Tag: American Orthotic & Prosthetic Assoc (AOPA)

WASHINGTON – O&P stakeholders will use an upcoming policy forum to press lawmakers to support legislation that will enable patients to receive high-quality care by, among other things, prohibiting “drop shipping.”  The Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act was re-introduced in the Senate in March, just ahead of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association’s 2024 Policy Forum, which takes place April 15-16 in Washington. It’s a companion...

WASHINGTON – Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Steve Daines, R-Mont., have introduced a bill that would, among other things prohibit “drop shipping” of custom orthoses and prostheses to Medicare beneficiaries.  The legislation, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act, is a companion to a bill introduced in the House in June 2023 and now has 35 co-sponsors.  “The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association appreciates the support...

WASHINGTON – O&P stakeholders hailed a new proposal by CMS to expand coverage of microprocessor-controlled knees for certain K2 patients, something they say is long overdue.  Under the proposed changes, the agency will no longer limit the technology to patients classified as K3 and above.    “When this technology first came about in the in the 90s, it was really marketed and touted as kind of like the next technological leap forward for patients,” said Joe McTernan,...

WASHINGTON – CMS and the DME MACs have published proposed changes to the local coverage determination (LCD) for lower limb prostheses, in a “major leap forward in the care of K2 patients,” according to the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA).   Under the proposed changes, the agency will now allow limited coverage of microprocessor-controlled knees for select patients who are classified as K2, instead of limiting the technology to patients classified as...

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) has appointed Matt Swiggum to the supplier director seat on its board of directors effective immediately. Swiggum is CEO of Proteor USA, which manufactures custom-made prosthetic medical devices. He brings a wealth of experience in prosthetics, having dedicated his career to advancing the well-being of individuals with limb loss and limb difference. Swiggum has served on the boards of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities...

WASHINGTON – AAHomecare and VGM are partnering on a new virtual advocacy event to bolster awareness and support for Medicare legislation as Congress enters the final legislative weeks of the year.    The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5555 and S. 1294), would provide a 90/10 blended Medicare reimbursement rate for most home medical equipment products in competitive bidding areas for all of 2024 and extend the current 75/25 blended rate currently in effect in rural/non-CBA...

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The University of Hartford’s first graduates of the Certificate in O&P Business Management were honored during a graduation ceremony Sept. 9 during the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association’s 2023 National Assembly in Indianapolis. “We were pleased to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates during the 2023 National Assembly,” said Eve Lee, CAE, executive director of AOPA. “The Certificate in O&P Business Management is a unique...

WASHINGTON – O&P stakeholders say a new bill would not only curb fraud and abuse and improve patient care but also eliminate a five-year default timeline for when Medicare beneficiaries can get replacement devices.  The Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act (H.R. 4315), which was re-introduced June 23, includes a new provision that would ensure beneficiaries can access replacement custom-fitted and custom-fabricated orthoses when a change in their condition or...

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association is pleased to announce the recipient of the first Professor Hans Georg Näder Digital O&P Care Award, David Boone, PhD, MPH. The award was established this year by a gift from Ottobock Healthcare in honor of Professor Hans Georg Näder and his many contributions to the field of orthotics and prosthetics worldwide. The purpose is to prepare the O&P profession for the future as digital care and innovations in technology...

ATLANTA – Amoena USA will co-host a post-mastectomy education track at the AOPA National Assembly, which takes place Sept. 28-Oct. 1 in San Antonio. Amoena’s National Trainer, Rachel Brown, CMF, CFm, will present on topics including the breast surgery patient journey, and making your practice more profitable and more visible in your community. “Post-mastectomy care is reaching new levels of innovation right now, and we see enthusiasm for it from newly-trained O&P students,”...