After a successful first year, the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is pleased to announce we once again will be partnering with the Amputee Coalition. Like last year when the partnership launched, the goal remains to provide AOPA members with additional resources to better serve their patients. In 2021, AOPA members will again be […]
News
AOPA Unequivocally Renews its Support of Efforts to Combat Fraud and Abuse through Improper Orthotic and Prosthetic Care
Alexandria, VA (April 29, 2021) – The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), founded in 1917, represents more than 2,000 patient care facilities and businesses that manufacture, distribute, design, fabricate, fit, and supervise the use of orthoses (orthopedic braces) and prostheses (artificial limbs). In April 2019, following an extensive investigation dubbed Operation Brace Yourself, the Department […]
2021 National Assembly Update
The 2021 National Assembly is on…in-person…in Boston…September 9-11. We cannot wait to see you! In addition to the in-person Assembly, we will be offering all the education virtually. This content will be available a week after the Assembly, September 16-18.
Medicare O&P Patient-Centered Care Act Introduced in House, Urge Your Representative to Support
Yesterday, the House introduced the Medicare O&P Patient-Centered Care Act (HR 1990). This bipartisan legislation would improve access to, and quality of, orthotic and prosthetic care while simultaneously combating fraud and abuse. The bill is identical to legislation introduced in the House and Senate last year. Thank you for your help getting this vital legislation […]
Joint DME/PDAC Coding Bulletin Provides Clarification on Proper Billing of Prefabricated Orthoses
On March 11, 2021, the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) and the Pricing, Data Analysis, and Coding Contractor (PDAC) published a joint correct coding bulletin regarding code descriptors that include the term “prefabricated, includes fitting and adjustment”.
After Feedback from AOPA, DME MACs No Longer Require Brand Name Product Selection for Medicare Prior Authorization
In December of 2020, the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) implemented Medicare prior authorization as a condition of claim payment for six lower limb prosthesis HCPCS codes (L5856, L5857, L5858, L5973, L5980, and L5987.) In addition to requiring prior authorization, effective for claims with dates of service on or after January 1, […]
AOPA Partners with Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering
The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is pleased to announce our partnership with the Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering (RATE). Published by SAGE Publishing, RATE is a peer-reviewed, open access, interdisciplinary journal, focusing on the engineering aspects and practical applications of rehabilitation and assistive technologies. It is a highly respected publication that […]
Funding Opportunity: 2021 COPL RFP Now Open
The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), in conjunction with the Center for Orthotic and Prosthetic Learning and Outcomes/Evidence-Based Practice (COPL) and its Board of Directors, is pleased to announce its 2021 Request for Pilot Grant Proposals. Proposals are being accepted in 10 areas of orthotic and prosthetic research including an open topic. For 2021-2022, the association […]
Guidance on Acquiring COVID Vaccines
As was noted in this communication from November 2020, AOPA successfully convinced the CDC to add orthotists and prosthetists to its list of frontline workers who should be first in line for the vaccine, however, the CDC guidelines only serve as suggestions for the states – each state develops their own guidelines. Some states’ guidelines […]
Final VA Rule on Prosthetics Published
The Prosthetic and Rehabilitative Items and Services Final Rule was published in the Federal Register and goes into effect on January 27, 2021. The proposed rule was published in October 2017. AOPA provided comments at that time. The rule establishes and clarifies eligibility for prosthetic and rehabilitative items and services available to Veterans.