• Login

    • Year: 2018

    Latest Blog

    AOPA and The O&P Foundation Announce 2026 Sponsored Research Grant Targeting Socket Quality and Safety

    Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025

    CMS to Host Special Open-Door Forum to Introduce New Documentation Look Up Tool

    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that it will hold a special Open-Door Forum conference call to educate the public about a new initiative tasked with developing an online resource where providers and suppliers can look up the documentation requirements necessary for Medicare to cover a service or item.  While the initiative is still in the early stages of development, CMS has indicated that it is interested in receiving feedback from the public as it develops this initiative.

    AOPA will be represented on the conference call and will provide a report to AOPA members upon its conclusion.  The call is scheduled for 2pm until 3pm EDT on Tuesday, October 23, 2018.  The conference call dial in number for anyone who wishes to participate is 1-800-837-1935 and the participant ID is 7277693.  The call is open to the public and no pre-registration is required.

    As stated earlier, AOPA will be represented on the call and will provide a report to its members on the content of the call.

    The CMS announcement regarding the Special Open-Door Forum call may be viewed HERE

    Questions regarding this issue may be directed to Joe McTernan at jmcternan@aopanet.org or Devon Bernard at dbernard@aopanet.org.\

    DME MACs Release Revised “Dear Physician” Letter Regarding General Documentation Requirements

    The four Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) have recently released a revised version of the “Dear Physician” letter that addresses the need for prescribing physicians to support the medical necessity of the DMEPOS services they prescribe through proper clinical documentation in the patient’s medical record.  While the revisions to the Dear Physician letter were not significant from previous versions of the long-standing letter, the revision provides a reminder that for DMEPOS items or services to be covered, they must always be supported by physician documentation.

    O&P won a battle in February 2018, with the enactment of Section 50402, which recognized the clinical notes of orthotists and prosthetists as part of the medical record for purposes of medical necessity determinations.  While the legislative change essentially reset the clock back to 2011 and reversed the now retired Dear Physician letter for lower limb prostheses that said that O&P notes were not considered part of the medical record, Section 50402 DID NOT convey to O&P prescribing rights and DID NOT eliminate the need for physician notes supporting the medical need for O&P services they prescribe.  Section 50402 specifically indicates that while orthotist and prosthetist notes are now part of the medical record, they are corroborative, and cannot, standing alone, trigger a finding of medical necessity.

    The recognition of orthotist and prosthetist notes as part of the medical record is a long sought-after result, and one of great pride for AOPA but it is important to remember the crucial role of physician partners in documenting the medical need for O&P services they prescribe.

    The revised Dear Physician letter regarding general documentation was just one of many minor revisions made to the Dear Physician letters.  Most of the revised Dear Physician letters do not apply to O&P services.  This includes the recently revised Dear Physician letter regarding face-to-face visit and written orders prior to delivery for certain DMEPOS items.  It is important to remember that these specific requirements do not apply to O&P services as O&P services are specifically exempt from these requirements.

    AOPA continually monitors the DME MAC websites for substantive changes to the Dear Physician letters that affect O&P providers and will communicate them to AOPA members immediately.

    The revised Dear Physician letter on general documentation requirements may be viewed by clicking HERE.

    Questions regarding this issue may be directed to Joe McTernan at jmcternan@aopanet.org or Devon Bernard at dbernard@aopanet.org

    Advancements in Prosthetics and Orthotics: Selected Articles from the Second World Congress hosted by AOPA is Published

    The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) in partnership with The Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation, JNER, a BioMed Central journal partner, is pleased to announce that the supplement, “Advancements in Prosthetics and Orthotics: Selected articles from the Second World Congress hosted by the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA)” has been published today. The full content of the supplement can be found at http://bit.ly/AdvancementsinOP.

    Presenters of the identified papers were invited to submit their full manuscript to the JNER for rigorous peer-review and consideration for publication in a special topic edition on prosthetics and orthotics that would capture the essence of the 2017 World Congress. The goal of this special topics edition was to afford the scientific and clinical communities the opportunity to take a “deeper dive” into the detail of the top presentations of the 2017 AOPA World Congress. These topics were regarded as cutting-edge topics ranging from exercise testing and cardiovascular events in patients with limb loss to gait assessment and novel therapies such as use of a virtual environment during rehabilitation. Additionally and importantly, economic evaluations for orthotic and prosthetic devices are also included.

