Since this dialogue has been officially opened to the public, I would conclude that it would also
include the consumer. Remember us?! The silent majority!
My statements are personal opinions and do not imply any underlining conspiracy theory by all AOPA members.
I am grateful to many members of both organizations for participating in the recent “Where Hope Meets Help”
amputee assistance effort of the Barr Foundation.We look forward to keeping you posted on future developments.
Is consolidation good for the consumer?
I am not at all surprised of the recent consolidation effort which in my opinion is really an attempt
to merge AOPA with the Academy. As a self proclaimed educated consumer and advocate of
O&P regulation, I see the consolidation effort as a tactical plan strategized by a trade association
(AOPA) to stop the momentum of governmental regulation and further control the destiny of what
they may percieve as their “industry”.
The National Office requires consolidation, not for convenience, but for survival, AOPA’s
survival!
AOPA’s difficulty with membership (revenue), participation and attendance continues to
degenerate as the result of the following: (my opinion!)
1. Chain facilities do not require the same membership fees as do the independent
practitioner.
2. The same companies “convince” manufacturers/suppliers to conduct closed
continuing educational meetings and seminars.
3. AOPA has failed to use their power and influence to be the principal advocate for
the O&P industry. They have failed to actively support legislative and regulatory
issues – particularly state regulation efforts and encouraging the federal government to
develop and pass legislation for federal standards of education based on guidelines
established by CAAHEP. Legislation that, in my opinion, will be mandatory for stopping
further cutbacks of O&P reimbursement levels and crucial to the independent practitioner’s survival.
4. AOPA has failed in providing strategic direction of developing policy liaisons with
consumer and provider groups relevant to our future. (e.g., AAOP, ABC,
NAAOP, ACA and The Barr Foundation)
The Academy has provided support for more than educational needs. Their membership is at an
all time high and growing. They are very much aware as to the importance in establishing
educational standards of all practitioners. Not only in order to generate a deserving image as a
“professional” organization, but also as a means to protect the consumer.
It is the membership of the Academy that has transformed the “industry” into a “profession”. A
profession worthy of a license to practice and thus create a separation from the business side of
the equation. It is the Academy that has made great leaps in assuring quality care for the
consumer. They, not AOPA, must take a more active role in legislative efforts to help stop the
fraud and abuse that further castrates fair and reasonable O&P coverage by Medicare and other
health care providers. It is the supplier outlets, not the practitioner that has been most often
found guilty of documented fraud and abuse cases of O&P services. Unfortunately, often times,
qualified honest practitioners are unjustly cloned to the prime violaters and DME dealers.
Consolidation is not needed for the survival of the Academy and it’s mission. Should AOPA
members have a say in your qualifications and certification that AAOP members have worked
so hard for?
These consolidation efforts although smoke-screened in the name of efficiency, and labeled
“One Voice for O&P”, in reality is the last stand for AOPA to survive as a sister
organization of the National Office by merging with the more successful arm, the Academy.
AOPA’s interests are seperate as are their motives. They should remain seperate, perhaps apart
from the National Office.Perhaps the Academy should consider seperation!
In my humble, but biased consumer’s opinion, consolidation efforts will intentionally destroy the
tremendous progress made by the Academy and their well earned professional image that
THEY themselves have achieved. It will sabotage any progress made to encourage federal and state
regulatory movements to further curb fraud and abuse.
The question is: “Is consolidation good for the consumer and the individual O&P practitioner or
is it good for big business?”
As a profession, the practitioner needs to respond to the changes in the health care environment,
but combining professional and business aspects of various health care fields is like mixing oil
with water!
The final decision of consolidation is in the hands of the membership of AAOP and AOPA.
Change is needed, but constructive change in leadership, and priorities that would pursue
meaningful reform to curb fraud and abuse in the industry is essential. Fraud and abuse
effectively short changes and penalizes the “qualified” practitioner for fair pricing of a skilled learned profession.
Just as important , it cheats the consumer for a chance of proper and complete rehabilitation.
Hope to see you in New Orleans!Stop by our exhibit. Thanks for the opportunity of providing dialogue from perhaps a little
different perspective!(?)
Anthony T. Barr
President
The Barr Foundation
www.oandp.com/barr
