Orthotic and Prosthetic Community Calls on Congress to Improve the Lives of Those Living with Limb Loss and Difference
American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association urges action during annual Policy Forum
Washington, DC (May 16, 2022) – The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), will ask Congress to act on proposals that will improve the orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) profession and the lives of the patients it serves when they convene in Washington DC this week.
During the 2022 AOPA Policy Forum (May 17 and 18), more than 100 O&P providers, patients, and stakeholders from 31 states, will urge members of Congress to support crucial legislation that will improve the lives of those living with limb loss or limb difference.
When they meet with members of Congress, O&P advocates will encourage lawmakers to support the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act. This legislation will ensure O&P patients have access to quality care and will reduce fraud and abuse in the Medicare O&P benefit. Specifically, this legislation will fundamentally ensure that patients are receiving the best quality care by licensed, credentialed, and trained professionals, guarantee that patient care is easily accessible, and reduce fraud and abuse that carries both a patient care and financial cost.
“Although O&P is a small part of healthcare, it provides critical clinical services for millions of Americans living with limb loss and limb difference. Unfortunately, because of the way the system is designed, not only is there a big burden placed on O&P providers, but they are often not compensated or acknowledged for all the care provided to patients,” said Eve Lee AOPA’s Executive Director. “Together we will ask for common sense solutions that are focused on patients, we will ask for legislation that addresses the burdens O&P providers experience so that they can more easily provide safe, effective, patient-centered care.”
For more information on AOPA’s Policy Forum visit https://www.aopanet.org/legislative-regulatory/2022-policy-forum/
About the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA): A trusted partner, advocating for and serving the orthotic and prosthetic community, the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) fosters relationships with decision makers, provides education, supports research, and advances equality to strengthen the orthotic and prosthetic profession and improve the lives of its patients. Since 1917, AOPA has been the largest non-profit organization consisting of more than 2,000 patient care facilities and suppliers that together manufacture, distribute, design, fabricate, fit, and provide clinical care for patients using orthopedic braces) and prostheses (artificial limbs). Each and every day, AOPA and its members strive for a world where orthotic and prosthetic care transforms lives..