ACFAS Update Volume 30 Issue 2

Get Ready for ACFAS 2024: The Best of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Tampa

Mark your calendar to join your peers in Tampa for the 2024 Annual Scientific Conference! ACFAS 2024 will be held February 1-4, 2024 at the Tampa Bay Convention Center.

Get the world-class education you’ve come to expect from ACFAS with scientific lectures, hands-on workshops, one-of-a-kind topics in the HUB, and pre-conference programs beginning on January 31. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with your peers in the Exhibit Hall, at our popular Welcome Reception, and so much more! Registration will open this fall. Visit acfas.org/asc for the latest news and details. We can’t wait to see you in Tampa!

ACFAS Coding and Billing Education

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Lowell Scott Weil Sr.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGERY

As we welcome a long-awaited summer and begin to enjoy the great outdoors again, I recently paused to think how many of our members see the first joggers of the year and start estimating how to budget our time as the warm weather brings higher rates of injury that will require our specialization and experience. We chose a path that will always sacrifice some summer leisure to serve our patients, and make sure they don’t miss their yearly camping trip or their favorite charity’s 5K.

Looking around at the members of the ACFAS, I see thousands of professionals who not only chose to sacrifice their time for their patients, but to devote a piece of their lives to the specialty itself as a volunteer leader in this singular organization. To dedicate so many hours that could have been spent recovering from the long days in the OR to the needs and well-being of your peers—developing, implementing, and managing the College’s programs and initiatives —is a truly selfless act that the members of our thirteen committees regard as just being ‘the right thing to do.’

It is a humbling experience to hold this office and see the birds-eye view of every committee’s mission to improve our members’ practice, outcomes, and careers as they implement the College’s recently updated strategic co mpass. The success of recent educational programs, including the Virtual Women’s Symposium and Fellowship Zoom Rooms, as well as the upcoming Updated TAR Course, Basic Principle of Foot and Ankle Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery in partnership with AO North America, and the development of the ACFAS Registry with IQVIA, would not be possible without our volunteers.

Each stage of the training pipeline has mentoring and resources, from the decision stages of medical school to opening a practice. Our trademark education programs and publications provide the tools and discoveries needed to push our craft to new levels. This guidance and wisdom cannot come from anywhere else but a physician who lives and breathes what we do, and the gathering of this inimitable passion and talent has shaped the past, present, and future of foot and ankle surgery.

Questions for Dr. Barp? Write him at president@acfas.org.

This is evident with the recent development of The ACFAS Chris Mahaffey Leadership Development Program, designed by and for ACFAS members. Led by the Leadership Development Task Force, the program is designed to provide the knowledge, resources, mentoring, and networking opportunities to develop the essential skills needed to succeed as leaders and ambassadors of both ACFAS and the profession. The Leadership Development Program in integral in supporting the College’s inclusivity efforts and aims to infuse the growing diversity and talent of future leaders into the ACFAS volunteer pipeline.

While we all prepare for more patients and hope to find time to get away from it all ourselves this summer, take a moment to consider the appreciation your patients have for your devotion. You also have my personal gratitude for taking that step further by being a member of ACFAS and giving back to our profession.

Eric A. Barp, DPM, FACFAS ACFAS President

membership Arthroscopy Courses Are Filling Up Fast UPCOMING EDUCATION

Get the latest techniques, didactic lectures and hands-on surgical experience when you attend Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle in Chicago!

June 10-11, 2023

August 12-13, 2023

October 14-15, 2023

December 9-10, 2023

These two-day, interactive courses are led by skilled arthroscopy surgeons and provide the

opportunity to learn and practice established and cutting-edge techniques in foot and ankle surgery. Attendees will earn 14 CECH with more than 9 hours of hands-on lab time utilizing the latest equipment and techniques.

$2,025 ACFAS Members/ Resident Members

$2,475 Non-Members/ Non-Member Residents

Visit acfas.org to secure your spot and register today!

Join the Discussion: ACFAS Virtual Journal Club

The ACFAS Virtual Journal Club is an exciting opportunity for ACFAS members to come together and discuss the latest research in the field.

