Month: July 2025

We’re excited to share an important and encouraging development in Medicare policy—one that reflects both a significant advocacy victory and the strength of AOPA’s collaborative relationship with the DME MACs.

After nearly two years of persistent engagement following AOPA’s formal LCD reconsideration request, the DME MACs have released a draft revision to the Knee Orthoses Local Coverage Determination (LCD) and its corresponding Policy Article. This proposed update represents a major step forward in correcting one of the most significant omissions in Medicare coverage: orthotic treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Yesterday, July, 17, 2025, Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) in the U.S. Senate and Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Mike Thompson (D-CA) in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act (S. 2329) and (H.R. 4475). This bipartisan legislation represents a significant step forward in improving access, quality, and oversight in orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) care for Medicare beneficiaries.

The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is pleased to announce that Teri Kuffel, JD has been appointed to serve as Executive Director by the AOPA Board of Directors.

Kuffel, who has served as Interim Executive Director since January, received unanimous support from the Board. She has proven her ability to provide strong and passionate leadership that is built on her nearly three decades of experience in the orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) profession. During her eight years of service on the AOPA Board, including her role as President from 2022-2023, she consistently and passionately demonstrated her commitment to AOPA’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities, always striving to bring more value to its members. She is recognized as an effective legislative advocate and collaborator who has nurtured relationships with the leaderships of O&P associations and businesses, as well as state and national legislators.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joy Klapp
Email: jklapp@AOPAnet.org

AOPA Announces 2025 Howard R. Thranhardt Award Recipients

Alexandria, VA (July 8, 2025) — The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is proud to announce the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Howard R. Thranhardt Award:

• Levi Hargrove, PhD, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
• Tyler Klenow, MSPO, MBA, CPO, FAAOP, Ottobock
• Russell Lundstrom, MS, Ottobock