In This Issue:
A message from APWCA’s Executive Director and President:
Hello to all of our APWCA Members. First and foremost we wish for
all of you a great Memorial Day weekend as we start the summer season.
Over the next 10-12 weeks we hope all of us get some time to sit back,
reflect, be with family and friends and enjoy all the good things life
has to offer. Our thoughts continue to go to all those overseas who are
daily in harms way and look for a safe return to your families. The
Association continues to grow at a rapid rate and we have all of you to
thank for that! Remember this is your association, you make it
happen, we have an open door policy so at any time drop us an eMail or
give us a phone call, should you have any suggestions, concerns, or just
want to say hello. Below we have provided an abbreviated update of
new material. This starts with a list of upcoming conferences for
the remainder of the year, followed by updates on news items. As
always, prior material follows for new members who have not seen prior
eMail news updates and for our long-term members that want to follow-up
on current and past material.
ENJOY THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND!!
Upcoming Conference Schedule
All CME/CE Earned at the Following Conferences can be applied to the
Continual Education Credit
requirements for APWCA to members to maintain their designation as
Fellow, Diplomate or Associate.
World Union of Wound Healing Societies,
Toronto
Canada,
June 4-8, 2008.
All of our members have an opportunity to attend what could be a once in
a lifetime opportunity. The World Congress meets every four years
and travels to different locations throughout the world. It is
doubtful that the next WUWHS will be held in North America and may very
well be located in the Far East when it
resumes in 2012. Therefore, we encourage all members to take
advantage that the fact the “local”
Toronto
location is a short flight or for some a short drive. The WUWHS 2008
Congress is expected to draw approximately 5,000 registrants from all
corners of the globe. APWCA is a hosting society and with that has
been charged with organizing the Diabetic Foot Stream … so please plan
to attend and meet with your other APWCA colleagues. The scientific
program, social agenda, registration and hotel information can all be
found by clicking to a link that is found on the APWCA homepage website.
The association encourages all members to attend; we hope to see you in Toronto in June.
Don’t wait. Register today for Congress 2008 at
www.worldunion2008.com
The APWCA Southeast Regional District is collaborating
with the Princeton-Baptist Health Systems for the first Annual
Birmingham Scientific Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Regional
Meeting, August 15 and 16th at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel,
2101 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N,
Birmingham,
Alabama. 12.5 CME credits
available for physicians / 12.5 CEU credits available for nurses.
For additional information, please contact Dana Dortch [dana.dortch@bhsala.com
or Phone # 205-599-4818] or Carol Shedd [Phone # 205-783-7749].
The 9th Annual “New Cardiovascular Horizons,” (NCVH).
APWCA is a collaborating organization and will be presenting the AM
track of a full day program on the At Risk Foot, on Wednesday September
10th. This is a multi-disciplinary international conference
offering the practicing physician, podiatrist, resident, nurse and other
health care professionals a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and
management of cardiovascular disease, critical limb ischemia, and wound
care. New Orleans,
Sept. 10-13, 2008, with a maximum of 30.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
The 23rd Annual Clinical Symposium on Advances in Skin & Wound
Care, October 27-30, 2008, at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las
Vegas, Nevada. 31 AMA Category 1 Credits.
http://www.symposiumonwoundcare.com/
The Veith Symposium. APWCA is a collaborating organization
with Veith Symposium. The “WOUNDS” program, will be held
Wednesday, November 19; the full vascular conference runs November 19
through November 23, at the Hilton Hotel in
New York City. The one day “WOUNDS” program
is fast paced and provides an exciting faculty of international speakers
in wound care.
http://www.veithsymposium.org/
The APWCA is planning to develop a Board Review Course for the
Physician’s Certification Exam by the end of the year or early 2009.
The Physician’s Certification Exam will be offered during the APWCA2009
National Conference to be held in Philadelphia, April 2-5.
The exam is administered by the Council for Medical Education and
Testing. Tentatively scheduled for January 2009 in Los Angeles, CA.
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Physician Certification Exam - Update
Are you a physician going to the Toronto Conference? Consider
being one of the first in your medical community to be certified in
Wound Care by THE Physician Wound Care Certification Examination which
rolls out Friday, June 6th, 2008 in Toronto
Canada
during the World Union of Wound Healing Societies Congress (WUWHS). The
exam will be administered by the Council for Medical Testing, endorsed
by the APWCA and recognized by the
American
College of Hyperbaric
Medicine. The exam will run from 1:00pm-5:00pm and registrants should
arrive to the site no later then 12:30PM. The fee for the Toronto exam is $850.00. We anticipate
the final price of the exam to be somewhere around $1,200.00 with
gradual increases. Resources for exam preparation, registration
and other information can be found by clicking the Toronto Exam button
found on the homepage of our APWCA website. Click here:
http://www.apwca.org/woundCareExam/
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Open Enrollment to Close Shortly
APWCA is in the process of providing public statements to inform
the medical community of the imminent close of open enrollment for physicians joining the APWCA. If you have
colleagues that you feel should be a member of this association, advise
them that they are able to join under current policy prior
to termination of open enrollment. Current members of APWCA will
continue to maintain their current designation of Associate, Diplomate or Fellow after the open Enrollment period.
