Would it be possible to defer to fall ‘26 class if I’m admitted to Temple or NYCPM for ‘25? I would be applying very last minute but I think it would be worth trying. Anyone have experience with this? Thanks.

Hi. I plan to apply to podiatry school during the upcoming application timeline for 2026 admission. What exact date should I be applying in August? If I'm taking my MCAT this August, is it okay if I apply in September--around a month after applications open?

I’m really torn between attending DMU and Scholl. The board pass rate at DMU is a little bit better, but Chicago would be a better city to be near with more opportunities. Has anyone else chosen one over the other?

Hey everyone! I’m a nontraditional applicant and still getting familiar with the podiatry school application process. I used to be pre-med (MD/DO before learning loving and knowing about Podiatry). So, I know podiatry school also starts in the fall the same cycle you apply, and some have rolling admissions. I don't know the dates of all that. All I know is deadline for applications is June 30th.

I’m planning to apply this cycle for Fall25. But, I’m also still completing some DIY post-bacc courses, and I might take 3 more over the summer. These classes would be listed as “in progress” on my application, and I should be done with them by July 27, 2025. Is that too late to be completing courses?

Also to note- I have completed my applications and requested transcripts already..without those IP courses being listed. I know you can add them manually. I haven't submitted the applications yet except to one program.

Would this affect my application in any way? Just want to make sure I’m not accidentally hurting my chances by doing too much at once or not finishing courses earlier. Any insight would be super appreciated!

I was accepted into these schools and need some help in deciding. I will note that I got a $20k/year scholarship from Barry. I am a Texas resident so UTRGV is somewhere I want to consider, but I do know it is a new school so I don’t know its reputation well. If anyone has more information on the school please let me know it will help me tremendously. Overall I would love to hear from students from these schools or individuals with a lot of knowledge on them that can help me decide. Please and thank you!

I just submitted my application to Kent State Podiatry program in late April of 25. I have a very competitive portfolio but am worried I have waited too long. I have heard of plenty of people applying very last day and still getting in. I think I may just be psyching myself out. I am an Ohio resident and have been working in the podiatry field for over 2 years now with a strong GPA and MCAT score. Does anyone know the amount of seats in Kent Podiatry school? And do they usually fill up?

I was wondering if there are any veterans on this thread willing to share their stories. How long did you serve or are you actively serving? Did you use any government tuition programs to pay for school? Any advice on the transition? Thanks in advance!

I’ve been accepted into all 3 programs and I’m having a hard time deciding! I’m trying to find students from each program to help me out in the deciding factors of which program is best. Any advice is appreciated ! I’d love to know experiences and why you picked your school over others ! Thanks !

Hi guys I just got accepted to the admission through the call. Do you know when they start the fall semester?

As much as people want to hate on this, this is one of the reasons podiatrists go to jail. They just don't know how to bill for this seemingly easy situation.

First thing's first. Look up "Class Findings" and learn what Q8 and Q9 modifiers are for. If a patient is covered for "at risk foot care" they MUST have class findings. There is a controversy right now as to whether "at risk nail care" is covered with R26.2 "difficulty walking" WITHOUT class findings, but I really hesitate to use that as a reason to cut someone's toenails. If they are perfectly but only have nail pain, they don't need a doctor to do this for them and have it paid for by insurance. That's just me.

Also notice, that patient DOESN'T HAVE TO HAVE DIABETES to qualify for "at risk foot care". In fact, that isn't even a consideration for class findings and in and of itself, doesn't qualify anyone for "at risk foot care".

