Re: FW: NOMA members FYI only/FAOP Provides United Front against ALL unlicensed O&P activities in Florida
tony barr
Description
Collection
Title:
Re: FW: NOMA members FYI only/FAOP Provides United Front against ALL unlicensed O&P activities in Florida
Creator:
tony barr
Date:
8/18/2004
Text:
Thanks Ron for your recent comments and substantiating my comments regarding
NOMA attack in licensed states.
What's really scary is the lack of outrage on behalf of licensed providers,
patients and disability organizations.
Why not open this forum discussion to NOMA and O&P members in support of
supporting NOMA reps to be exempted from licensed qualification?
AS a mere consumer (@##$%^* I hate that word !!It is often times
conveniently mislabeled for patients requiring specialized healthcare
services) and prosthetic assistance source of funding, I'm trying to get my
telephone to stop ringing from PATIENTS begging for help as benefits
continue to decrease.
.
What kind of message does it send when any alleged legitimate national
organization, like NOMA, does disclose their members, even when accepted to
be a member of a Medicare/ Medicaid Negotiations review board to determine
provider qualifications ? The secrecy of it all!
I can see no valid reason for any licensed O&P provider in Florida not to
join the Florida Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists (FAOP) to unite
their fight against unregulated services.
The assault will return and that you can bet on.
More patient members should be on the O&P boards and THAT is a viable
option.
Perhaps one consumer/patient representative from each national disability
associations like Spina Bifida,MS,TB,Polio and other groups whose members
require YOUR generally unregulated healthcare services, can also be opened
to the NAAOP, AOPA , and AAOP board leadership.
Think they would go for that!? Not likely! None were on the CMS NEG REG
committee!
Perhaps if disability organizations , licensed providers, physicians,
patients and legislators were aware that there are NOMA manufacturer reps
and their high priced lobbyists, out advocating for NO additional
educational qualifications other than a manufactures course, NO criminal
background checks, for them (NOMA)to apply certain devices and put their
mitts on patients, there would be more outrage and opposition.
Of course NOMA also suggests that their reps can work around the current
regulated system in 10 states and maintain compliance to direct(!)care and
supervision of a licensed physician.
Physicians whom often times receives commission kick back incentives ,rent
for storage space for their wares within the physicians offices, and or
other compensation from the manufacturers, to use their products!
Honesty is an attribute which I perhaps too often express. I would certainly
hope naivety is not a trait held by any regulated provider.
In absence of other patient organizations advocacy, I merely play a minor
role in hopefully raising the deep rooted consciousness of you O&P vendors
whom many, deserve to be regarded and want to be recognized as a legitimate
health care professionals, in a profession that I admire for the most part.
The current state of O&P affairs and leadership is sadly misdirected in its
priorities, their effort to legitimize their services as a legitimate
regulated health care profession fall way short as do their attempt to
encourage qualified and proper services and better assure safety and proper
coverage to their PATIENTS........Just MY humble opinion.
-----Original Message-----
From: Orthotics and Prosthetics List [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>] On
Behalf Of Gingras, Ron
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 9:57 AM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: Re: [OANDP-L] Response Re: [OANDP-L] FW: NOMA members FYI only
Hi Tony
You are correct in mentioning the state by state assault that NOMA has waged
in states seeking O and P licensure and states with existing licensure. In
Florida during the last legislative session , NOMA was trying to introduce
legislation that would allow manufacturors representatives to practice
Orthotics or Prosthetics without any formal edcuational requirements or
without fulfilling any of the state requirements for licensure including
registering or paying a fee.
NOMA claimed that the training their representatives recieve is more than
adequate for them to fit the devices they sell , primarily in Dr's offices.
In Other words if they sell it they can fit it without a license! Imagine,
if you sell imediate post op prosthetics supplies you can fit one, if you
sell halo's you can fit one, high tech componentry..........ect ect. If they
rep 20 companies they can fit any of the devices they sell.Some
manufacturors make hundreds of devices.
