News

$10 Million for O&P Outcomes Research Included in the Cromnibus Bill, and RAC Concerns Addressed

December 16, 2014 at 12:34 pm

Great news for O&P outcomes research! The $1.1 trillion combined continuing resolution and omnibus appropriations bill (the “cromnibus” bill) enacted December 13 to keep the government running includes a Department of Defense (DoD) section with an additional $10 million for O&P outcomes research funding.  This was also included in last year’s budget and we are […]

What Do the Election Results Mean for O&P?

November 6, 2014 at 4:04 pm

The November 4 Election brought in big changes in Congress, but how will this affect your business? Read the analysis from AOPA Executive Director, Tom Fise, JD below.

CMS Issues Final Rule on OTS Orthotics

November 4, 2014 at 8:25 am

CMS Reverses Fields, Scuttles Current Process for Redefining Orthotics, and for Limiting Scope of Practice for Certified Orthotic Fitters Late on Friday afternoon, October 31, CMS released the massive final rule covering end stage renal disease payments and a host of other topics, including its proposal to further amend the regulatory definition of “minimal self-adjustment,” […]

Two Leading Senators Write CMS to Support AOPA View, and Insist That CMS Observe Narrower View of “Minimal Self-Adjustment” in OTS Orthotics

October 20, 2014 at 11:14 am

Read the important letter to CMS Administrator Tavenner from Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tom Harkin (D-IA).  The letter speaks for itself, but its essence is to directly challenge CMS for exceeding the simple and straightforward statutory language “minimal self-adjustment” in defining off-the-shelf orthotics. These leading legislators, both of whom were in the Senate about a decade […]

2014 National Assembly Highlights

October 1, 2014 at 2:37 pm

2014 National Assembly Highlights Over 2,200 O&P professionals gathered in Las Vegas for the 97th Annual AOPA National Assembly, September 4-7. The meeting kicked off on Thursday with 32 Manufacturer workshops and a fun welcome reception sponsored by WillowWood. Attendees enjoyed a free gift from our sponsor, a souvenir beer mug and photo opportunities with […]

Participate in Mobility Saves!

September 15, 2014 at 11:25 am

Mobility Saves Lives & Money at AOPA’s 2014 National Assembly! Attendees of the AOPA National Assembly were among the first to learn about Mobility Saves, the importance of the Dobson-DaVanzo Study, and obtained a copy to participate in the O&P campaign of the year! During the assembly presentation on Sunday September 7th, in Mandalay Bay […]

AOPA Renews Partnership with Cailor Fleming

September 11, 2014 at 10:25 am

AOPA Announces Renewed Partnership with Cailor Fleming Insurance WASHINGTON, D.C., September 11, 2014 – The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and Cailor Fleming Insurance announced the renewal of their partnership effective January 1, 2015 to serve the Orthotic and Prosthetic profession with a wide range of custom designed insurance products for O&P facilities and […]

OTS Regulations

September 2, 2014 at 9:55 am

OTS Orthoses – A New CMS Proposed Rule that could Limit your Patients’ Access to Care and Eliminate Orthotic Fitters CMS released a proposed rule on July 11 that addresses Off-the-shelf Orthoses and the definition of Minimal Self-Adjustment. In an effort to define the scope of individuals authorized to fit orthotic devices deemed by CMS […]

Dobson DaVanzo Study: O&P Saves Medicare

August 27, 2014 at 10:03 am

STUDY:   HIGHER STANDARD OF CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH LIMB LOSS OR SPINAL INJURIES SAVES MEDICARE MONEY IN MOST CASES Even Though Devices Are Often Costly, Long-Term Bill for Taxpayers Ends Up Lower Or Only Slightly Higher; Win, Win: Findings Indicate Patients Also Benefit from Higher Quality of Life and Increased Independence. Click here to […]

Prior Authorization

August 5, 2014 at 9:57 am

Prior Authorization:  O&P Was A Serious Player Although CMS may have thrown us a curve when they published their proposal to require 89 lower limb prosthetic codes be subject to prior authorization on May 28, 2014, it became clear that in its proposed form, the rule would do more harm than good. AOPA’s Board authorized […]