Tag: Prosthetics
VA reduces wait times for prosthetic limbs
June 4, 2026HME News Staff
WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs says it has reduced wait times for prosthetic limbs by 10 days, after streamlining the purchasing process. The VA expects average wait times to fall more than 40% – from 94 days to 54 days – as facilities across the nation fully implement this new process. “Every day counts for veterans,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “By removing needless bureaucracy, VA is enabling clinicians and procurement teams to provide Veterans...
Ottobock re-ups partnership with Angel City Sports
May 7, 2026HME News Staff
AUSTIN, Texas, and LOS ANGELES – Ottobock is proud to continue its longstanding partnership with Angel City Sports at the 2026 Angel City Games this June. Now a cornerstone of the Angel City Games experience, Ottobock's Full Circle Movement event invites members of the limb loss and limb difference community of all ages and abilities to explore movement in an inclusive, supportive environment. Taking place on June 26, the event offers hands-on opportunities to trial prosthetic technology,...
Birmingham VA launches mobile unit for O&P services
April 20, 2026HME News Staff
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham VA Health Care System has launched the Mobile Orthotics & Prosthetics (MoPOC) program to make it easier for veterans living in rural areas to get specialty care. A new mobile unit staffed by a certified orthotist prosthetist will visit community outpatient clinics in Jasper, Guntersville and Childersburg to provide on-site evaluations, adjustments and fittings. “Veterans living in many of our rural communities have had limited access to orthotic and prosthetic...
Reps reintroduce Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act
February 23, 2026HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – Reps. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., alongside Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., have reintroduced the Wigs as Durable Medical Equipment Act, a bill that would require Medicare to cover wigs for individuals affected by alopecia and patients undergoing chemotherapy. Currently, many private insurance plans cover wigs for those undergoing treatments that cause hair loss or who are affected by alopecia areata, but Medicare...
OPGA opens application process for prosthetics grants
February 18, 2026HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa — OPGA has announced that the application period is officially open for two grants available to U.S.–based orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) professionals: the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant and the Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant. Sponsored by Össur and presented by OPGA, both grants provide funding for meaningful, non-clinical experiences that strengthen leadership skills, deepen advocacy engagement, and enhance connection...
BOC names Bill Powers 2025 Jim Newberry Award recipient for dedication
November 20, 2025HME News Staff
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) is proud to announce Bill Powers, MBA, LFACHE, as the recipient of its 2025 Jim Newberry Award for Extraordinary Service.
Powers, a retired health care executive and former member of the BOC board of directors, is being recognized for his unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to advancing BOC’s mission.
“Bill exemplifies the values of service...
Embla Medical & Iceland launch mobility initiative in Ukraine
November 10, 2025HME News Staff
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, and COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Embla Medical, a global provider of innovative mobility solutions, has announced the official opening of its new prosthetic clinic in Kyiv. At the clinic’s opening ceremony, Embla Medical also announced a landmark partnership with the Government of Iceland to launch the “Iceland Supports Mobility in Ukraine” initiative, a three-year program designed to deliver high-quality prosthetic care and rehabilitation to up to 1,000...
Changing face of O&P: Education, research and new generation of clinicians
November 7, 2025Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
The orthotics and prosthetics field has undergone what Fanny Schultea calls an “academic revolution,” driven by changes in the health care system, evolving resources and rapid technological advancement. Recently named 2025 O&P Woman of the Year by the Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA), Schultea is using the honor to amplify her vision for further advancing the field through education, research and support for the next generation...
OPGA names Fanny Schultea 2025 O&P Woman of the Year
September 8, 2025HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) has announced that Fanny Schultea, MS, MSed, CPO, LP, FAAOP, executive director of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research, has been selected as the 2025 O&P Woman of the Year. The award was presented to Schultea during the AOPA National Assembly on Sept. 4. “Thank you to VGM Group, OPGA and Össur for this platform and the extraordinary opportunity to share with the O&P community...
Ottobock NA builds bridges in MI
August 18, 2025HME News Staff
YPSILANTI, Mich. - Ottobock North America will bring its Full Circle Movement event here in collaboration with Eastern Michigan University’s orthotics and prosthetics program. The event, scheduled for Sept. 27, is open to participants of all ages and mobility levels to experience the power of movement in a supportive, high-energy environment. “At Ottobock, we believe movement is for everyone," said Lucas Crisanti, clinical specialist and coach at Ottobock North America. "Partnering...