After open enrollment ends, examination or
other pathways will be necessary for
new members to become a Fellow of AWPCA. The effective closure date
will be by the end of the year and additional details will be
published as they are available in future eMail Updates.
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Insurance Update
The APWCA Insurance Committee continues to be actively addressing such
issues competitive bidding and coding for Anti-microbial dressings.
Regarding the latter, we have requested consideration for special codes
for any microbial dressings which would then allow for appropriate
coverage as these are more expensive, but often very beneficial to
patients with infection. Regarding competitive bidding; as a
reminder the association has concern that only cost for service will be
considered for which vendors are able to provide service to Medicare
patients.
Currently negative pressure therapy is THE wound care therapy that is
affected for this coming year, but in 2009 there will be a significant
number of services added to the competitive bidding process. In
2010 it is likely that the entire Medicare system will be based on the
competitive bidding model. Negative pressure is a complex form of
therapy used on very compromised patients and must be applied in a
consistent manner with materials that are effective. It is the
APWCA’s opinion that VAC should continue to be available to physicians
who prefer to use this for their patients. The competitive bidding
model should be applied in a slower manner to ensure that the physicians
have choice as to which type of NPWT they choose to use for their
patients until further research on other forms of NPWT is available.
The following is a portion of a release from KCI (http://www.kci1.com):
SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2008--Kinetic Concepts, Inc.
(NYSE: KCI), a global medical technology company with leadership
positions in advanced wound care and therapeutic support systems, today
announced that it will not be a contracted negative pressure wound
therapy (NPWT) supplier in phase one of the competitive bidding program
administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The program covers Medicare home placements in 10 designated
metropolitan areas and is scheduled to take effect in July 2008.
"We continue to believe that NPWT has been improperly included in
competitive bidding due to a demonstrable lack of comparable or
effective alternatives to KCI's V.A.C.(R) Therapy system," said
Catherine M. Burzik, President and Chief Executive Officer of KCI. "We
believe that the CMS bidding and contracting process does not ensure
access to effective NPWT in the home, and Medicare beneficiaries are
likely to be harmed as a result."
APWCA2008 – Resounding Success!
March 6 – 9, 2008
APWCA2008 was another resounding success. Reviews from new
registrants were very good. The new location in
Texas
has resulted in a significant increase in Midwest
membership which continues to this day. We estimate a total
attendance of 550 filled the general lecture rooms. The pre-course
and post-course break-out sessions were also well attended, and food was
plentiful in the Exhibit area for breakfast, lunch and breaks. The
dinner symposium on Thursday night was again well attended and the
presentation provided through a grant by Vasamed was very interesting
and opens a new era of peripheral material assessment that directly
correlates with oxygenation of the peripheral tissues.
Andrew Boulton, MD gave a spectacular key-note address and received our
first outstanding achievement award. We are proud to say that he
has accepted an honorary membership. A spectacular annual
scientific address was delivered by PhD researchers from the University of Iowa,
four tremendous speakers that were sponsored through an educational
grant by McCord Research.
The oral and poster abstracts were a highlight of the new information
available through APWCA2008. The three winning poster abstracts will be
published in our next eMail News Update and our upcoming Summer edition
of Synergy.
All in attendance will also remember that Thursday March 6th was unusual
in that it was the first time in 10 years that Fort Worth Texas
received a significant amount of snow closing the DFW airport for
several hours. Registrants were arrivals were delayed, however all but a
few finally arrived at the conference hotel. Certainly appears ironic,
but looking back it was an adventure not common in that part of the
country.
Mark your calendars for April 1-5, 2009 in Philadelphia for APWCA2009. Looking for
a total attendance of 1,000 with spectacular ground breaking plans
already on the drawing board.
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To our Members, the following news was presented in previous eMail News
Updates…
APWCA2008 formally recognized as a non-profit organization
The
American Professional Wound Care Association
(APWCA) is a hybrid non-profit organization unlike any other
organization available and founded in 2001. Its non-profit status is
a 501 (C) (6) with an effective month of April 2001.
You can be proud of being a member or participating thorough Industrial
Support of the American Professional Would Care Association. The
APWCA is a non-profit 501 (C) (6).