Held live each month and archived online, the Virtual Journal Club is complimentary for ACFAS members. Each session is hosted and presented by research experts from fellowship programs with ACFAS status who review noteworthy articles on pertinent topics of research.

Mark your calendar now to join us at 7:00 pm CT on Thursday, June 22 and Thursday, July 20. You can also check out archived sessions on topics including Charcot Midfoot and Ankle Reconstruction and Complication Management, TARs, and Diabetic Limb Salvage.

The Virtual Journal Club is brought to you by the ACFAS Research Committee. Learn more, register, and view archived sessions at acfas.org/VirtualJournalClub

June 10

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle

Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC), Chicago, IL

August 12–13, 2023 (Saturday/Sunday)

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle

Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC), Chicago, IL

October 14–15, 2023 (Saturday/Sunday)

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle

Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC), Chicago, IL

December 9–10, 2023 (Saturday/Sunday)

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle

Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC), Chicago, IL

April 22, 2023 (Saturday)

Women's Virtual Symposium

October 6–7, 2023 (Friday/Saturday)

Basic Principles of Foot and Ankle

Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery for DPMs

Jacksonville, FL

October 13–14, 2023 (Friday/Saturday)

Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Dallas, TX

January 31, 2024 (Wednesday)

Pre-Conference: ACFAS 2024

Tampa, FL

February 1–4, 2024 (Thursday–Sunday)

ACFAS 2024 Scientific Conference

Tampa, FL

“ By far the best course ACFAS offers. I left this course more confident in arthroscopy.”

practice management

ACFAS Coding and Billing Education Series: The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Reimbursement

October 12–14 | Dallas, Texas

Staying up to date on the latest changes in coding and billing is crucial. That’s why we’re bringing the experts together to help you utilize the 2023 coding changes for maximum reimbursement with the ACFAS Coding and Billing Education Series.

Join Danielle Butto, DPM, FACFAS, Sean Grambart, DPM, FACFAS, Jacqueline ReissKravitz, CPC, AAPC Fellow and Scott Nelson, DPM, FACFAS in Dallas beginning on October 12 with Coding Fundamentals, then stick around for Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon October 13–14. Take one course or save when you register for both!

ACFAS Coding & Billing Education Series Bundle

(Both Courses)

ACFAS Member: $825

Resident: $510

Non-member: $1,010

Coding Fundamentals

October 12 (Thursday)

2:30 – 6:15 pm

3 CME

Start or strengthen your coding and billing foundation! Coding Fundamentals will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of CPT and E&M codes, modifiers and their applications, and coding for minor in-office procedures. Ideal for residents, Fellows, new practitioners, and office staff working with foot and ankle surgeons, this program offers an excellent opportunity to build upon your skills in coding and billing terminology and processes while earning 3 CME credits.

ACFAS Member: $185

Resident: $125

Non-member: $245

Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon

October 13-14 (Friday/Saturday)

8:00 am - 5:15 pm

8:00 am - 12:15 pm

12 CME

Dive deep into the changes in hospital-level billing, consultation billing and E&M decision making - including where higher level E&M codes fit into your surgical practice. Understand trends in surgical coding with hands-on scenarios including forefoot reconstruction, arthrodesis, office procedures, rearfoot and ankle reconstruction, tendon surgery, arthroscopy, trauma and diabetic foot surgery. To maximize reimbursement, physicians are encouraged to bring their office coders and work as a team. Don't miss out on this opportunity to earn 12 CME credits as you advance your coding and billing skills.

ACFAS Member: $650

Resident: $395

To learn more and save your spot, visit acfas.org/PracticeManagement.

Non-member: $775

Danielle Butto, DPM, FACFAS

Sean Grambart, DPM, FACFAS

Jacqueline ReissKravitz, CPC, AAPC Fellow

Scott Nelson, DPM, FACFAS

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Lowell Scott Weil Sr. A Pioneer in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Dr. Lowell Scott Weil Sr., DPM, FACFAS, is a renowned foot and ankle surgeon, mentor, innovator, and friend to many. He has had an immense impact on advancing the art and science of foot and ankle surgery, the profession, and across medicine. Dr. Weil Sr. was the President of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons from 1993-1994, and he was a leading architect for the Annual Scientific Conference, surgical skills courses, the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and building relationships across medicine to enable ACFAS to better advocate for its membership.

