The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP) released its latest webcast where Peter W. Thomas, JD, general counsel for NAAOP, and Taylor Haines, this year’s George and Dena Breece Fellow, gave updates on several O&P-related topics.
Haines has led the way on some key interactions within O&P and with policymakers across Washington DC, Thomas said. Included in her fellowship have been field trips to Florida to visit OPIE Software and Gainesville Prosthetics and to OPGA in Iowa. NAAOP hosted a luncheon in June where Haines met with senior leaders of the O&P organizations including the Board of Certification/Accreditation; American Board of Certification for Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics; American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association; American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists; Amputee Coalition, and the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education.
Until Haines completes her fellowship, she will be participating in advocacy activities, including:
NAAOP’s Congressional Fly-In: Set for July 16, NAAOP will host dozens of virtual meetings with Congressional members and staff to promote support for the O&P Patient-Centered Care Act (H.R. 4315 and S. 3977). Members of NAAOP’s board, membership, and former Breece Fellows will participate in the meetings to continue to build support in the United States House and Senate for passage of the legislation.
Webinar on Medicare Coverage Developments: On July 23, beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET, NAAOP will host a webinar to review significant new coverage, coding, and payment policies issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that apply to Medicare beneficiaries.
Upper Limb Prosthetic Coding Reform: Thomas said NAAOP has been working with its O&P Alliance partners and the Upper Limb Society of the Academy to reform the upper-limb prosthetic Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System code set to better reflect contemporary prosthetic practice. In March 2023, at the profession’s request, the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors’ medical directors retired upper-limb coding guidance that the profession viewed as restrictive. NAAOP, working with the O&P Alliance and a group of upper-limb prosthetic experts associated with the Academy’s Upper Limb Society, recently submitted to CMS a coding reform proposal that would better reflect coverage of partial hand and finger prostheses. This is part of a larger strategy to reform coverage, coding and payment in upper limb prosthetics, Thomas said.
To watch the latest NAAOP video, visit its YouTube page.
