—– Original Message —–=20
From: jkarnette=20
To: Rick E. Sevier=20
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).=20
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.=20
My personal recommendation is that we look at combining the division of =
rehab practices and make specialties of them. This would do three =
things:=20
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
NOTE: Please respond to [email protected]
CEO POPS
www.oklahomaoandp.com=20
