Boy did I get a ton of responses. The majority concurred with my opinion. A
few took exception. Good.
Keep in mind that the organizations that do the most bickering (ABC, BOC) are
PRIVATE entities. They have no legal jurisdiction to prevent ANYONE from
practicing O&P. Only state licensure or the ongoing negotiated rulemaking
process for Medicare can restrict the practice of O&P. These PRIVATE entities
have no incentive to exclude or disbar anyone that qualifies and meets THEIR
minimum established standard, in fact they have a financial incentive to
retain membership. When was the last time you saw anyone disbarred,
de-certified, expelled, censured, reprimanded or spanked by these private
entities? These entities exist because of fees paid by qualified members.
These entities have established the minimum standard because the majority of
US do not get involved at either the local, state or national level to voice
or assert our opinions and make and support change. I do not begrudge anyone
their credentials or the path they took to establish their career.
O&P is now at a crossroads nationally with the negotiated rulemaking process
to define the “qualified provider” of O&P services. There are a lot more
letters swirling to the top of the alphabet soup of “qualified providers”.
Soon there may not be an O&P field to discuss.
Maybe I’ve become a little calloused and crusty, but, I still pay my dues, am
still proud of my credentials, and the work I do for my patients/clients.
Happy holidays.
Ralph W. Nobbe CPO
