FW: [OANDP-L] BoyCott of Otto Bock and other companies that sell direct to patients

FW: [OANDP-L] BoyCott of Otto Bock and other companies that sell direct to patients

Brian Weaver

2/22/2006

-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Weaver [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>]
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 3:36 PM
To: 'Morris Gallo'
Subject: RE: [OANDP-L] BoyCott of Otto Bock and other companies that sell
direct to patients

The State of Ohio is also experiencing similar tactics from Otto Bock. I
would be interested in knowing if this is occuring all over the country?
What are people's thoughts on this type of business practice?

Brian Weaver CP/LP

-----Original Message-----
From: Orthotics and Prosthetics List [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>] On
Behalf Of Morris Gallo
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 1:49 PM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: Re: [OANDP-L] BoyCott of Otto Bock and other companies that sell
direct to patients

Francisco wrote:

>
>
>The prosthetic & orthotic society of new jersey, inc.
>
>25-09 Broadway Stephen Rinko, CPO
President
>
>Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 Thomas Valenti, CO
Vice President
>Phone: 201-796-3121 Michael Rebarber, CO
Secretary
>Fax: 201-796-1551 Richard Bray, CPO
Treasurer
>
>

> 2/17/06
>
>To all Prosthetic and Orthotic Societies and Practitioners:
>
> I have some very disturbing information. Otto Bock health care
has acquired a company named Ortho Rehab 1415 W. 3rd Street, Suite 101 of
Tempe, Arizona 85281.
>
>This company is now Otto Bocks Direct Patient Care Facility. Otto Bock is
now your direct Competitor. They are providing patient care with a National
Sales Force.
>
> We must not support company's that are going to erode our
patient and Doctor bases. We must set a precedent against this practice.
Either Otto Bock is a Wholesaler or a Retailer. I will not support a
competitor. We must force them to choose which one they will be. If we do
not react to this practice many of our suppliers will become retailers and
we will loose a tremendous amount of business. If this continues Doctors,
Therapists and Surgical Supply Dealers will and are becoming our
competitors.
>
> Think about it. In the near future with computer generated
prosthetics and orthotics do they really need a skilled Prothetist or
Orthotist? or will Otto Bock and others send a semi-skilled sales person
with some minor technical background to the patients home or Doctor's office
to deliver an appliance.
>
> I think it's about time we act as a united group and send a
message to these wholesalers, that they cannot do business in both market
places. I personally have had enough of this. Otto Bock, Don Joy, Bledsoe
etc. When do we try and stop it, and only use companies that help us and
do not compete with us.
> I propose a nation wide Boycott of Otto Bock, and other companies
that are engaged in this practice. New Jersey has already set up a meeting
to discuss instituting a Boycott and to notified Otto Bock that we will no
longer be doing business with them, if they continue to do patient care.
>
>If you agree and would like to join the Boycott against these
>companies, please let me know so we can work together. 1 (201)
>796-3121
>
>Sincerely,
>
>
>
>Stephen Rinko, B.S. CPO#627, NJ License#500
>
>President
>
>President of P&O Society of New Jersey
>
>
>
>