    Numerous stakeholders are responsible for facilitating development of this special issue of JNER. The guest editorial board wishes to thank AOPA and its volunteer content committee for vetting and identifying its top papers and presenters, the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. for its generous sponsorship, to the authors for submitting their work and of course to the JNER team for their partnership. It is our hope that the entire community of stakeholders in prosthetics and orthotics benefit from the findings contained in this edition of the JNER.

    Questions? Please contact Yelena Mazur, AOPA’s Communications Specialist at 571/431-0835 or ymazur@AOPAnet.org.

    AOPA Submits Comments on Draft Lower Limb Prosthesis Policy Released by Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL, TX. MT, NM, and OK

    On October 1, 2018, AOPA submitted comments on a draft policy governing coverage of lower limb prostheses, including microprocessor-controlled prostheses issued by Health Care Services Corporation (HCSC), which operates Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Texas, Montana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The draft policy, as written will significantly reduce access to advanced prosthetic technology for BCBS subscribers in these five states. AOPA expressed its concern regarding the draft policy in its comments which are summarized below and linked at the end of this article.

    AOPA’s first concern is that HCSC published the draft policy on September 15, 2018 with comments due no later than October 1, 2018. AOPA commented that 15 days was not sufficient time to perform a complete review of the draft policy and provide informed comments. AOPA suggested a minimum 60-day comment period to allow stakeholders adequate time to comment on the draft policy. Despite the unrealistic deadline, AOPA submitted comprehensive comments regarding the draft policy and negative impact it will have on BCBS subscribers.

    AOPA commented that the draft policy is unnecessarily restrictive and will limit access to advanced technology, especially to BCBS subscribers who may be classified as limited community ambulators (K2) but may benefit more from receiving microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees. AOPA refenced studies published by the RAND Corporation, the health economics firm Dobson-DaVanzo, and the Mayo Clinic that showed that the use of microprocessor-controlled knees by limited community ambulators reduced the rate of falls and fall related injuries. The draft policy would effectively eliminate BCBS coverage except for patients who were assessed as high functioning community ambulators (top percentage of K3 patients).

    AOPA’s comments also referenced the recent report of the inter-agency workgroup that was convened to provide a consensus statement on Medicare coverage of lower limb prostheses after the Medicare draft LCD was released several years ago. The inter-agency workgroup recommended the potential creation of a National Coverage Determination that would address Medicare coverage of microprocessor knee in K2 patients. AOPA’s comments expressed concern that restricting access to advanced prosthetic technology was not in BCBS’ best interest nor the best interest of their subscribers as it was contradictory to the consensus statement of the inter-agency workgroup and the overall health of their subscribers.

    AOPA is hopeful that HCSC will seriously consider AOPA’s comments before publishing the final version of the policy revision.

    AOPA’s complete comments may be viewed here.

    Learn about Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice in O&P at the AOPA National Assembly

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 101st Annual AOPA National Assembly is coming to the Vancouver Convention Center from September 26th-29th in Vancouver, Canada. The Annual Assembly is the highlight of the year for the more than 2,200 orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professionals expected in attendance – because of its expansive educational opportunities, massive exhibit hall, and engaging events.

    Please join us Thursday, September 27 at 10:00 AM – Noon as our elite panel of presenters share their experience.

    James Campbell, PhD, CO, FAAOP
    Brian Hafner, PhD
    Andreas Hahn, PhD, MSc
    Kenton Kaufman, PhD, PE

    Russell Lundstrom, MS
    Brittany Pousett, CP(C), MSc
    Scott Sabolich, CP

    “Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice in O&P: How Are You Documenting Value in Your Clinic and Using It to Improve Reimbursement?“

    The need for transparent, value-based funding decisions has reached the field of prosthetics and orthotics. The challenges of properly allocating resources within limited healthcare budgets while also providing patients with appropriate state-of-the-art medical technology requires data based guidance. Significant efforts have been made in recent years to identify appropriate, valid, and reliable clinical outcomes capable of addressing these needs. The number of prosthetic clinics adopting routine documentation of clinical outcomes has increased significantly in recent years. In this symposium, we present examples of routine outcomes measurement in clinical practice and illustrate how the data collected can be used to demonstrate clinical value and support reimbursement efforts.

    The full schedule for the Assembly is online at www.AOPAnet.org.

