertion greater in subjects with clinically diagnosed IAT. Impingement onset angle also had moderate correlation with anterior-posterior thickness. These findings highlight the need for clinical strategies to reduce impingement in IAT patients.

From the article of the same title
Foot & Ankle International (01/27/2022) Aggouras, Anthony N.; Chimenti, Ruth L.; Flemister, A. Samuel; et al.
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Obesity Increases Risk for Surgical Site Infections and Wound Dehiscence After Pediatric Foot Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Review Using the NSQIP-Pediatric Database
A retrospective assessment of the relationship between obesity and post-operative outcomes in pediatric foot surgery patients across multiple institutions using the American College of Surgeons 2012-2017 Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement database was conducted. Out of 3,924 patients identified, 1,063 (27.1 percent) were obese and were more often male and taller than normal weight patients. No differences in pre-operative comorbidities were noted between the two cohorts. Obese patients exhibited a higher overall post-operative complication rate than normal weight patients, a substantially higher rate of wound dehiscence and a higher surgical site infection (SSI) rate that leaned toward statistical significance. Unplanned readmissions or unplanned reoperations within 30 days of surgery did not differ significantly between the two cohorts, while multivariate analysis determined obesity to be an independent predictor of wound dehiscence and SSI.

From the article of the same title
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics (01/22/2022) Zide, Jacob R.; Farahani, Farzam; Rodriguez, Joel; et al.
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The Copenhagen Achilles Length Measurement Performed at Time of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Is Correlated to Tendon Elongation After One Year.
Researchers investigated whether Amlang's ultrasound classification (AmC) or the Copenhagen Achilles Length Measurement (CALM), when evaluated in the acute phase after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR), could predict elongation a year after rupture. The study involved 107 men and 27 women, aged 18 to 70 years and treated non-surgically. No statistically significant correlation was seen in AmC, while CALM at baseline corresponded with CALM at one year r=0.214 and the Achilles Tendon Resting Angle r=0.218 at one year. The receiver operating characteristic model had an area under the curve=0.67 for 7 percent elongation at baseline, returning a sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.50 for predicting elongation of 10 percent or higher at one year. Achilles tendon elongation at baseline measured via CALM had a weak correlation to elongation at one year, and a cut-off of 7 percent elongation at baseline included 77 percent of patients who, when treated non-surgically, wound up with an elongation above 10 percent at one year. A prospective trial probing CALM as part of a selection algorithm for deciding between operative and non-operative treatment is warranted.

From the article of the same title
Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery (01/31/22) Barfod, Kristoffer Weisskirchner; Hansen, Maria Swennergren; Sandholdt, Hakon; et al.
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Practice Management


OSHA Pursues New Safety Rule for Healthcare Facilities After Previous Efforts Faltered, Expired
The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) aims to create permanent coronavirus safety rules for healthcare facilities, whose drafting and implementation could take months or even years due to resistance and court challenges. The policy would include mandatory masking and social distancing and new cleaning and disinfecting protocols. They could also mandate the notification of workers when they are exposed to infections among co-workers, under threat of penalty. The policy would come after a provisional policy was allowed to expire in December. OSHA said in its court filing that it was motivated to pursue the permanent healthcare rule after the US Supreme Court blocked the Biden administration's vaccination or testing rule, opening up resources for the effort. "These actions reflect an appropriate and permissible exercise of OSHA's discretion in allocating scarce agency resources and ordering agency priorities during this unprecedented crisis," wrote Labor Department officials.

From the article of the same title
Washington Post (01/29/22) Rosenberg, Eli
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Buy-Sell Agreements: Why You and Your Practice Need an Exit Plan
Private practice physicians should prioritize the creation of a strategic exit plan as a necessity rather than an afterthought. They should enter into a buy-sell agreement that covers death, disability, divorce, disagreement and departure. Premature death is the most common item in a buy-sell, which should also provide disability insurance should the physician become permanently unable to perform in their area of practice. In the event of a partner's divorce, the shares of the practice cannot be imperiled by going to the person who divorced a partner. Meanwhile, if partners disagree on major business decisions, a clause must be evoked to settle the agreement and potentially split the practice. Finally, should one doctor decide to retire while others want to continue, a valuation method and payout structure for the retiree must be furnished.

From the article of the same title
Medical Economics (02/03/22) Soccodato, Ben
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Tips for Combating Medical Misinformation in the Exam Room
To avoid the spread of misinformation, medical practices should be aware of the facts from major medical societies and share them with patients. Practices should also follow clinical guidelines on the treatment and prevention of diseases from the appropriate medical societies. The information provided should address patients' specific concerns, and condescension is to be avoided. Specialists should also accommodate patients' questions, which makes it more likely that patients will follow their advice. Doctors should also admit to patients when they do not know something and commit to finding answers, or they risk sowing mistrust. Any statements doctors make on social media should also reflect their real-life convictions.

From the article of the same title
Physicians Practice (02/02/22) Girgis, Linda
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Health Policy and Reimbursement


'Uber for Nurses?': Initiative Targets Healthcare for a 'Gig Work' Law
A proposed ballot measure in California could designate healthcare workers who obtain work through digital platforms as independent contractors. If passed, designates would also have to meet several criteria, including that they largely determine their own schedules, can accept or reject work without penalty and can take work from other platforms and sources. "Healthcare professionals deserve to have flexibility to choose where and when to provide services, and facilities deserve to be able to find these independent healthcare providers quickly and easily to support their patients, particularly under changing conditions," said a spokesman for the organization behind the ballot initiative, Californians for Equitable Healthcare Access.

