Advocacy
At ILAPPS, we champion podiatric medicine through strong advocacy that protects and elevates the profession across Illinois.
At ILAPPS, advocacy is a driving force behind our mission to advance podiatric medicine and protect the profession in Illinois. Through year‑round legislative action and strong relationships with lawmakers, regulatory agencies, and healthcare partners, we work to protect your scope of practice, expand access to care, and ensure patients across the state can receive expert foot and ankle treatment when they need it
Protecting Your Scope. Championing Your Voice. Elevating Your Profession.
Our advocacy team works year-round with state and national legislators, regulatory agencies, and healthcare coalitions to:
- Protect and expand your scope of practice
- Secure fair reimbursement for podiatric services
- Promote inclusion in healthcare delivery models
- Strengthen public awareness of foot and ankle health
- Defend against legislative threats to the profession
We actively monitor and shape public policy to ensure podiatry remains an essential and respected part of the healthcare system.
Our Impact: Advocacy in Action
Recent Wins
- Passage of legislation expanding DPMs’ scope in surgical care
- Statewide campaigns raising awareness of diabetic foot care
Monitoring & Influencing Policy
- ILAPPS’s legislative consultant tracks Illinois legislation and regulations affecting podiatric medicine, including:
- The Podiatric Medical Practice Act
- Medicaid policy
- Hospital and surgery center privileges for podiatrists
- Advisory role with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, contributing to policy discussions that impact podiatric care
- Capwiz link enables members to contact national and state legislators directly
National Advocacy through APMA
- Real-time updates via APMA’s e-Advocacy site, tracking national legislation affecting podiatry
- Congressional advocacy achievements include:
- Blocking Medicare reimbursement cuts
- Securing exemption from DME (Durable Medical Equipment) certification requirements for podiatrists
Legislative Updates
Stay informed on the latest policy changes, proposed bills, and regulatory decisions impacting podiatric medicine in Illinois and beyond. Our legislative update hub includes real-time alerts, analysis, and summaries of relevant legislative activity.
Sign up for Advocacy Alerts to stay in the know.
Policy Priorities
Learn what issues ILAPPS is currently championing, including:
- Expanding telehealth access for podiatric services
- Ensuring parity in insurance reimbursement
- Increasing Medicaid coverage for foot and ankle procedures
- Advocating for inclusion in multidisciplinary care models
- Protecting podiatric surgical privileges
Get Involved
Your voice matters and when we speak together, we’re stronger. ILAPPS provides opportunities for every member to participate in advocacy efforts:
- Contact your elected officials with our Legislator Lookup Tool
- Join our Legislative Action Committee
- Attend Lobby Days in Springfield
- Participate in our Annual Advocacy Bootcamp
- Support the ILAPPS PAC (Political Action Committee)
Become an Advocacy Ambassador today.
FAQs
How does ILAPPS advocate for podiatrists in Illinois?
ILAPPS advocates for Illinois podiatrists by engaging directly with state legislators, the Illinois Department of Public Health, Medicaid administrators, and private insurers. Key advocacy priorities include protecting and expanding scope of practice, securing fair Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, and ensuring podiatric medicine has a seat at the table in statewide healthcare policy decisions.
Stay current with our advocacy work on the ILAPPS news and insights page.
Why does scope of practice matter for Illinois podiatrists?
Scope of practice defines what procedures and treatments a licensed podiatrist is legally permitted to perform in Illinois. A strong, well-defined scope of practice means patients receive care from the most qualified specialist, reduces unnecessary referrals, and ensures DPMs can fully utilize their surgical and clinical training, directly improving patient outcomes across the state.
How does ILAPPS work to improve Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for podiatrists?
ILAPPS works with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and state agencies to monitor reimbursement rates, challenge proposed cuts, and advocate for payment structures that fairly reflect the value of podiatric care. We also keep members informed of changes to Illinois Medicaid policy that may affect coverage for their patients or payment for their services.
Stay up to date with our news and policy updates.
Why are hospital privileges important for podiatrists, and how does ILAPPS help?
Hospital privileges allow podiatrists to perform procedures in hospital settings and collaborate directly with other specialists which is essential for managing complex cases and delivering comprehensive care. ILAPPS works to protect and expand hospital privileges for Illinois DPMs through ongoing advocacy with hospital systems and healthcare policymakers.
How can Illinois podiatrists get involved in ILAPPS advocacy?
ILAPPS members can engage in advocacy by attending our legislative events, participating in our grassroots initiatives, and communicating directly with Illinois state representatives on key podiatric issues. A unified member voice is our most powerful tool, the more podiatrists who participate, the stronger our collective impact.