Academy, NAAOP, ABC Support AOPA Policy Forum

"It is time for the entire O&P community to stand together and fight for the future of our profession on Capitol Hill."

This is the ringing call from the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP) as it announces support for the O&P Policy Forum June 20-22 in Washington, DC.

The American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists also is partnering with other O&P organizations in promoting the Forum and urging orthotists and prosthetists to participate. The American Board for Certification in Orthotics & Prosthetics (ABC) likewise is encouraging participation in the event.

Hosting the Policy Forum at the Grand Hyatt Washington is the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA). Culminating the three-day event will be visits by practitioners and facility owners to senators and representatives via prearranged appointments. Participants will not go unprepared: before their congressional visits, they will receive "Capital Hill 101" training from experienced AOPA staff and will learn the basics of lobbying.

Participants will arrive in Washington June 20 and attend an evening reception. On June 21, they will be briefed on key threats to O&P and training preparing for the visits to congressmen. An O&P Political Action Committee (PAC) reception will be held that evening. Visits to congressmen take place on the last day, June 22.

Participants will have a unique opportunity to discuss with their senators and representatives what AOPA describes as the pressing need to protect the O&P field from threats such as reimbursement cuts, a possible extension of the Medicare payment freeze, and efforts by physical therapists to prescribe and provide O&P services, among other issues. These issues include, noted NAAOP, the need to seek reasonable alternatives to what it describes as "abusive and intrusive Medicare audits."

"We encourage you to attend this forum to inform your legislators of the issues that affect you in your daily practice," the Academy urged. "You are your own best advocate."

The Academy's statement continued, "Share with your congressmen and senators the disastrous effects that competitive bidding and the payment freeze have on the quality of patient care as well as on small businesses. Stress the importance of O&P care for those on Medicaid. Explain to those in power why appropriate, quality education is an essential part of what makes you a qualified provider. Emphasize how your qualifications protect the patient and save the government countless dollars. Urge them to exempt orthotic care from the Part A Skilled Nursing Facility stay."

NAAOP stated, "NAAOP will be in attendance at this meeting, and we are strongly encouraging the entire O&P field to attend this important event. Our collective efforts are needed now to help set the course for the O&P field now and for years to come."

The statement added, "This event is intended to be a show of force from the entire O&P community advocating for the fair and proper treatment of O&P in any Medicare legislation passed in the next two years."

Registration cost for the forum is $150 per attendee. The discounted hotel room rate is available to attendees who register by May 20.

To register, visit www.AOPAnet.org or call AOPA: 571.431.0876, ext. 201.

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