At the request of AOPA and ACA, Senator Harkin has included the following
report language in the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations
markup:
“The Committee is aware that the inspector general has issued reports
identifying a direct correlation between supplier training in the fabrication,
fitting and delivery of orthotic devices and consistent, appropriate billing
for orthotics to Medicare. Medicare could realize significant savings through
improved billing practices and the development of utilization criteria
establishing required minimum supplier qualifications, including provider
training and expertise, to receive Medicare payment for orthotic and
prosthetic care. Therefore, the Committee urges HCFA to implement the OIG
recommendations in report OEI-02-95-00380 to undertake a demonstration of
savings achievable through the establishment of minimum supplier
qualifications to utilize HCPCS codes for customized orthotic and prosthetic
devices. The Committee expects to receive a report from HCFA on its progress
on this recommendation by January 1.”
This report language is a part of AOPA’s strategy to persuade Congress to
restrict access to custom Lcodes to qualified providers, i.e., facilities that
are ABC accredited or that have ABC certified practitioners.
Bob
Robert T. Van Hook, CAE
Executive Director
American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association
1650 King Street, Suite 500
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703/836-7116
Fax: 703/836-0838
Email: [email protected]
Webpage: www.pando.org
