U.S. Politics: re: Please priortize your mission!

U.S. Politics: re: Please priortize your mission!

Bobvanhook

Among the many important legislative positions adopted by the AOPA Government
Relations Committee and the Board of Directors was strong support for setting
conditions of coverage for custom (fabricated and/or fit) O&P services. AOPA
is working with Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) to help redrafted his bill to
require that custom O&P care be delivered or supervised by practioners with
educational levels which mimic those of the ABC. Another way to meet the
requirement would be that it be billed by a facility that meets the standards
for ABC accredition.

The justification we used as we carried the message to Capitol Hill this week
was that establishing such conditions of coverage would improve the quality of
patient care and curtail waste, fraud and abuse. I think it is safe to say
that this issue is AOPA's number one priority.

As we move forward and get a well-crafted bill, we will need the help of the
O&P and consumer community to push it in the Congress. If we want to get the
bill enacted (not just introduced) we will have to be very strategic in
dealing with the politics involved in the legislative process. We will keep
you posted on when and where to push. In the meantime, I invite your comments
and suggestions.

Thanks,

Bob

Robert T. Van Hook, CAE
Executive Director
American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association
1650 King Street, Suite 500
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703/836-7116
Fax: 703/836-0838
Email: <Email Address Redacted>
Webpage: www.theaopa.org