General Membership Meeting
April 29, 2006
Dr. Thompson called the meeting to order at 11:30AM. A quorum was present. The new APMA
president, David Schofield was introduced. Dr. Schofield thanked the membership for inviting him to the
meeting, and congratulated us on the passage of our new Practice Act. He then touched on some
important points of interest regarding the national association. Dr. Schofield introduced trustees, Drs. Dan
Davis, Kathleen Stone, and Glenn Gastwirth.
ELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS:
Dr. Sage presented his report showing 2 changes in status members: Dr. Lee Klauk (lifetime member
status), Darcia Merritt (permanently disabled). He also introduced 5 new members: Dr. Andy Marso
(Steven’s Point), Dr. William Roman (Barron/Bloomer), Dr. Bruce Neumann (Manitowoc), Dr. Paul
Zerovec (Milwaukee), and Dr. Thomas Perendy (Medford). A motion was made to accept the 2 changes
in status members, and the new members. VOTED ON AND PASSED. Dr. Sage also discussed briefly
that there will be a new member initiative started from the APMA.
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: The minutes of the last meeting were presented and approved.
TREASURERS REPORT:
Dr. Miceli discussed the report. Highlights of the report show a net profit of $13,098.99 for 2005. The
budget anticipated a higher amount, but expenses were higher. The budgets for 2006 are created on last
year’s real numbers, current trends, and educated guesses for the remainder of the year. Member dues
and saving’s account interest will remain predictably stable. Exhibitor fees have been budgeted to last
year’s lower amounts. Upon advisement, money to be received by the Midwest Conference will be
significantly lower. Legal fees due to significant legislation initiatives are and will remain higher for the
remainder of the year. All of this will create an anticipated net loss for 2006.
PRESIDENTIAL REPORT:
Dr. Thompson started by discussing the new contracts drafted for Dr. Kortsch and Dr. Frydman. Dr.
Thompson discussed how Dr. Kortsch stepped down as executive director in January after 40 years of
service. It is proposed that he serve as an independent contractor on a project basis, and Dr. Frydman as
executive director. Dr. Thompson already sees how things are moving along smoothly with this new
transition. VOTED AND PASSED. He also states that a CPA review of 2003-04 shows us in good
shape. He also discussed how happy we are about the new Practice Act, and he thanked everyone who
helped and gave support.
Dr. Thompson stated that the Combined Action and PPAC is going to be taken over by Dr. Merckx. Dr.
Boudreau and Dr. Thompson will still be involved. Dr. Thompson stated that a $200 minimum is
recommended for all members for direct givers. He is going to direct the treasurer to write a $1000 check
to PPAC for the government education fund. PPAC has the highest percentage of member support of
any major PAC in the country. He states we need to stay influential with this program. Dr. Thompson also
stated that we are trying to pass legislation for podiatrists to be considered physicians under the new
Medicaid bill; however, this may take several sessions in Congress.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
PUBLIC POLICY: Mr. Driessen thanked the membership for all the support for the Practice Act. He
pointed out that the only limitation to podiatrists in the legislation is in the area of general anesthesia. He
is very proud of our act, since the last re-write was in the 1960’s. He also reported that Dr. Lisa Reinke
will return as podiatry board chair, and Drs. Ian Furness and Melanie Berg were appointed to the board
also. Mr. Driessen discussed the CRNA/anesthesia issue, and that WSPM’s position is that everything is
working well with nurse anesthetists, and that everything should stay the same. Mr. Driessen also briefly
discussed his disappointment in the Any Willing Provider Act, which is still not advancing. He is
concerned that some members do not support the act, because they may be employed by some of these
entities, and it may be a conflict of interest. The bill will be back, and we will re-visit it. Other issues
include legislation introduced for the ability of health care providers to “apologize”. This legislation would
prohibit this, and most probably will be vetoed. Mr. Driessen believes the health savings account
legislation will pass again. Mr. Driessen also acknowledged Dr. Kortsch for being very motivational and
optimistic, and thanked him for his years of service. He also reminded all the membership to be attentive
to legislators this year, and thank our friends through this next election cycle.
Dr. Lisa Reinke commented on the CRNA /anesthesia issue from the podiatry board’s standpoint, and
just re-stated that they are clashing right now, and that it has nothing to do with us as a profession. She
reassured us that we’re not battling any turf wars with anesthesiologists. The board will make sure our
interests are protected.
MIDWEST: Dr. Frydman confirmed that the conference is going well, but that we have less people here
than last year. (about 10% less) He has had good feedback that the lectures have been good this year.
He is going to remind everyone that the meeting will be at the Hyatt next year, and one month earlier.
APMA DELEGATION REPORT: Dr. Sage presented 2 resolutions that the APMA would like to
implement. Resolution #7: Reaffirms the commitment to endorse a Podiatric Health Section within the
American Public Health Association. Possible talks include getting each state to fund 2-3 positions. It will
be left up to the states. Dr. Sage continued with resolution # 11 which requests that all state components
identify the level at which Podiatrists are permitted to supervise physician extenders (nail technicians,
physical therapists, etc.) within the scope of our state license, and that we include relevant regulations,
business and professional codes. They would like a report back by 2007.
MEDICARE LIASON: Dr. Merckx will be attending a meeting later today with other state members. He will
be presenting on Medicare documentation. He also states there is a website to access E/M coding
requirements.
NEW BUSINESS:
Senate bill 1955 (Health insurance modernization and affordability act) will be voted on within a week. If
passed it will eliminating state protection on insurance coverage. This would be detrimental to podiatry,
and he urged us to contact Senator Kohl’s office, as it will be a close vote and he is undecided. Senator
Feingold opposes the bill.
Dr. Thompson was happy to report that our web site is up and running and that is going to be a great link
to our legislators, the board and the membership. Minutes of our meetings will be posted on the website.
Dr. Thompson announced that the scholarship fund has been funded fully and that it has been named the
WSPM/ Dr. Kevin Kortsch Scholarship Fund.
He then presented Dr. Kortsch with a plaque from the membership in appreciation for all his years of
service.
Comments from the floor resulted in a discussion by Dr. Ted Ludwig regarding podiatric officers not
receiving recognition as other specialties do in the military service.
The meeting was adjourned at 1 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosanne Clement, DPM.