The Controversy
Dean Mason
Description
Collection
Title:
The Controversy
Creator:
Dean Mason
Date:
3/8/2004
Text:
GlacierDear List Members:
For all the many messages sent over the past several days, the tone of them
has been less than flattering to we BOC certifees. The he said, she said
nonsense of each board regarding unification is tiresome. Many have said
that they have nothing against BOC certifees BUT......( the but always gets
you in trouble). I began my career as a Certified Pedorthist who was asked
by a few of my referral docs to learn orthotics so that I could service
their patients. My only choice was BOC as ABC pathways are not conducive to
those who must work and take on a new credential. I was involved in the BCP
(Board for Certification in Pedorthics) Role Delineation Study in 2000. This
meeting was a very diverse group including pedorthists, orthotists,
prosthetists, podiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, and a public member. Both
ABC and BOC were equally represented. The ABC orthotist/prosthetist
proceeded to belittle BOC people. My reply to him was that I would have
liked to taken the ABC route, but it was not possible to give up 2 years and
my practice to complete the coursework.
Needless to say, I did attain my certification as a BOC orthotist. I did it
with help from both ABC and BOC practitioners. Each person I contacted was
more than willing to help in answering questions and preparation for the
exams. It is possible to peacefully co-exist.
I also received the offer from the ABC board to sign on. I haven't made up
my mind yet if I want to. We must stand united as O and P practitioners
against those who would cut our throats. Regardless of who certifies you,
having an ABC or BOC credential does not gain you any more reimbursement
dollars. There are basic issues that need to be addressed by the O and P
community, that being the ability to bill for time, better reimbursements,
the separation of orthotics from part B rules for those undergoing rehab,
and perhaps the most important, separating O and P from DME.
Being an Ohioan, we have what I feel is the best licensing law in the
nation. Why, because the state brought in those who actually work in the
field to draft the law. There was and is tension between the two certifying
boards. Some healthy, some not. We are all adults and need to work
together to achieve our goal--the very best in patient care. It's what I
strive for each day with each patient.
Eventually the furor will die down and once the dust settles, we may see our
way toward that goal
Dean Mason, BOCO, LMI (lots more initials...)
For all the many messages sent over the past several days, the tone of them
has been less than flattering to we BOC certifees. The he said, she said
nonsense of each board regarding unification is tiresome. Many have said
that they have nothing against BOC certifees BUT......( the but always gets
you in trouble). I began my career as a Certified Pedorthist who was asked
by a few of my referral docs to learn orthotics so that I could service
their patients. My only choice was BOC as ABC pathways are not conducive to
those who must work and take on a new credential. I was involved in the BCP
(Board for Certification in Pedorthics) Role Delineation Study in 2000. This
meeting was a very diverse group including pedorthists, orthotists,
prosthetists, podiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, and a public member. Both
ABC and BOC were equally represented. The ABC orthotist/prosthetist
proceeded to belittle BOC people. My reply to him was that I would have
liked to taken the ABC route, but it was not possible to give up 2 years and
my practice to complete the coursework.
Needless to say, I did attain my certification as a BOC orthotist. I did it
with help from both ABC and BOC practitioners. Each person I contacted was
more than willing to help in answering questions and preparation for the
exams. It is possible to peacefully co-exist.
I also received the offer from the ABC board to sign on. I haven't made up
my mind yet if I want to. We must stand united as O and P practitioners
against those who would cut our throats. Regardless of who certifies you,
having an ABC or BOC credential does not gain you any more reimbursement
dollars. There are basic issues that need to be addressed by the O and P
community, that being the ability to bill for time, better reimbursements,
the separation of orthotics from part B rules for those undergoing rehab,
and perhaps the most important, separating O and P from DME.
Being an Ohioan, we have what I feel is the best licensing law in the
nation. Why, because the state brought in those who actually work in the
field to draft the law. There was and is tension between the two certifying
boards. Some healthy, some not. We are all adults and need to work
together to achieve our goal--the very best in patient care. It's what I
strive for each day with each patient.
Eventually the furor will die down and once the dust settles, we may see our
way toward that goal
Dean Mason, BOCO, LMI (lots more initials...)
Citation
Dean Mason, “The Controversy,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 5, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/222821.