The manufacturors say they are uniquely qualified due to their expertise in
manufacturing these devices to train their staff to fit the devices without
any formal edcuational requirement. A representative with a 6th grade
education could qualify since there are no requirements on who represents
manufacturors.This proposed law was dangerous to consumers for more than the
obvious reasons. Florida licensure also screens out persons with criminal
records such as pedifiles or felons. This is important since the population
we serve are at a very vunerable stage in their lives.
Consumers recieve many such benefits from licensure yet NOMA insists that
their people not be regulated , screened or that they pay licensure fees.
Fee's that go to the protection of consumers in Florida! Who is NOMA
interested in serving?
The primary target for these manufacturors seem to be stock and bill
operations in Dr's Offices in Florida although the proposed legislation
would not have limited them to Dr's offices. NOMA has been successful in
getting an endorsement from the Florida Medical Association. How Shameful
for them, but the reasons are obvious.I believe there are several conflict
of interest and potentially embarrassing issues for Physicians when
embracing such policy changes and these issues will eventually be brought
into day light by consumer advocates.
NOMA was not successful this past session, largely due to the FAOP diligence
in protecting the licensure bill and persons with disabilities in Florida
but NOMA is agressively seeking support from legislators to go after it
again next session. I certainly hope licensed practitioners in Florida and
consumer watchdogs will call their legislators to warn them about the
dangers of such legislation.
It is pretty obvious why NOMA members want to remain anonymous , with these
kind of proposals would'nt you?
Thank you Tony, for shedding light on these difficult issues by making them
public , it is important that your voice is out there, often, it is the
only one. All who truly know you , also know that your heart is in it for
consumers not your wallet or for any other reason.
-----Original Message-----
From: tony barr [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>]
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2004 4:42 PM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: [OANDP-L] Response Re: [OANDP-L] FW: NOMA members FYI only
Lisa , Randy,
It is my understanding from attending the many Centers of Medicare/Medicaid
Neg Reg committee meetings, and running opposition to NOMA multiple state
assaults on state regulation efforts, that all current and past NOMA members
are also AOPA members.However DeRoyal Industries did quit NOMA because of
lack of manufacture provider qualification criteria and perhaps because
Mr.Pete DeBusk Chairman of DeRoyal sits on the federal Medicare review
committee.
NOMA has always chose not to disclose their membership in fear of
retaliation and possible boycotting of their purchasing products by
providers.
On the other hand it's consistent with the fact that many past ABC and
Academy board members having been industry (AOPA) board members.
You know like musical chairs of a incestuous family members for the past 50
plus years.
Also fact that professional O&P manufacture and practitioner members are
represented by AOPA lobbyists whom also have DME and NOMA members within
their membership. However
The Academy mission statement states:
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists is dedicated to
promoting professionalism and advancing the standards of patient care
through education, literature, research, advocacy and collaboration.
Would not supporting manatory O&P coverage and state regulation efforts fall
within those perimeters?
Is the Academy's collaboration confined exclusively to industry interests?
The Academy's goals are allegedly about professionalism, education,
advancing the quality of patient care, supporting literature and research
and advocating.
However, they have continued to delegate these legislative responsibilities
to the trade industry whose main focus is to sell product.
I would also be interested in hearing the tremendous amount feedback that
you most likely will not receive re: who is responsible for the L-Code
restructuring and reimbursement questions you proposed above.My quess is
that AOPA leads the charge with authority delgated to them by the Academy.
I could be mistaken ! Be interesting to find out.
Tony
-----Original Message-----
From: Orthotics and Prosthetics List [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>] On
Behalf Of Lisa Urso, CPO
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2004 4:06 AM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: [OANDP-L] Response Re: [OANDP-L] FW: NOMA members FYI only
Randy,
Thank you for your efforts and most recent post regarding the NOMA lobbying
group.
I would appreciate some clarity from AOPA (past or present member). Do we
have a lobbying group or committee that works proactively with Medicare
BEFORE changes are made to our codes/reimbursements? I'm not referring to
submitting information to obtain NEW codes for our industry. I am only
referring to the numerous, recent changes in coding/reimbursements that
we've all experienced
(especially) this year.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Lisa Urso, CPO
Albuquerque Orthotics & Prosthetics
******************** To unsubscribe, send a
message to: <Email Address Redacted> with the words UNSUB OANDP-L in the body
of the message.
