Granted there is some hostility between BOC and ABC, I do not feel that that’s part of the problem of which you write.Pharmacist that are allowed under the DME providers for Medicare are fitting soft goods. Manufacturers reps who are fitting orthotic items. They feel that after a few hour inhouse inservice (if that) that they are as qualified as those of us with the certifications.PT’s are pretty much a lost cause as far as orthotics. Cascade is the company that did that to our field. The DAFO course was strictly marketed to the therapist. I personally feel as a practicing Prosthetist/Orthotist that I actually give the patient their initial prosthetic gait training. Most therapist have had a few hour introduction into prosthetics and prosthetic principals. Otherwise I have to actually teach the therapist in a discreet way how to perform the gait training. Why can’y we charge for gait training directly to the insurance companys and Medicare? I feel that that would be only fai!
r-especially how I have to do this to insure that patient has a positive outcome.Maybe someone in AOPA can head that direction and try to get legislation enacted.M. Britt Spears CPO LPO
“Rick E. Sevier”
From: jkarnette
To: Rick E. Sevier
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2003 3:46 AM
Subject: PLease send this in the loop
I am Jeff Arnette, CO,BOCP,LPO There ought to be a few other letters somewhere I could add. Our industry lost the battle of services in 1984 when ABC decide to sue BOC. It was in this year that the national association of Physical therapist changed there practice act to include the ability to fit and deliver orthotic and prosthetic devices. This is not a dramatic jump since they were already instructing on use and donning of these type of devices. This is set forth through the plan of care that they are required to establish prior to the provision of services. This is also true for Occupational Therapist and Athletic Trainers (ATC).
I agree with many that there needs to be some changes in our educational process. But do not agree that a doctorate is the answer as an owner with diminishing payables on the horizon such as bidding from Medicare which is the natural result from the VA bidding that they would only accept bids off the Medicare fee schedule. We as an industry could not afford this person. It would increase the debts of students and loss in number of practioners over time.
My personal recommendation is that we look at combining the division of rehab practices and make specialties of them. This would do three things:
1. It would prevent practice seepage from other programs into a defined field of practice.
2. It would increases the legislative war chest.
3. It would unify the industry into one voice for dominance.
This is the process that would be required:
1. One industry has to be the umbrella industry.
2. Set up a coalition round table of Phisiaristris,PT,OT,OTC,ABC,BOCP,Pedorthics, Pharmacist,NOMA
3. Redefine the educational process to allow industry training.
If we don’t do this I give our industry 10 years and one of the other types of rehab practices will end our monopoly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!………..
Sincerely,
Jeff Arnette CO, BOCP, LPO
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