Response: Lisa Urso, CPO re: AOPA - Posting Below

Response: Lisa Urso, CPO re: AOPA - Posting Below

Sam E. Hamontree

8/12/2004

I don't know why I have commissioned myself to respond to your posting, but
you did request a response from an AOPA member -- past or present. AOPA
does not have individual members. My firms (past & present) have been AOPA
members since 1962. I am a strong believer in AOPA and its activities on
behalf, not only of its members, but for the entire O&P field -- regardless
of whether your firm is an AOPA member or not. With that lead in, let me
respond to the best of my understanding.


Yes, AOPA has several methods to work with Congress and Medicare on
issues important to the field. First, AOPA has a full-time staff of
government relations professionals who are experienced in influencing
both legislative and regulatory procedures.

Additionally, AOPA has the only political action committee dedicated
solely to protecting the interests of the profession. By pooling
individual contributions through the O&P Political Action Committee
(PAC), the O&P PAC supports lawmakers who have a say in the design and
implementation of issues important to O&P. PAC contributions improve
AOPA's access to influential policymakers and give us another
opportunity to tell our story.

Once legislation is passed, AOPA provides its expertise to Medicare
officials to help craft regulations. In addition, AOPA provides input
to CMS and the DMERCs on administrative, coding and medical policy
issues.

Does this mean that AOPA can always influence Congress or CMS to do the
right thing? No one can make such a guarantee. But AOPA's work
consistently has a positive impact on legislation and regulations
impacting the field and without their efforts, we would be at a
significant disadvantage.

Again, let me say that the entire O&P field benefits from the activities of
AOPA -- members and non-members alike.

        Sam E. Hamontree, CP
        Chairman, OrPro, Inc.


-----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