Ohio AAOP Chapter Holds Spring Meeting

The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, Inc. held its Annual Spring Technical Meeting April 22 at the Hilton Hotel of Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio. "Research, Development, and Outcomes" was the theme for more than 170 registered to attend the annual meeting, which featured 56 exhibitors and the opportunity for practitioners to earn 7.5 (4.5 scientific, 1 business, and 2 exhibitor) continuing education credits.

A welcome address by Ohio Chapter AAOP President Carrie Melton, CPO, CPed, OrPro Prosthetics and Orthotics Inc., Dayton, was followed by a brief update on the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) from ABC President JeffYakovich, CO, North Coast Orthotics & Prosthetics Inc., Loraine, Ohio. Then presenting to a full house was Bert Harman, president and CEO Americas, Otto Bock HealthCare, Minneapolis, Minnesota, who shared an insightful presentation titled "What is the Future of the US O&P Market: The Forces that Will Shape the O&P Industry in the Next Five Years."

According to Harman's presentation, based on industry analysis conducted by marketing teams at Otto Bock, there are five major drivers of the future in O&P: 1) Growth, 2) Public Policy, 3) Materials Technology, 4) Reimbursement, and 5) Consolidation.

The company's research indicates that there will be a rapid growth rate in orthotics while the prosthetics market remains stable. With regard to public policy, Harman stated that support of the O&P Alliance and the development of "one voice" for O&P will become increasingly important as standards are established for higher education levels for practitioners and consumers gain influential power.

Evidence gathered by researchers show that the future is now when considering technology and materials. The increasing use of CAD/CAM systems and other high-tech devices and materials will drive the way practitioners do business. Harman said that the lines between orthotics and rehabilitation products are becoming blurry, and if we want to know where materials and technology are headed, we need to watch inside and outside of the O&P industry.

Reimbursement issues will continue to impact O&P. Harman reported there will be a projected 23-percent increase in the number of amputations over the next 20 years and that 50 percent of those will occur in the elderly. He also reported that in 2005 only 68 percent of the total people requiring O&P services were treated, due to fewer numbers of practicing clinicians. These trends are erasing the boundaries between physical therapists, occupational therapists, and O&P practitioners. Continued consolidation and collaboration of care providers will impact the industry; however, consolidation of manufacturers also will continue which may create potential for entry of new players with new technology.

In conclusion, Harman urged attendees to consider the information shared in the presentation, stay aware of what is happening, be proactive rather than reactive, and support the O&P Alliance in building professionalism in the field.

Rich Butchko, executive director of the Ohio Chapter, stated that the venue of the Spring Technical Meeting at Easton Town Center always attracts a nice crowd of practitioners and their families, and wanted to stress that attendees from neighboring states that may not host state meetings are always invited to attend. The 2007 Spring Meeting is slated for April 21. --Meredy DeBorde

Ohio AAOP Chapter Holds Spring Meeting

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