Manufacturers Becoming Our Direct Competitors Comments Part 1

Manufacturers Becoming Our Direct Competitors Comments Part 1

Jon Hess

4/22/2014

I have included the first part of the overwhelming list of comments I have received. There will be more to follow.

 

 

 

 

Hi John,

 

I will be following your post. I am very interested to hear what others are seeing/hearing.

 

We have heard of similar tactics in Orthotics and are just waiting for our Prosthetic ​Manufactur​ers to follow suit. It is a challenging time to be in O&P. I fear this division will destroy what we have worked so hard for sooner rather than later.

 

Thank you for putting this out there. Maybe if our colleagues see this we can effectively bind together to stop using/purchasing from manufacturers that are selling/marketing to our referral sources. That might delay the inevitable.

 

Sorry for the somber tone, unfortunately it seems the appropriate emotion for the existing climate in O&P.

 

Warm Regards,

 

 

 

Donjoy and Breg have been doing it for years.

 

I would love to see a scan of the keys info in the packet. Would it be possible for you to send it?

 

 

 

Would it be possible to get a copy or image of the flyer?

 

I'm definitely interested in who else replies, I'm applying O&P schools currently!

 

Kindly,

 

 

 

See:

 

Don Joy

Ortho-America

Fillauer

Bledsoe

Cascade DAFO

And others I'm sure.

Treat your patients and referrals well, provide exceptional care and there won't be a reason for anyone to change their referral patterns. If you have to think outside the box in terms of a delivery model, do so before someone beats you to it.

 

 

 

Jon

Thanks for sharing, donJoy has been swimming in our pool for years.

 

 

 

Yes, that's why we have to stop using Arizona braces. Of course the other is Spinal Tech. They are on a patient care buying spree and just acquired American in MA and another patient care in New Hampshire, in addition to their hospital based patient business in Boston. Through in DJ, Townsend, Ossur, etcetera etc etc and we've got some battle on our hands.

First line if defense- stop buying from these suppliers.

 

 

Jon,
Can you please send me a copy of the letter and any associated material with it. I want look further into this.
Thanks



 

 

Jon this has been going on for decades. I knew about it over 35 years ago. I know of AOPA officers who supported it and have tried to squelch word of it getting out.

 

 

 

Hi Jon,

 

I would agree with you that this is something we will be dealing with for the rest of our career lives.

Until we mobilize and organize to address the numerous issues presented to us we will continue to be inert targets.

Speak up at the AAOPA meeting in Albany this year at the business lunch with others in the state.

 

 

 

Jon,

What planet are u on? This has been going on for 20 years. Don Joy was the first by starting stock and bill arrangements with physicians. It has spread wide and deep from there.

WE have let this happen, and it's a shame. This very moment companies are working on ways to bypass prosthetists and direct market physical therapists to fit prefab preparatory limbs.

Until we are recognized as professionals and not suppliers by CMS it will only get worse.

We have to be separated from DME!