    Download PDF Version

    AOPA Names New Executive Director

    ALEXANDRIA – Eve Humphreys,MBA, CAE, has been named the new Executive Director of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA). Humphreys will officially assume this role on November 19, 2018.

    “We are very pleased that we have found an Executive Director in Eve Humphreys whose experiences and expertise include strategic organizational development, building and maintaining positive organizational culture, domestic and international partnerships, and navigating the complexities of legislative and regulatory advocacy. We are very excited for the future of AOPA under Eve’s talented leadership,” said Weber.

    As the current Executive Director of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), Humphreys brings with her 5 years of experience providing guidance and management of the leading professional society representing physicians and other healthcare professionals in healthcare epidemiology and infection prevention and control.

    “I’m enormously honored to begin working with such a dynamic and well-respected organization as AOPA. It is an exciting time in the orthotic and prosthetic field. AOPA is well positioned to continue on its trajectory of success by expanding its influence and leadership in all areas. I look forward to working closely with the Board, staff and volunteers to advance the field and serve our members.”

    Humphreys has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College and received her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. Eve also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Randolph-Macon College.

    Prior to her work at SHEA, Humphreys served as Senior Director of Membership at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery where she provided direction for domestic and international membership recruitment, retention and engagement for the organization.

    Over her more than two-decade long career, Humphreys has received professional recognition for her strong and effective communications strategies. Her experiences and expertise include navigating the complexities of legislative and regulatory advocacy, working with volunteer and society leaders to create policy and position statements, practice guidelines, and continuing medical education content to advance organizations and industries.

    Questions? Please contact Tina Carlson, AOPA’s COO at 571/431-0808 or tcarlson@AOPAnet.org.

    Download PDF Version

    AOPA Presents the Thranhardt Lecture Series at the National Assembly

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 101st Annual AOPA National Assembly is coming to the Vancouver Convention Center from September 26th -29th in Vancouver, Canada. The Annual Assembly is the highlight of the year for the more than 2,200 orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professionals expected in attendance – because of its expansive educational opportunities, massive exhibit hall, and engaging events.

    Hear the two abstracts selected as the award-winning “Best of Show” Thranhardt Lectures. Launched by a gift from J.E Hanger in memory of Howard R. Thrandhardt, CP, the series offers an honorarium to the winners. The series recognizes individuals committed to advancing O&P education and research. Winners of the Thranhardt Lecture receive an award of $500 each. Hear the presentations on Thursday, September 27, from 8:00 – 8:30 AM in Hall B2 (Exhibition Level).

    2018 Award Winners:

    • Significant Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Cranial Remolding Orthoses in Infants with Deformational Plagiocephaly (C2-A) – Tiffany Graham, MSPO, CPO, LPO
    • Comparative Effectiveness of Microprocessor and Energy Storing Prosthetic Ankles (C2-B) – Brian Kaluf, BSE, CP, FAAOP

    The full schedule for the Assembly is online at www.AOPAnet.org.

    Download PDF Version

    101st Annual AOPA National Assembly Has Something to Offer All O&P Professionals

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 101st Annual AOPA National Assembly
    is coming to the Vancouver Convention Center from September 26th-29th in Vancouver, Canada. The Annual Assembly is the highlight of the year for the more than 2,200 orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professionals expected in attendance – because of its expansive educational opportunities, massive exhibit hall, and engaging events.

    2,200 healthcare professionals and caregivers gather to network with their peers, learn about the latest technology developments, and to glean insight into the current and future research of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics. The vast array of topics include outcomes and evidence based practice in O&P, rehabilitation of the paretic arm, the need for transparent, value-based funding in O&P, technology for geriatrics, just to name a few.

    The education sessions are accompanied by a diverse array of 100+ exhibitors in the grand exhibit hall that houses manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, office managers, and associations that all represent the O&P profession. It is no coincidence that AOPA houses the largest annual O&P convention, there is something for everyone, from technicians and practitioners to office managers and researchers.

    The full schedule for the Assembly is online at www.AOPAnet.org.

    Download PDF Version

    Don’t Miss the Award Winning Hamontree Lectures at the AOPA National Assembly

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 101st Annual AOPA National Assembly is coming to the Vancouver Convention Center from September 26th-29th in Vancouver, Canada. The Annual Assembly is the highlight of the year for the more than 2,200 orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professionals expected in attendance – because of its expansive educational opportunities, massive exhibit hall, and engaging events.