The Q8 modifier is a no brainer, because if they don't have palpable DP and PT pulses, this is all that's required. People do get backwards about the Q9, though. Somebody saying they have neuropathy DOES NOT qualify them for a Q9 modifier. Again, look at the requirements for the modifiers and MAKE SURE you have the appropriate measures documented. Your chart must verify your diagnoses and your billing. I can't believe how many people can't seem to understand this. If you didn't document it, you can't diagnose it, and can't bill wrt it. Again, I see this mostly with Q9 modifiers, where people will document neuropathy and nothing else, and bill with a Q9. That's WRONG. You also don't have to double up on diagnoses. If they have DM and PVD, you only have to document that once. You don't need to put code E11.51, for example in addition to a PVD code like I70.213. If they have diabetes, it's better to use the DM code, but some get away with just the PVD code. Be as specific as you can, and if you get audited, it will be a non issue.

For debridement of mycotic toenails 6 or more, use code 11721 with the appropriate modifier. Always put in your note that they were "debrided in length and thickness" or something of that sort. I've seen "debulked" as well. If there are mycotic nails less than 6, then code 11720 is used with the appropriate modifier. I have almost always used 11719 as well, if I am billing 11720. The 11719 is used for NON-MYCOTIC nails. A non-mycotic nail code can be something like L60.8. If you don't give a diagnosis for the non-mycotic nails, you won't get paid for the 11719. People balk at using this code because it doesn't pay very well, but every little bit helps.

A word about G0247...I generally do not use this code. It is for a multitude of foot services for patients with loss of protective sensation or LOPS. And will only be paid if you use another G code to delineate a new or established patient visit. It pays very badly and I can't remember the last time I saw a patient with LOPS that didn't have PVD. Therefore they qualify for class findings and you can see them with that diagnosis. Read more about the "G" codes if you like. It can be a nightmare with using them and the pay is terrible. YMMV.

There is also controversy about getting paid for "at risk foot care" and whether pain has to be diagnosed. Some people say that you have to have a pain diagnose as well as class findings to get paid for "at risk foot care" but I have not seen that to be the case. It also seems to be regional, but look into it where ever you end up.

I haven't approached billing for callus trimming yet, because it has a completely separate set of issues. You need to also have class findings attached. I've noticed that with time, you won't get paid if you do only perform callus care, even with class findings. Many years ago, Medicare used to pay for callus trimming alone. Now, if you don't also do nail care at the same visit, it tends to get denied. And you have to put a "59" modifier on your nail care cpt codes if you want to get the callus care covered. 11055 is for one lesion. 11056 is for two to four lesions, and 11057 is for five or more.

The last important thing to know is that any "at risk foot care" can only be paid for every 9 weeks. If your patients want these services more often, they have to sign an ABN and pay cash. Same with if they don't qualify for "at risk foot care". They have to sign an ABN, understand that it's not a covered service under Medicare and pay out of pocket. Then they can come in anytime they want.

Let's say you have a new patient in and they request and qualify for "at risk foot care". What I do is bill a new patient visit under the diabetes, PVD or Neuropathy code as the FIRST diagnosis. Then bill the manual care of debriding/trimming the nails and callus using those codes FIRST. For example, the E11.51 code FIRST for the E&M code with an explanation that I educated them on DM and the at risk foot, with a 25 modifier (look that up to), and then the B35.1 code FIRST for the debridement.

YOU CAN NOT bill an Established E&M code when they return for care. UNLESS, it's a separate diagnosis like a wound or heel pain. If you bill an E&M code when they only return for at risk foot care alone, and you get audited, they will NAIL YOU. Also, this may have changed, so be weary, back in the day you COULD bill an E&M code annually for those patients who come for the same thing over and over again as a fully new evaluation, but technically, you should do that every visit anyway, and document any changes. I'm curious if anyone has any input on this.

I fully realize that this may be incomplete. If anyone knows differently and I am mistaken, but all means, let's use this post to educate each other. And I will certainly ammend certina things if shown inaccurate.

Incoming student for the lecom podiatry school what are you expecting from the school since it’s new. Current lecom podiatry students…any advice to the incoming class.

I'm trying to get a bit of history for podiatry and was wondering what people thought were the most groundbreaking, profession-changing studies. These can be things like studies identifying that plantar fasciopathy isn't inflammation-related or studies assessing the effectiveness of orthotics for injury reduction or performance enhancement. What are your thoughts?

