Congressman Hurd response to LCD Draft
Professional Prosthetics
Description
Collection
Title:
Congressman Hurd response to LCD Draft
Creator:
Professional Prosthetics
Date:
10/26/2015
Text:
October 23, 2015
Dear Mr. McCoy,
Thank you for contacting me regarding Medicare's proposed changes on lower limb prosthetics. I serve as the Representative for a large number of veterans and those who suffer from the late stage effects of diabetes in the 23rd Congressional District of Texas, many of whom are dependent on timely access to prosthetic limbs and proper orthotic care. I am glad you reached out and I appreciate the opportunity to respond.
As you may know, several changes regarding lower limb prosthetic policies were introduced in response to Medicare's inability to adequately meet coverage requirements. These proposals, which went into effect on October 1, 2015, have raised concerns about limited access to lower leg prosthetics for those most in need. Under these changes, in order to gain prosthesis coverage, patients are required to successfully complete an extensive evaluation performed by either a treating physician or a designated Licensed/Certified Medical Professional (LCMP). Additionally, patients using assistive devices might see limitations to less functional prosthetic devices, while patients with higher functional levels will not be covered for assistive devices at all. Lastly, the changes redefined the functional levels for patient needs based on the patient's current abilities as opposed to potential functional abilities.
Access to appropriate care, especially to specialty care, remains a challenge in many parts of the 23rd District, which includes larger cities and rural communities alike. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a productive life, but without access to proper prosthetics, that is an increasingly difficult goal to achieve. What frustrates me the most is when bureaucrats in Washington limit the treatments that are necessary for the most vulnerable among us. I do not believe this comes from an intent to do harm, but too often Washington thinks it knows what is best for the American people and fails to listen to their needs. I promised to fight the bureaucracy for my constituents every day and I will continue to do so on your behalf for as long as I am given the opportunity to serve.
As Chairman of the Information Technology Subcommittee, I continually seek ways to leverage new technologies that provide Americans greater access to effective treatments, among which are advancements in prosthetic innovation. I believe that all Americans should have access to the quality care they need without inserting an additional layer of bureaucracy. While I am not a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare and Social Security, please rest assured that if any related legislation comes before the House for a vote, I will keep your opinions in mind.
Again, thank you for taking the time to reach out and express your opinions. Please do not hesitate to contact me again regarding this or any other issues important to you in the future. I also encourage you to sign up for my electronic newsletter at <URL Redacted> , and to follow me on Facebook and Twitter at my handle Hurd on the Hill, for real-time updates on my work in Texas' 23rd Congressional District.
Sincerely,
Will Hurd
Member of Congress
Please do not reply to this email. The mailbox is unattended. To share your thoughts with Congressman Hurd please go to--Email Me .
To stay up to date on my work in Congress and how it will affect you, I encourage you to sign up here to receive my email newsletter updates. Don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter .
Dear Mr. McCoy,
Thank you for contacting me regarding Medicare's proposed changes on lower limb prosthetics. I serve as the Representative for a large number of veterans and those who suffer from the late stage effects of diabetes in the 23rd Congressional District of Texas, many of whom are dependent on timely access to prosthetic limbs and proper orthotic care. I am glad you reached out and I appreciate the opportunity to respond.
As you may know, several changes regarding lower limb prosthetic policies were introduced in response to Medicare's inability to adequately meet coverage requirements. These proposals, which went into effect on October 1, 2015, have raised concerns about limited access to lower leg prosthetics for those most in need. Under these changes, in order to gain prosthesis coverage, patients are required to successfully complete an extensive evaluation performed by either a treating physician or a designated Licensed/Certified Medical Professional (LCMP). Additionally, patients using assistive devices might see limitations to less functional prosthetic devices, while patients with higher functional levels will not be covered for assistive devices at all. Lastly, the changes redefined the functional levels for patient needs based on the patient's current abilities as opposed to potential functional abilities.
Access to appropriate care, especially to specialty care, remains a challenge in many parts of the 23rd District, which includes larger cities and rural communities alike. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a productive life, but without access to proper prosthetics, that is an increasingly difficult goal to achieve. What frustrates me the most is when bureaucrats in Washington limit the treatments that are necessary for the most vulnerable among us. I do not believe this comes from an intent to do harm, but too often Washington thinks it knows what is best for the American people and fails to listen to their needs. I promised to fight the bureaucracy for my constituents every day and I will continue to do so on your behalf for as long as I am given the opportunity to serve.
As Chairman of the Information Technology Subcommittee, I continually seek ways to leverage new technologies that provide Americans greater access to effective treatments, among which are advancements in prosthetic innovation. I believe that all Americans should have access to the quality care they need without inserting an additional layer of bureaucracy. While I am not a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare and Social Security, please rest assured that if any related legislation comes before the House for a vote, I will keep your opinions in mind.
Again, thank you for taking the time to reach out and express your opinions. Please do not hesitate to contact me again regarding this or any other issues important to you in the future. I also encourage you to sign up for my electronic newsletter at <URL Redacted> , and to follow me on Facebook and Twitter at my handle Hurd on the Hill, for real-time updates on my work in Texas' 23rd Congressional District.
Sincerely,
Will Hurd
Member of Congress
Please do not reply to this email. The mailbox is unattended. To share your thoughts with Congressman Hurd please go to--Email Me .
To stay up to date on my work in Congress and how it will affect you, I encourage you to sign up here to receive my email newsletter updates. Don't forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter .
Citation
Professional Prosthetics, “Congressman Hurd response to LCD Draft,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 1, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/237758.
