ACA - representing beneficiaries - is part of workgroup that also includes manufacturers of myoelectric/computerized devices...
Leslie Duncan
Description
Collection
Title:
ACA - representing beneficiaries - is part of workgroup that also includes manufacturers of myoelectric/computerized devices...
Creator:
Leslie Duncan
Date:
6/10/2004
Text:
The ACA has announced that it is leading the development of a National Action Plan for Access Among Individuals with Limb Loss. As part of this initiative, ACA - representing beneficiaries - is part of workgroup that also includes manufacturers of myoelectric/computerized devices and AOPA. Together, we are working to reverse certain imprudent policies regarding coverage of these devices, as detailed in a recent letter to practitioners that included a bibliography to provide empirical evidence that they can provide to payors to justify the provision of state-of-the-art devices. ACA ( <URL Redacted>) and AOPA ( <URL Redacted>) have posted this letter on their web sites to ensure that it is available for all practitioners
It is important for us to educate insurance companies about the scope of this issue by placing it in context. Not every amputee requires these devices. A significant number of the 1.2 million amputees living in the US have trans-tibial or lower amputations, and therefore do not use microprocessor or myoelectric components.
However, elimination of coverage for these devices by certain insurance companies is just the tip of the iceberg. Excluding prosthetics from insurance policies and limiting coverage by imposing unrealistic annual and lifetime caps are quickly becoming the rule, and not the exception, in the insurance industry. With these changes, amputees are now facing a national health crisis as insurers place them at risk for myriad secondary health conditions resulting from the sedentary lifestyle that naturally arises out of inadequate prosthetic coverage.
We need to show that the care received from well-trained, professional individuals, along with the use of appropriate technology, improves outcomes and prevents secondary conditions. This is an exciting but daunting long-term project that requires the help and support of every single person living with the loss or absence of a limb, as well as those who care for them.
Paddy Rossbach, RN
President & CEO, Amputee Coalition of America
Leslie Duncan, MIS
Manager, Information Services
Amputee Coalition of America
900 East Hill Ave., Suite 285
Knoxville, TN 37915-2568
888-267-5669 ext. 8115
Fax 865-525-7917
<Email Address Redacted>
www.amputee-coalition.org
1989-2004 Celebrating 15 years of Excellence
This E-mail and any attachments contain privileged and confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, be aware that any dissemination or copying of this E-mail is prohibited. If you have received this E-mail in error, please notify us immediately by returning it to the sender and deleting this copy from your system. Thank you for your cooperation.
It is important for us to educate insurance companies about the scope of this issue by placing it in context. Not every amputee requires these devices. A significant number of the 1.2 million amputees living in the US have trans-tibial or lower amputations, and therefore do not use microprocessor or myoelectric components.
However, elimination of coverage for these devices by certain insurance companies is just the tip of the iceberg. Excluding prosthetics from insurance policies and limiting coverage by imposing unrealistic annual and lifetime caps are quickly becoming the rule, and not the exception, in the insurance industry. With these changes, amputees are now facing a national health crisis as insurers place them at risk for myriad secondary health conditions resulting from the sedentary lifestyle that naturally arises out of inadequate prosthetic coverage.
We need to show that the care received from well-trained, professional individuals, along with the use of appropriate technology, improves outcomes and prevents secondary conditions. This is an exciting but daunting long-term project that requires the help and support of every single person living with the loss or absence of a limb, as well as those who care for them.
Paddy Rossbach, RN
President & CEO, Amputee Coalition of America
Leslie Duncan, MIS
Manager, Information Services
Amputee Coalition of America
900 East Hill Ave., Suite 285
Knoxville, TN 37915-2568
888-267-5669 ext. 8115
Fax 865-525-7917
<Email Address Redacted>
www.amputee-coalition.org
1989-2004 Celebrating 15 years of Excellence
This E-mail and any attachments contain privileged and confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, be aware that any dissemination or copying of this E-mail is prohibited. If you have received this E-mail in error, please notify us immediately by returning it to the sender and deleting this copy from your system. Thank you for your cooperation.
Citation
Leslie Duncan, “ACA - representing beneficiaries - is part of workgroup that also includes manufacturers of myoelectric/computerized devices...,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 23, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/223158.
