With respect to membership in the new organization, the draft Bylaws do not
require that you be ABC credentialed to belong to the association.
Sincerely:
Lance Hoxie
Exec. Dir.
ABC
In hopes of continuing the “open” dialoge to all, I have specific questions concerning the proposed consolidation effort.
I appreciate the opportunity of addressing these concerns and questions to the appropriate leaders of the national office.
1) Since the draft by-laws of the new organization will not require ABC credentialed members, will membership be open to BOC members as well as DME dealers/suppliers, manufacturers and other non patient care business interests?
2) Will membership fee schedules continue to vary depending on the type of membership catagory? For example, will chain facilities require the same membership fees as individual practitioners?
3) Will continuing education meetings and seminars for chain facility members continue to be held behind closed doors or will those members be required to attend the same meetings as the individual practioners?
4) Although the new membership may not be voting members, will not it’s mere numbers of industry members,including the main culperts of O&P fraud and abuse,DME dealers and suppliers, have a negative impact re: legislative issues that are not neccessarily with the best interests of the consumer and individual practitioner?
5) Will a new consolidated organization accomplish what AOPA has failed in providing strategic direction of developing policy liasons with consumer and provider groups relevant to the future of O&P concerns? Will not a new organization, with so many industry and big business members, send a wrong signal in attempting to educate private and government reimbursers as to what constitutes a high level of O&P health care and the proper reimbursement requirements to provide such high level service?
I have cc these questions to AMP- L in hopes to better informing the consumer of the issues.I would hope that you may provide input to these discussions and understand that the outcome have and will effect your O&P insurance coverage policies.
Thank You,
Anthony T. Barr
President
The Barr Foundation
www.oandp.com/barr