By way of background, the APWCA never had any shareholders and no
individuals have ever had financial interest in any aspect of the
association. That said, application for non-profit status was made
summer of 2007. After a full review by our legal council, audit by our
accounting firm and review of records by the IRS the non-profit status
was granted retroactive to an effective date of April, 2001. This
was the first month that this association functioned and the first month
any members were accepted. The scrutiny of the review of our
documentation that was performed in 2007 reflects the integrity,
honesty, and professionalism that this association meets.
Additionally, our Executive Director and founder has been a noted
speaker in his podiatric profession in the past 20 years, Dr. Kravitz
voluntarily donates any honorariums or speaking money that he obtains to
the APWCA. In fact whenever possible, he requests that the money for
same be drafted as a grant to the association rather then be provided to
himself.
Our books are transparent and open should anyone like further review.
We strive to provide the very best: educational resources,
representation for our members for insurance issues, informative
consultation services for those requesting same and a budget that is
lean without fat so that each dollar received through various resources
goes toward providing these services with low operating expenses.
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American Wound Care Foundation Update
American Wound Care Foundation is up and running! This has been a
long term project that has finally materialized. The foundation is
a Philanthropic not profit charitable organization. Its primary
goals and objectives is to provided medical supplies and services to
those with limited income who are not able to receive such either
because of insurance denial or lack of insurance coverage. The
Foundation will also provide education to patients and caregivers.
Those who would like more information can contact the Foundation by
clicking on the button on the APWCA website homepage or visiting
http://www.AmWCF.org/
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House of Delegates Needs You
The association is actively looking for members who would like to
participate and be a member of the APWCA House of Delegates. This
is an exciting opportunity for those who would like to get involved with
the APWCA and serve as a grass-roots advocate for concerns of the
regional area, brining these to the administration and the APWCA Board
of Directors. The House of Delegates meets annual during our APWCA
National meeting which will occur April 1-5 in Philadelphia in 2009.
Please contact headquarters (wounds@apwca.org)
for more information so you can then be contacted by the Chair of the
House, Michael Fusaro, DPM, FAPWCA.
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CME Audit Update
If you’ve been audited for
CME APWCA requirements; to maintain active status during 2007, we highly
recommend you attend APWCA2008 and register for
a minimal 21 contact hours of education so that you are not placed on
inactive status and maintain your designation as Fellow, Diplomate,
or
Associate of this organization.
Your other option is to mail the APWCA HQ CME attendance documents
totaling 21 hours of CME/CE in wound care in conferences provided by, or approved by the scientific committee of this
association.
CME Audits have been initiated this year. Members are to obtain 21
hours of continuing medical education credit in wound care every three
years to maintain their designation of Fellow, Diplomate
or
Associate. When audited, it is important
that the member maintain proper documentation to fulfill this
requirement. This can be done through attending APWCA educational
events or any one of a number of educational meetings
approved by the APWCA Scientific Committee.
Point to Note:
All of our national meetings, including APWCA2008 this past March and
the upcoming APWCA2009, to be held April 1 – 5, 2009, will automatically
track the CME for each member. Therefore should an audit occur,
any member who attends an APWCA national meeting will automatically
default to the conference database. If attended 21 hours
or
more of education the audit
would then therefore be met.
This is a major advantage to
members attending our annual Spring educational events.
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Membership Fees: Paid Online
Annual membership fee can now be paid on
line at www.apwca.org - When you
receive a copy of your dues notice remember payment on line is
available.
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Headquarters Improvement Campaign
Federico Peguero,
MD,
FAPWCA, Treasurer and Board Member, will assume responsibility for
managing the HQ Improvement Campaign. He encourages all members
who have not yet participated to think about doing so. He has
provided a full report, which will run in our Winter edition of printed
Synergy Newsletter to be mailed shortly!!
Note that all funds are appreciated – large or
small – and 100% of that donated goes directly to the improvements at
the APWCA office. Contribute on-line from our home page at
www.apwca.org.
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Wound Care Essentials
Practice Principles
Sharon Baranoski MSN,RN, CWOCN, APN, DAPWCA, FAAN
Elizabeth A. Ayello PhD, RN, APRN,BC, CWOCN, FAPWCA, FAAN
Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
ISBN:
978-1-58255-469-3
Copyright: 2008©
Page Count: 496
List price: $47.95
Written by two well-known wound care specialists and an
interdisciplinary team of experts, this handbook is essential for all
professionals involved in wound care, including nurses, physical
therapists, physicians, podiatrists, and long-term care professionals.
The book provides practical, comprehensive guidelines for assessment and
management of both common and atypical wound problems and covers many
topics not sufficiently addressed in other texts, such as sickle cell
wounds, amputation, gene therapy, and the specific wound care needs of
special populations. Features include more than 100 photographs and
illustrations, recurring icons such as Evidence-Based Practice
and Practice Points, case studies, and review questions.
