On October 31, 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its annual final rule regarding changes to the 2020 Medicare payment rules for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS). CMS issued a proposed rule in late July of this year and allowed any interested member of the public to provide […]
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS), and included in the proposed rule were major changes to the gap-filling methodology. Gap-filling is the current procedure for how new introduced products and HCPCS codes receive a fee schedule […]
On March 28, 2019, AOPA announced its strong opposition to the model for delivery of orthoses that relies on what is known as lead generation marketing to identify and recruit potential patients for treatment with orthoses. Lead generation marketing uses broad stroke advertising such as television ads, websites, and social media to encourage potential patients […]
The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association is proud to announce a Request for Pilot Grant Proposals in 10 potential areas of Orthotic and Prosthetic (O&P) research including an open topic. For 2019-2020, the association is seeking proposals at two funding levels for one-time grants; $15,000 and up to two exceptional proposals for $30,000 for one […]
On March 7, 2019, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the final product categories and timeline for the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program that will begin for dates of service on or after January 1, 2021. As expected, certain off-the-shelf (OTS) knee orthoses and spinal orthoses will be included in the 2021 […]
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes for 2019, and there were a few minor changes. Below is a complete breakdown of the code changes which will be effective for claims with a date of service on or after January 1, 2019. New […]
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2019 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule which will be effective for Medicare claims with a date of service on or after January 1, 2019. The 2018 Medicare fee schedule for orthotic and prosthetic services will be increased by 2.3% over 2018 rates. The 2.3% increase […]
The Orthotic and Prosthetic Alliance has recently drafted and distributed an open letter to the O&P community regarding sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace. AOPA is proud to stand and support this zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, religion, age, national origin, […]
On November 28, 2018, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) regarding the provisions of the October 2017 proposed rule that addressed the Veterans right to choose their provider for provision of artificial limbs. The SNPRM was issued in response to the significant comments that the VA received […]
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is soliciting comments on its proposed inclusion of off-the-shelf (OTS) spinal orthoses and OTS knee orthoses as product categories in the next round of Medicare competitive bidding. While the impact of inclusion of OTS spinal and knee orthoses will not be felt for at least two years, […]