    The Sam E. Hamontree, CP(E) Business Education Award was created to recognize the best business papers submitted for presentation at the AOPA National Assembly. This award is envisioned as a counterpart to the Thranhardt Award given each year to the best clinical abstract(s). The audience will be invited to cast their vote for the award winner. The winner will be announced at the Saturday morning General Session. Don’t miss the award winning Hamontree Lectures on Friday, September 28 at 10:00 AM – Noon.

    Successful Contract Negotiations (B5-A)
    Chris Field, MBA
    Getting paid is the single most important aspect of a successful O&P facility, following quality patient care, and getting paid fairly is something not to be taken for granted. Contract negotiations are ritical for sustainability and this presentation reviews steps taken by an active O&P company to win rate increases from notoriously tight insurance providers.

    Organizational Mission Possible: Top-Ten Developmental Impacts with Increasing Employee Engagement and Lean Strategies (B5-B)
    Kenneth Gavin, CO, MEd
    This presentation will focus on the top-ten important improvement strategies to include people development and explore the strengths and opportunities encountered by organizations. It will briefly introduce lean and answer questions, what is Lean? Standard Work? A3 thinking? Root Cause Analysis? Visual Management? What is growth, mission and relevance of the people that move your organization? Transform your mindset-set from one that limits your opportunities to one that expands your horizons.

    Top 10 Ways to Get and Keep Your Money (B5-C)
    Lesleigh Sisson, CFom
    The climate with Medicare and other payers has changed dramatically in recent years resulting in an increase in denials. Studies have shown that 90% of denials are preventable and 2 out of 3 denials are recoverable. So, how do we improve our practices so we can ensure we will get and keep the money owed to us for services?

    Certified Orthotists and Prosthetists: Product Supplier or Knowledge Based Healthcare Professional? (B5-D)
    Frank Bostock, CPO, FAAOP
    This presentation focuses on presenting an argument for transitioning the O&P profession from product suppliers to knowledge-based healthcare professionals. In the eyes of Medicare and other payers, certified orthotists and prosthetists are viewed as providers of products, and that is how they are paid for their services – through L Codes. Today, there are CPT Codes that pay for
    O&P patient care services that physicians and therapists provide, but O&P professionals are not using these codes to bill for patient care services that are not included in the L Code system. With the current educational requirements required by ABC for an individual to become a certified practitioner, in addition to the residency requirements, O&P practitioners are truly qualified to be recognized as knowledgeable healthcare professionals that provide both patient care services and products. Congress recently passed a Bill recognizing O&P clinical notes as part of the medical record, proving O&P is making headway in being recognized as an undoubtable and credible profession.

    The full schedule for the Assembly is online at www.AOPAnet.org.

    Download PDF Version

    101st Annual AOPA National Assembly Coming to Vancouver, Canada Sept 26-29th

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 101st Annual AOPA National Assembly
    is coming to the Vancouver Convention Center from September 26th-29th in Vancouver, Canada. The Annual Assembly is the highlight of the year for the more than 2,200 orthotic, rosthetic and pedorthic professionals expected in attendance – because of its expansive educational opportunities, massive exhibit hall, and engaging events.

    AOPA is proud to feature keynote speakers, Tobie Hatfield, director of Innovation for Nike and Mike Schulz, Paralympic Gold Medalist. Tobie Hatfield may be best known as one of the chief inventors of the Nike Free running shoe. Hatfield led the design of a lightweight, durable composite sole that can easily be used with a prosthetic blade, inspired and used by Paralympic track athlete/ triathlete Sarah Reinertsen. He has also designed a special line of accessible sneakers (Flyease) for amputees, stroke victims, and people with cerebral palsy. You can catch Tobie Hatfield’s keynote on Thursday, September 27 at 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM during the opening general session.

    Paralympic snowboarder and two-time medalist Mike Schultz learned about prosthetic design after a snowmobile accident left him an above-knee amputee. He founded his own company Bioadapt, and designed the Moto Knee and Versa Foot, which were used by 30 athletes from six different countries at the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games. Hear Mike Schulz speak on Saturday, September 29th at 7:15 AM- 8:30 AM during the general session.

    The full schedule for the Assembly is online at www.AOPAnet.org.

    Download PDF Version