If you have a problem unsubscribing,or have other questions, send e-mail to
the moderator Paul E. Prusakowski,CPO at <Email Address Redacted>
OANDP-L is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Orthotics and
Prosthetics.
Public commercial postings are forbidden. Responses to inquiries should not
be sent to the entire oandp-l list. Professional credentials or affiliations
should be used in all communications.
******************** To unsubscribe, send a
message to: <Email Address Redacted> with the words UNSUB OANDP-L in the body
of the message.
If you have a problem unsubscribing,or have other questions, send e-mail to
the moderator Paul E. Prusakowski,CPO at <Email Address Redacted>
OANDP-L is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Orthotics and
Prosthetics.
Public commercial postings are forbidden. Responses to inquiries should not
be sent to the entire oandp-l list. Professional credentials or affiliations
should be used in all communications.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail communication and any attachments may
contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the
designated recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, (or
authorized to receive for the recipient) you are hereby notified that you
have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure,
dissemination, distribution or copying of it or its contents is prohibited.
If you have received this communication in error, please destroy all copies
of this communication and any attachments and contact the sender by reply
e-mail or telephone (813) 281-0300.
******************** To unsubscribe, send a
message to: <Email Address Redacted> with the words UNSUB OANDP-L in the body
of the message.
If you have a problem unsubscribing,or have other questions, send e-mail to
the moderator Paul E. Prusakowski,CPO at <Email Address Redacted>
OANDP-L is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Orthotics and
Prosthetics.
Public commercial postings are forbidden. Responses to inquiries should not
be sent to the entire oandp-l list. Professional credentials or affiliations
should be used in all communications.
********************
To unsubscribe, send a message to: <Email Address Redacted> with
the words UNSUB OANDP-L in the body of the
message.
If you have a problem unsubscribing,or have other
questions, send e-mail to the moderator
Paul E. Prusakowski,CPO at <Email Address Redacted>
OANDP-L is a forum for the discussion of topics
related to Orthotics and Prosthetics.
Public commercial postings are forbidden. Responses to inquiries
should not be sent to the entire oandp-l list. Professional credentials
or affiliations should be used in all communications.
NOMA attack in licensed states.
What's really scary is the lack of outrage on behalf of licensed providers,
patients and disability organizations.
Why not open this forum discussion to NOMA and O&P members in support of
supporting NOMA reps to be exempted from licensed qualification?
AS a mere consumer (@##$%^* I hate that word !!It is often times
conveniently mislabeled for patients requiring specialized healthcare
services) and prosthetic assistance source of funding, I'm trying to get my
telephone to stop ringing from PATIENTS begging for help as benefits
continue to decrease.
.
What kind of message does it send when any alleged legitimate national
organization, like NOMA, does disclose their members, even when accepted to
be a member of a Medicare/ Medicaid Negotiations review board to determine
provider qualifications ? The secrecy of it all!
I can see no valid reason for any licensed O&P provider in Florida not to
join the Florida Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists (FAOP) to unite
their fight against unregulated services.
The assault will return and that you can bet on.
More patient members should be on the O&P boards and THAT is a viable
option.
Perhaps one consumer/patient representative from each national disability
associations like Spina Bifida,MS,TB,Polio and other groups whose members
require YOUR generally unregulated healthcare services, can also be opened
to the NAAOP, AOPA , and AAOP board leadership.
Think they would go for that!? Not likely! None were on the CMS NEG REG
committee!
Perhaps if disability organizations , licensed providers, physicians,
patients and legislators were aware that there are NOMA manufacturer reps
and their high priced lobbyists, out advocating for NO additional
educational qualifications other than a manufactures course, NO criminal
background checks, for them (NOMA)to apply certain devices and put their
mitts on patients, there would be more outrage and opposition.
Of course NOMA also suggests that their reps can work around the current
regulated system in 10 states and maintain compliance to direct(!)care and
supervision of a licensed physician.
Physicians whom often times receives commission kick back incentives ,rent
for storage space for their wares within the physicians offices, and or
other compensation from the manufacturers, to use their products!
