Visiting your congressional representatives
Wil
Description
Collection
Title:
Visiting your congressional representatives
Creator:
Wil
Date:
3/28/2013
Text:
Dear Colleagues and Guests,
Brett is correct with his recent post to the listserve. After making a
personal trip to DC to meet with Senator Dan Coat's staff last fall, the
results that ensued were heartbreaking. A follow-up call from the
Senator's office a few months later was loud and clear. Their office
informed us that they had received very few complaints about this issue
and there was not much that they could do. Really? Yes really. We got
the same message from the office of Congressman Todd Rokita in Danville,
Indiana.
Unfortunately, it seems that real problem solving by elected officials
only come with vote incentives attached. I am quite certain they don't
like to hear that, but regardless, that is what the perception in the
field is. You may disagree, but you won't easily change my mind. Our
profession has clearly missed the mark regarding this O&P auditing
issue, but the silence from our own client's is likely the most
important roadblock to responsible solutions. Unfortunately, our
client's are not aware of our problems and from what I can see, little
has been done to inform them about it. They only get the bad news when
they come for our services and then find out there has been a change.
But even then, many of them put part of the blame on us. After all, they
used to get these services without difficulty.
The power of disabled citizens before a legislative body is
overwhelming. It is sad that this is true. Nevertheless, it is the
truth. In addition to Brett's recommendation, I would suggest that you
print a list of phone numbers and addresses for your local federal
legislators and have your client's make phone calls or mail a letter of
concern. I can promise you that their voice is far more important to
legislators than mine or yours.
Wil Haines, CPO
MaxCare Bionics
Avon, IN 46123
Brett is correct with his recent post to the listserve. After making a
personal trip to DC to meet with Senator Dan Coat's staff last fall, the
results that ensued were heartbreaking. A follow-up call from the
Senator's office a few months later was loud and clear. Their office
informed us that they had received very few complaints about this issue
and there was not much that they could do. Really? Yes really. We got
the same message from the office of Congressman Todd Rokita in Danville,
Indiana.
Unfortunately, it seems that real problem solving by elected officials
only come with vote incentives attached. I am quite certain they don't
like to hear that, but regardless, that is what the perception in the
field is. You may disagree, but you won't easily change my mind. Our
profession has clearly missed the mark regarding this O&P auditing
issue, but the silence from our own client's is likely the most
important roadblock to responsible solutions. Unfortunately, our
client's are not aware of our problems and from what I can see, little
has been done to inform them about it. They only get the bad news when
they come for our services and then find out there has been a change.
But even then, many of them put part of the blame on us. After all, they
used to get these services without difficulty.
The power of disabled citizens before a legislative body is
overwhelming. It is sad that this is true. Nevertheless, it is the
truth. In addition to Brett's recommendation, I would suggest that you
print a list of phone numbers and addresses for your local federal
legislators and have your client's make phone calls or mail a letter of
concern. I can promise you that their voice is far more important to
legislators than mine or yours.
Wil Haines, CPO
MaxCare Bionics
Avon, IN 46123
Citation
Wil, “Visiting your congressional representatives,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/234923.