Visit www.LWW.com/nursing or call 1-800-638-3030 to
order your copy today!
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Name Change Announced for Honey-Based Product Line
DermaSciences, Princeton, NJ, and its partner, Comvita New Zealand,
Ltd, have changed the brand name of their honey-based product line to
MEDIHONEY. Both companies previously intended to market the products
under the API-MED brand. The MEDIHONEY brand was acquired by Comvita
through its recent purchase of Medihoney-Pty Ltd, a former subsidiary or
the Australian-based Capilano group. MEDIHONEY is a line of active
Leptospermum honey-based wound and burn dressings used in several
countries. The first of these dressings, a calcium alginate dressing
with active Manuka (Leptospermum) honey was cleared for use in the
management of wounds and burns by the Food and Drug Administration in
July 2007.
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New Patient Information Brochures
Brochures are now available to distribute to patients, place in waiting
room, etc. They explain the benefits you as a provider offer patients
through your membership. These can be purchased through the APWCA
at a nominal fee of $30.00 per 100 copies (includes $25.00/100 plus
$5.00 for tax, shipping and handling). Charge card orders can
only be processed by phone or fax. Do not use email for credit card
orders as our email address is for our general box and is not secured.
We will also have availability to order the brochures on line
through our website over the next few weeks. Until then, drop us a line
and call us or fax your request.
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Lab Coat Patches
Lab Coat Patches are now also available. These are very attractive color
embroidered patches for sleeve or front of lab coat with APWCA logo and
the motto “Synergy
of Disciplines in Wound Care”.
They are to be sewn to the garment to ensure they are secured properly.
Wear them proudly to demonstrate your interest in wound care and your
membership in this Association to your peers and patients. The first
patch is on us at no charge or you can mail a check or charge $10.60
(includes handling, postage and tax) payable to APWCA by phone or fax
and we will mail you four patches.
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APWCA Lapel Pins
APWCA Lapel Pins came out last year. Wear these proudly on dress sport
coats as well as lab coats. Our acronym, “APWCA” in center with the
phrase “Synergy in Wound Care” or “Synergy in Disciplines” peripheral
around pin border. They look great. Wear the lapel pin proudly today.
Be sure to pick up your pin at any APWCA conference or related event.
See events schedule at bottom of this email news update.
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APWCA Members Online Directory
Online directory: Look for this to be initiated shortly. All members
will have three options available. 1. You may opt out and not
participate 2. participate a directory open to the general public 3.
directory open to members only. The online directory was requested by
members, voted on and unanimously approved during the annual meeting of
the membership held in April during the APWCA2007.
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Power Point Slide Set for Wound Care Lectures
PowerPoint CD with nearly 100 slides, “Fundamentals of Wound Care” is
available. Nearly 100 word slides with many photographs. $100.00 plus
tax ($106.00) for members and $250.00 plus tax ($265.00) for
non-members. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for normal delivery. Expedited 10 day
turn around out to mail, additional $25.00.
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Certificate Framing
NOW AVAILABLE
American Professional Wound Care Association certificate professionally
framed with superior quality materials ready for display
Your choice of two attractive ways to have your credential framed and
ready for display.
The first is a traditional walnut burl with an inner gold edge made of a
composite material. The second produces a more contemporary look
with a brushed gold aluminum frame, approximately 19”w x 16” h.
Neither frame will warp, crack, or release harmful chemicals that may
damage the enclosed item. Both contain your certificate, double
matted with acid free materials, glazed with plexi-glass and a wire
attached for immediate display.
The cost including shipping is $185 .00 plus 6% sales tax totals $196.10
Please
allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
Telephone: 215.364.4100, e-mail:
wounds@apwca.org
AMEX, Visa & MasterCard accepted
Checks made payable to APWCA:
American Professional Wound Care Association
853 Second Street Pike, Suite #A-1,
Richboro,
PA 18954
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APWCA 2008 Sponsors
We are proud to be able to acknowledge all of the following:
Emerald Level:
McCord Research
Platinum Level:
HealthPoint, Vasamed, Medline Industries, NormaTec
Gold Level:
Cubist, Organogenesis Inc, Derma Sciences Inc, Kinetic Concepts Inc.
Silver Level:
Advanced BioHealing, Coloplast, Earthwalk Orthotics, HyperMed Inc,
Natural Step, PamLab LLC, Perry Baromedical, Smith & Nephew Wound
Management
Bronze level:
Medical Nutrition USA Inc, Physicians Choice Hosiery
Copper Level:
Medela Healthcare, National Healing Corporation
APWCA appreciates all of these companies for
their vision and support of
the APWCA educational goals and objectives. They have allowed this
Association to aspire and produce a gold standard, pace setting
scientific program for our 2008 National.