Honesty is an attribute which I perhaps too often express. I would certainly
hope naivety is not a trait held by any regulated provider.
In absence of other patient organizations advocacy, I merely play a minor
role in hopefully raising the deep rooted consciousness of you O&P vendors
whom many, deserve to be regarded and want to be recognized as a legitimate
health care professionals, in a profession that I admire for the most part.
The current state of O&P affairs and leadership is sadly misdirected in its
priorities, their effort to legitimize their services as a legitimate
regulated health care profession fall way short as do their attempt to
encourage qualified and proper services and better assure safety and proper
coverage to their PATIENTS........Just MY humble opinion.
-----Original Message-----
From: Orthotics and Prosthetics List [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>] On
Behalf Of Gingras, Ron
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 9:57 AM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: Re: [OANDP-L] Response Re: [OANDP-L] FW: NOMA members FYI only
Hi Tony
You are correct in mentioning the state by state assault that NOMA has waged
in states seeking O and P licensure and states with existing licensure. In
Florida during the last legislative session , NOMA was trying to introduce
legislation that would allow manufacturors representatives to practice
Orthotics or Prosthetics without any formal edcuational requirements or
without fulfilling any of the state requirements for licensure including
registering or paying a fee.
NOMA claimed that the training their representatives recieve is more than
adequate for them to fit the devices they sell , primarily in Dr's offices.
In Other words if they sell it they can fit it without a license! Imagine,
if you sell imediate post op prosthetics supplies you can fit one, if you
sell halo's you can fit one, high tech componentry..........ect ect. If they
rep 20 companies they can fit any of the devices they sell.Some
manufacturors make hundreds of devices.
The manufacturors say they are uniquely qualified due to their expertise in
manufacturing these devices to train their staff to fit the devices without
any formal edcuational requirement. A representative with a 6th grade
education could qualify since there are no requirements on who represents
manufacturors.This proposed law was dangerous to consumers for more than the
obvious reasons. Florida licensure also screens out persons with criminal
records such as pedifiles or felons. This is important since the population
we serve are at a very vunerable stage in their lives.
Consumers recieve many such benefits from licensure yet NOMA insists that
their people not be regulated , screened or that they pay licensure fees.
Fee's that go to the protection of consumers in Florida! Who is NOMA
interested in serving?
The primary target for these manufacturors seem to be stock and bill
operations in Dr's Offices in Florida although the proposed legislation
would not have limited them to Dr's offices. NOMA has been successful in
getting an endorsement from the Florida Medical Association. How Shameful
for them, but the reasons are obvious.I believe there are several conflict
of interest and potentially embarrassing issues for Physicians when
embracing such policy changes and these issues will eventually be brought
into day light by consumer advocates.
NOMA was not successful this past session, largely due to the FAOP diligence
in protecting the licensure bill and persons with disabilities in Florida
but NOMA is agressively seeking support from legislators to go after it
again next session. I certainly hope licensed practitioners in Florida and
consumer watchdogs will call their legislators to warn them about the
dangers of such legislation.
It is pretty obvious why NOMA members want to remain anonymous , with these
kind of proposals would'nt you?
Thank you Tony, for shedding light on these difficult issues by making them
public , it is important that your voice is out there, often, it is the
only one. All who truly know you , also know that your heart is in it for
consumers not your wallet or for any other reason.
-----Original Message-----
From: tony barr [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>]
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2004 4:42 PM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: [OANDP-L] Response Re: [OANDP-L] FW: NOMA members FYI only
Lisa , Randy,
It is my understanding from attending the many Centers of Medicare/Medicaid
Neg Reg committee meetings, and running opposition to NOMA multiple state
assaults on state regulation efforts, that all current and past NOMA members
are also AOPA members.However DeRoyal Industries did quit NOMA because of
lack of manufacture provider qualification criteria and perhaps because
Mr.Pete DeBusk Chairman of DeRoyal sits on the federal Medicare review
committee.
NOMA has always chose not to disclose their membership in fear of
retaliation and possible boycotting of their purchasing products by
providers.
On the other hand it's consistent with the fact that many past ABC and
Academy board members having been industry (AOPA) board members.
You know like musical chairs of a incestuous family members for the past 50
plus years.
