The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP) released its latest webcast where Peter W. Thomas, JD, general counsel for NAAOP, gave updates on several O&P-related topics.
Breece Fellowship: The 2024 George and Dena Breece Fellowship, now in its fifth year, is accepting applications from O&P consumers interested in advancing O&P and advocacy. The Breece Fellowship is a ten-week, Washington DC-based, paid fellowship each summer. All fellows must use a prosthetic limb or custom orthoses. The application deadline is February 19. Visit the NAAOP website for the application.
Medicare Proposes to Expand MPK Coverage: The Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MAC) medical directors announced a major expansion of coverage of fluid, pneumatic, and electronic/microprocessor prosthetic knees for Medicare beneficiaries defined as functional level K2 (limited community ambulators). Currently, Medicare’s Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Lower Limb Prosthetics only covers MPKs for those with amputations at functional level K3. The DME MACs will accept comments until March 2, which can be submitted electronically to LLPLCDCOMMENTS@cgsadmin.com. Thomas said NAAOP “strongly supports” the proposed LCD and will be suggesting comments for improvements in the final LCD. Thomas called the expanded coverage “a big and tremendous victory” for O&P.
Updated Webinar on Challenging Medicare Advantage (MA) Denials of O&P Care: On March 13, NAAOP will host a webinar about challenging MA denials of O&P care through the use of new regulations that went into effect on January 1. “With more than 50 percent of Medicare beneficiaries being served through MA plans, these new tools are critical to leveling the playing field for patients and providers seeking coverage of O&P benefits under the program,” Thomas said. The webinar, first presented in 2023, has been updated to address the new policies and will feature practical instructions and tips for successfully challenging denials. The webinar will be held at 1-2 p.m. Eastern Time. Registration for this webinar will soon be available on the NAAOP website.
To watch the latest NAAOP video, visit its YouTube page.