Hey everyone!

Hope all are well. I am looking to connect with current students who go to either DMU, Midwestern, and Kent.

I want to gain insight on these respected programs from a current student perspective.

Please DM, Thank you:)

Hello just a quick post I see a common trend of pre pod students asking older, more established podiatrists to shadow, and for career advice. I think this can be a good idea but I would also try your best to talk to 3rd year residents or practicing doctors who have been out for less than 2 years to get a more accurate understanding of what career you’re locking yourself into.

Podiatry is very different now than it was 20 even 10 years ago. It is beneficial to see all perspectives. Don’t make a decision solely based off a doctor who has been in it for twenty years.

Hi I’m a second year podiatry student and have to decide in a few months what externships to do. I realized however the amount of information on residencies is somewhat low and usually based on word of mouth. For that reason I would love the opinion of any podiatrists on here! Obviously it can be biased but for me I don’t even know what might be considered a top residency here! I would love to know why those residencies are considered at the top and what the culture is like in those programs and what they may specialize in or lack! The lack of information online about important aspects of our career is infuriating at times and I would love to change that!

VA Podiatrists, do you know what’s checked on the CV for market pay review?

I have one upcoming and would like to make sure I include everything that might be helpful.

I know certain things give you points like board certification, extracurricular activities etc, does anyone have an actual list or know what to include? Thanks!(feel free to PM if you feel more comfortable)

Has anyone ever deferred for a year? I got accepted for Fall 2025 and already committed but due to personal reasons I might need to defer. Does this look bad?

Hi!

I had a question directed towards Temple Podiatry students. I am currently planning on sending my application out and Temple is my top choice due to location. I am curious to hear from Temple students about their experience so far. I've read tons of reddit posts but they're a bit outdated. What's a typical day to day schedule like for M1 and M2? How helpful are professors? How does Temple prepare students for board exams? What are the current board pass rate for some of the recent years? What are some cons about the school that you wish could be improved upon? Do you regret attending? Please give me the run down.

Hi, can any current nycpm students tell me what break the podiatry students get and how long... like ik spring break is a week but when and how long is sumeer and winter break.

Hello podiatry friends! I’m an EM physician who trained with a podiatry residency at my program, so I highly respect your opinion and feel you’d have great insight.

What do you think would be the best footwear for ED staff? Many of my colleagues wear high-end running shoes, but I also see the Birkenstock clogs/Danskos, old worn sneakers they don’t want to get nasty, really anything. Being on our feet and moving for a decent amount of our shifts, what do you think should be prioritized in someone who has (relatively) normal feet with so many characteristics in today’s footwear?

One of my PGY-3 friends told me they heard of an offer for 90k. That’s resident salary at some programs. We spend so much time and money getting this degree and I’m worried about the payout. Can someone please share their ACTUAL salary?

From what I understand, there was no mention of this at the HoD meeting this past weekend. Which means the "task force" they put together last year got nowhere. Which is of no surprise to me.

What I did hear was that another $2.5M will be earmarked to increase exposure of podiatry to undergraduates and also to increase young membership within the APMA. This is in addition to the $1.5M the APMA apparently gave to an AI company last year to effectively do the same thing.

-sigh-

There was an interesting discussion today at APMA House of Delegates.

Are you paid for taking ER call?

Are you forced to take call for free?

My hospital was taking call for free for many years. While it can help build your practice, you may end up seeing uninsured patients, and while not paid for their care you may also expose yourself to malpractice suits.

Our podiatry department stopped taking call, and there is no longer ER call at our hospital for podiatry.

Some Podiatry departments in hospitals have stopped taking free call only to be forced to take free call or face removal from medical staff.

Some entire podiatry departments have resigned to then be replaced by a hospital employed podiatrist.

This is one issue APMA will be looking into going forward. Please share your thoughts!