Also fact that professional O&P manufacture and practitioner members are
represented by AOPA lobbyists whom also have DME and NOMA members within
their membership. However
The Academy mission statement states:
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists is dedicated to
promoting professionalism and advancing the standards of patient care
through education, literature, research, advocacy and collaboration.
Would not supporting manatory O&P coverage and state regulation efforts fall
within those perimeters?
Is the Academy's collaboration confined exclusively to industry interests?
The Academy's goals are allegedly about professionalism, education,
advancing the quality of patient care, supporting literature and research
and advocating.
However, they have continued to delegate these legislative responsibilities
to the trade industry whose main focus is to sell product.
I would also be interested in hearing the tremendous amount feedback that
you most likely will not receive re: who is responsible for the L-Code
restructuring and reimbursement questions you proposed above.My quess is
that AOPA leads the charge with authority delgated to them by the Academy.
I could be mistaken ! Be interesting to find out.
Tony
-----Original Message-----
From: Orthotics and Prosthetics List [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>] On
Behalf Of Lisa Urso, CPO
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2004 4:06 AM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: [OANDP-L] Response Re: [OANDP-L] FW: NOMA members FYI only
Randy,
Thank you for your efforts and most recent post regarding the NOMA lobbying
group.
I would appreciate some clarity from AOPA (past or present member). Do we
have a lobbying group or committee that works proactively with Medicare
BEFORE changes are made to our codes/reimbursements? I'm not referring to
submitting information to obtain NEW codes for our industry. I am only
referring to the numerous, recent changes in coding/reimbursements that
we've all experienced
(especially) this year.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Lisa Urso, CPO
Albuquerque Orthotics & Prosthetics
******************** To unsubscribe, send a
message to: <Email Address Redacted> with the words UNSUB OANDP-L in the body
of the message.
If you have a problem unsubscribing,or have other questions, send e-mail to
the moderator Paul E. Prusakowski,CPO at <Email Address Redacted>
OANDP-L is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Orthotics and
Prosthetics.
Public commercial postings are forbidden. Responses to inquiries should not
be sent to the entire oandp-l list. Professional credentials or affiliations
should be used in all communications.
******************** To unsubscribe, send a
message to: <Email Address Redacted> with the words UNSUB OANDP-L in the body
of the message.
If you have a problem unsubscribing,or have other questions, send e-mail to
the moderator Paul E. Prusakowski,CPO at <Email Address Redacted>
OANDP-L is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Orthotics and
Prosthetics.
Public commercial postings are forbidden. Responses to inquiries should not
be sent to the entire oandp-l list. Professional credentials or affiliations
should be used in all communications.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail communication and any attachments may
contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the
designated recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, (or
authorized to receive for the recipient) you are hereby notified that you
have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure,
dissemination, distribution or copying of it or its contents is prohibited.
If you have received this communication in error, please destroy all copies
of this communication and any attachments and contact the sender by reply
e-mail or telephone (813) 281-0300.
******************** To unsubscribe, send a
message to: <Email Address Redacted> with the words UNSUB OANDP-L in the body
of the message.
If you have a problem unsubscribing,or have other questions, send e-mail to
the moderator Paul E. Prusakowski,CPO at <Email Address Redacted>
OANDP-L is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Orthotics and
Prosthetics.
Public commercial postings are forbidden. Responses to inquiries should not
be sent to the entire oandp-l list. Professional credentials or affiliations
should be used in all communications.
********************
To unsubscribe, send a message to: <Email Address Redacted> with
the words UNSUB OANDP-L in the body of the
message.
If you have a problem unsubscribing,or have other
questions, send e-mail to the moderator
Paul E. Prusakowski,CPO at <Email Address Redacted>
OANDP-L is a forum for the discussion of topics
related to Orthotics and Prosthetics.
Public commercial postings are forbidden. Responses to inquiries
should not be sent to the entire oandp-l list. Professional credentials
or affiliations should be used in all communications.
Citation
tony barr, “Re: FW: NOMA members FYI only/FAOP Provides United Front against ALL unlicensed O&P activities in Florida,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 6, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/223490.
