Podiatric Medical News
The Voice of Podiatrists
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September 29, 2025 #8,116
Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
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Arthrex Sponsors ACFAS Clinical & Scientific Research Grant Program
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) announced that Arthrex, Inc., a global leader in minimally invasive orthopedics, has provided support for the ACFAS Clinical and Scientific Research Grant Program. This sponsorship strengthens the College’s mission to advance evidence-based care through high-quality clinical research and fosters innovation in orthopedic surgical procedures.
The ACFAS Clinical and Scientific Research Grant Program provides funding for investigator-initiated studies that address meaningful clinical questions, generate new knowledge, and translate research into improved patient care. Each year, grants of up to $40,000 are awarded to support projects conducted by ACFAS members, with priority given to multi-center trials, prospective studies, and research that demonstrates direct clinical relevance to foot and ankle surgery.
HHS Watchdog Calls Out Fraud and Abuse in Skin Substitute Market
The HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) called out sky-high spending on pricey skin substitutes and voiced concerns about potential waste, fraud, and abuse in a report released earlier this month. Spending on skin substitutes for the treatment of chronic wounds has soared over the last 2 years, reaching more than $10 billion in 2024 -- more than 15% of the $66 billion in total spending for all Medicare Part B drugs that year, according to the HHS watchdog.
The report also pointed to several "concerning characteristics" seen in skin substitute billing, including:
- New providers for whom nearly 100% of claims are for skin substitutes
- Providers filing multiple claims for a single date of service to bypass a $99,999.99 cap above which claims are rejected
- Skin substitutes used for non-approved conditions or in excessive quantities
- Regularly using skin substitutes during enrollees' first visits without first attempting treatment with more conservative options
Source: Shannon Firth, Medpage Today [9/25/25]
5 Tips for Managing a Medical Practice Like a Pro
Running a private practice isn’t easy, but these strategies can help you cut complexity and reclaim your time.
1. Streamline scheduling with automation
Manual scheduling drains time and invites mistakes. Automated scheduling tools with built-in reminders and waitlist functions can reduce no-shows, improve patient access and save staff hours every week. Patients appreciate flexibility, and your staff can focus on care rather than juggling calendars.
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