Dr. Weil Sr. is known for developing the Scarf Bunionectomy, a revolutionary procedure that is still commonly used today internationally and has helped countless patients around the globe. He also developed the first-ever first metatarsal phalangeal joint replacement in the early 1970s, which is used

as the FDA predicate for all that came after. Dr. Weil Sr. improved the outcomes of his patients by providing innovative treatments, including joint replacements, incorporating ESWT, bringing in services such as extremity MRI, and incorporating physical therapy to ensure patients were provided with the best care, all within the confines of the podiatry office.

Dr. Weil Sr. started one of the first Fellowship programs in podiatric surgery, elevating the educational process for the profession and serving as a mentor to many podiatric residents, American and International fellows throughout his career. He believed in providing the highest quality care to his patients, and he instilled this value in all who he trained with his philosophy, to “treat people, not feet.” Dr. Weil Sr.'s Northlake Residency program was widely considered to be the most sought-after surgical program in the United States.

Dr. Weil Sr.'s contributions to the field of foot and ankle surgery will continue to be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. He is known as the greatest ambassador of Podiatry, and he attended hundreds of international and American orthopedic conferences, often as an invited lecturer. Dr. Weil Sr. leaves behind a legacy of elevating the educational process for the profession and will continue to inspire the next generation of foot and ankle surgeons.

Dr. Weil Sr. is battling Alzheimer's disease with the same vigor and determination he displayed as a leader of ACFAS. Members can make a donation in his honor to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America to support research and finding a cure for this debilitating disease.

Learn more about Dr. Weil Sr.’s impact at acfas.org/Weil

Dr. Lowell Scott Weil Sr., DPM, FACFAS

Fun Foot Education with the ACFAS Marketing Toolbox

Find Your Perfect Fellowship Match with ACFAS Fellowship

Zoom Rooms

Are you considering a fellowship post-residency? Then you'll want to take advantage of the ACFAS Fellowship Zoom Rooms.

The ACFAS Marketing Toolbox offers resources to promote your practice and educate your patients – FREE for ACFAS members!

Check out latest additions - animated patient education videos focusing on heel pain and ankle sprains. These videos provide clear and easy-to-understand explanations of these conditions, as well as information on treatment options and self-care tips.

These easy-to-follow videos are perfect to share with your patients during their visit, on your website, or on social media.

Visit the Marketing Toolbox to see all animation videos and find more ways ACFAS is helping you market your practice at acfas.org/Marketing.

Stay Connected

Even if you couldn’t join us live in April, you can access recordings of Zoom meetings where various fellowship programs came together online to give short presentations of their programs and answer questions from prospective fellows.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about fellowship programs and take the next step in your career as a foot and ankle surgeon. Access a list of all participating programs and the ACFAS Fellowship Zoom Room recordings at acfas.org/FellowshipZoomRooms.

Are you following ACFAS on social media? Stay up-to-date on the latest news, member highlights and updates from the College! instagram.com/acfas.foot.and.ankle.surgeons

twitter.com/acfas linkedin.com/company/american-college-of-foot-and-ankle-surgeons

Submit Your Research to FASTRAC

We are looking for the latest advances in cutting-edge surgical techniques for correction of foot and ankle disorders for Foot & Ankle Surgery: Techniques, Reports & Cases (FASTRAC), the College’s open access journal.

FASTRAC’s streamlined submission process allows foot and ankle surgeons around the

world to stay up to date on the best clinical practices. Plus, as an ACFAS member, you’ll receive a discount on the author fee charged upon acceptance.

You can also help shape the profession by becoming a FASTRAC peer reviewer.

For more information on FASTRAC or to submit an article, visit FASTRACjournal.org. If you’re interested in being a peer reviewer, reach out to Thomas Roukis, DPM, PhD, FACFAS, Editor of FASTRAC, at editor@FASTRACjournal.org.

In Memory

Glyn E. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS Marietta, GA

Jerry R. Maxwell, DPM, FACFAS Edmond, OK

Eric J. Polansky, DPM, FACFAS Sidney, OH