"suggested L-codes"

"suggested L-codes"

David Hendricks, CPO, FAAOP

I am a spinal orthosis manufacturer who is interested in including suggested
L-codes in my literature for the benefit of the orthotist. My idea is not to
'push the envelope' or help anyone engage in fraud, but rather to give,
informationally, the obvious L-code for a particular orthosis. We often get
phone calls requesting this information. Why not put it into our literature?

I am therefore not asking a moral question, but a legal one. Assuming I
accurately identify the proper L-codes for each orthosis I manufacture, and
assuming further that I always put the word suggested in connection with my
L-code recommendation, can I get into any legal trouble?

I will, of course, read and value any responses I recieve to this question,
but anecdotal evidence happening to someone the respondent knows doesn't
really count for much. Does anyone have any real knowledge of the legal
aspects of this issue?

Could I get an opinion on it from HCFA? If so, would that be wise?

Should I ask AOPA's legal department? (My business is a member of AOPA.)

Any help I can get on this will be appreciated. And, as always, I will be
pleased to post the responses I recieve, with names unless requested
otherwise.

Thanks in advance.

David

David Hendricks, CPO, FAAOP
OPTEC, Inc.
888.982.8181
fax: 877.288.4197
www.optecbrace.com
www.acebrace.com