From the article of the same title
MarketWatch (01/31/22) Sumagaysay, Levi
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CMS releases 2023 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance notice
The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) unveiled proposed payment policy changes for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D drug programs in 2023 that aim to create more choices and affordable options for consumers. "Our goals for Medicare Advantage mirror our vision for CMS' programs as a whole, which is to advance health equity; drive comprehensive, person-centered care; and promote affordability and the sustainability of the Medicare program," said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. "Today's Advance Notice is one tool to engage our Medicare Advantage and Part D plan partners, and the communities we serve, as we work toward these goals." The agency is seeking input on a possible change to the MA and Part D Star Ratings that would also factor in how well each plan furthers health equity. CMS is also requesting comment on including a quality measure in the Star Ratings that would evaluate how often plans are screening for common health-related social needs, such as food or housing insecurity. Additionally, CMS would like input on a new measure to evaluate whether and how MA plans are transforming care by engaging in value-based models with providers and on updates to risk adjustment models to continue to pay appropriately for individuals enrolled in MA and Part D plans. The 2023 Advance Notice for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans is open for public comment for 30 days.

From the article of the same title
CMS Press Release (02/02/22)
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Universal Healthcare Bill in California Fails to Pass State Legislature
A Democrat-sponsored bill in the California state legislature that would have created a system to provide universal healthcare did not pass due to insufficient support. Bill author and state Rep. Ash Kalra (D) said, "This is only a pause for the single-payer movement; our coalition, including the mighty California Nurses Association, will continue the fight for accessible, affordable and equitable healthcare for all Californians." The bill did not specify how much universal healthcare in California would cost, with Democrats filing another measure that would foist heavy taxes on businesses and individuals in hopes of splitting the two issues and pay for the proposed system. Earlier studies have estimated that universal healthcare would cost approximately $350 billion, while the Associated Press reported that California is currently on track to pay over $500 billion in healthcare in 2022. The bill's opponents cited too many unknowns, including its price and how it would impact retirees and medical workers.

From the article of the same title
The Hill (01/31/22) Choi, Joseph
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Medicine, Drugs and Devices


Drugmakers Raised Prices by 6.6 Percent on Average Early This Year
Drugmakers raised list prices by an average of 6.6 percent in the first few weeks of 2021 on cancer, diabetes and other prescription drugs. About 150 drugmakers raised prices on 866 products in the United States. through January 20, reported Rx Savings Solutions. The average increase did not include changes to different doses for the same drug, and drugmakers raised prices by an average of 4.5 percent on 893 products last year. Many companies say they do not see all or any of the benefit from price increases because of the discounts they give to insurers and pharmacy-benefit managers. Drugmakers have also been less aggressive in elevating prices because doing so yields less profitability than previously due to drug-pricing measures designed to reduce inflation, according to Bernstein & Co. analyst Ronny Gal. Many pharmacy-benefit managers have arranged caps on price hikes that require drug companies to pay rebates on product sales with increases past certain thresholds, while Gal said Medicaid has captured a larger piece of the overall market.

From the article of the same title
Wall Street Journal (01/30/22) Walker, Joseph
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Robots Give Surgeons a Helping Hand
About 6,700 Da Vinci surgical robots from Intuitive Surgical are in place at hospitals across the globe and have performed more than 10 million procedures. The $6 billion surgical robotics market is expected to see new players as Intitive's core patents on the technology expire. Hackensack University Medical Center's Michael Stifelman said robotic-assisted surgeries reduce discharge wait times and post-surgical complications, improve recovery times and extend surgeons' careers by allowing them to perform surgery while seated. The United States accounts for about half the global market for surgical robots. However, Christopher Peters at the United Kingdom's Imperial College Healthcare Trust said robotic-assisted surgery will "become the default" in Europe over the next decade as "robots become so ubiquitous and such good value for money that the bar you have to cross to justify using it will be much lower."

From the article of the same title
Financial Times (01/31/22) Barnes, Oliver
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Senators: Extending Drug Shelf Life Could Ease Supply Woes
Two lawmakers are proposing that the federal government take steps to extend the shelf life of prescription drugs in short supply. US Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and US Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced a measure to direct the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make the change. The senators said the agency previously mentioned that revising the expiration dates of some drugs could help ease shortages. The proposal would update FDA guidance about stability testing linked to expiration dates, according to the senators. The measure would also require FDA to provide a report with information about labeling changes about expiration dates that the agency's secretary requests of manufacturers, Collins and Cardin said. Collins noted that with the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, "the last thing doctors, nurses and patients should have to worry about is whether there will be an adequate supply of the medications they need."

From the article of the same title
Associated Press (01/30/22)
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This Week @ ACFAS
Content Reviewers

Caroline R. Kiser, DPM, FACFAS

Elynor Giannin Perez DPM, FACFAS

Britton S. Plemmons, DPM, AACFAS


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This Week @ ACFAS is a weekly executive summary of noteworthy articles distributed to ACFAS members. Portions of This Week are derived from a wide variety of news sources. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the content does not necessarily reflect the views of ACFAS and does not imply endorsement of any view, product or service by ACFAS.

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