Justin,
I think the first four words of your most recent post sum up your position.
It would seem to me that your opinion is indeed an uneducated one. I do not
know of anyone who charges $2,000.00 for a knee orthosis and don’t think any
amount of upcoding could raise the price that high. While there will be some
variation in fees, most in our profession bill for what they do and do what
they bill. Your intimation that our profession is “ripping people off” is an
ugly smear that is undeserved and will be resented by those of us whose passions
remain alive for all that we are privileged to do in our chosen fields.
Could it be that you are confusing U&C charges with allowables? You sound quite
cynical and I must wonder if you shouldn’t consider pursuing a career in some
other field or possibly with some government agency.
I have been in the O&P profession for 30 years or so. I acquired my
skills from the ground up, starting out as a bench technician. I am well educated,
well trained, proficient, capable, conscientious and CARE about what I do and
the patients to whom my services are offered. In the real world, Justin,
practitioners (and corporations) have to contend with discounted reimbursements,
taxes, insurance, denials, operational costs, cutbacks and delayed payments,
just to name a few of our frustrations. In the end, there are many times that
the fees for the services we provide are LESS THAN THE RETAIL MARKUP OF THE
SHIRT YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW. It would seem to be unfair that a professional
would not be compensated for the components and materials they provide (which
are usually paid for long before any payment is received) along with the TIME
and EXPERTISE invested in their evaluations, treatment and follow-ups. The
real world awaits you and I suspect may temper your outspokenness. There are
none of us in this profession who can possibly attribute their success to
anything but commitment, sacrifice, long hours and hard work. I think you should
take up Mr. Weott’s offer to spend a week or so with him. That, too, would be
an education. Please stay in touch.
Steven Fries, LPO
Fort Myers, FL
