O&#038;P 101: A Crash Course

What associations serve the O&P profession, what do they do, and what does it mean for you? Quick question: If you were in an elevator talking to a recent O&P graduate who wanted to know the best way to impact policy at the national level, what would you say? If that same graduate asked you about continuing education opportunities in O&P, what advice would you give? What would you say if you were asked about associations that serve the profession, how they serve the profession, and how other practitioners can get involved? How important is it to know this stuff, anyway?

O&P is facing a tough year in terms of healthcare reform and competitive bidding, not to mention the complexities associated with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) 2012 Work Plan (Editor's note: For more information, read "DMEPOS Activities Revealed in OIG's 2012 Work Plan," www.oandp.com/articles/news_2011-10-14_01.asp ).

Being an effective advocate for the profession starts with knowledge, and although many national O&P associations and organizations are involved in national advocacy efforts, what they do extends far beyond the Beltway.

"Membership in one or more of these associations can expose you and your team to many different clinical approaches and solutions, and technologies and techniques," says John Miguelez, CP, FAAOP , president and senior clinical director of Redondo Beach, California-based Advanced Arm Dynamics. Regardless of mission, O&P associations and organizations provide educational and networking opportunities, business and practice-management resources, and bring visibility and recognition to a segment of the healthcare profession that is generally considered a small fish in a large pond.

Collective Cooperation

"Nothing of substance happens until a group is formed," says Séamus Kennedy, BEng (Mech), CPed , president and co-owner of Hersco Ortho Labs, Long Island City, New York. "We know people can talk and complain at will, but once they come together as a body, decisive action can be taken."

American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) board member Eileen Levis, HCA , president and CEO of Orthologix, Trevose, Pennsylvania, concurs. "It is impossible for us as business owners, practitioners, and suppliers to individually have any effect," she says. "It is our collective voice, heard through AOPA, that we have a chance to succeed. So the answer to why should people and companies get involved? Quite simply: to survive!"

While Levis speaks specifically about AOPA, her message extends to the O&P profession overall, as does the message from Bruce "Mac" McClellan, CPO, LP, FISPO , president-elect of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy), who says, "A profession is only as good as the people who contribute to it."

Whether you're new to the profession or have been providing products, services, and/or care to the orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic community for years, this crash course in national O&P associations and organizations can benefit anyone who agrees that involvement begins with knowledge.†

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists

Mission: The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) is dedicated to promoting professionalism and advancing the standards of patient care through education, literature, research, advocacy, and collaboration. Background: The Academy is a professional membership organization founded in November 1970 to further the scientific and educational attainments of certified O&P practitioners. The Academy has 11 active state and regional chapters. Membership: The Academy welcomes into its membership all those who serve O&P patients. Function: The primary function of the Academy is to enhance O&P professionals' effectiveness through advanced education that enables them to better serve those in need of O&P care. The Academy also supports O&P research and advocates on behalf of its membership regarding issues that impact the profession as a whole, as well as issues that impact individual practitioners. Professional Development: The Academy offers educational programming through its Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium, One-Day Seminars, the Paul E. Leimkuehler Online Learning Center (OLC), the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (JPO), The Academy TODAY , and other online and print publications. The Academy's Scientific Societies provide a forum to support and advance the professional development of members who pursue common goals in a specific area of O&P. Their objectives include sharing information and knowledge among Society members; encouraging literature, clinical, and product-development research; and presenting and publishing their findings. Research: The Academy's Research Council fosters self-sustaining research efforts and produces peer-reviewed O&P literature that advances evidence-based practice, promotes further research, and collaborates with entities currently working in the field to enhance the profession's research capacity. The Academy also supported the creation of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Education and Research Foundation (OPERF), an independent organization established by practicing O&P professionals to raise the standards of O&P education and research through annual grants and scholarships. Professional Issues: The Academy's Professional Issues Council focuses on issues that affect the professional lives of its members, the profession in general, and the care of O&P patients. These issues include state licensure, reimbursement, appropriate continuing education, legislative and regulatory issues, certification, and accreditation.

American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association

Mission: American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) promotes the favorable treatment of O&P businesses in legislation, regulations, and services; helps members improve their management and marketing skills; and raises awareness and understanding of the industry and the association. Background: This national trade association was founded in 1917 in Washington DC as the Artificial Limb Manufacturers and Brace Association (ALMBA). Anticipating that World War I casualties would require O&P treatment, the Council of National Defense and artificial limb and brace manufacturers met to prepare the industry to meet those needs. Through the years, AOPA has changed its scope and evolved to become what it calls "the unified voice of the O&P businesses and industry." Membership: Membership is open to O&P patient care facilities that design, fabricate, fit, and supervise the use of orthoses and prostheses and employ a practitioner who is certified by and in good standing with the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) or the Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC). Membership is also open to suppliers that manufacture or distribute O&P-related products, or provide service to O&P patient care facilities. Function: Through government-relations efforts, AOPA works to raise awareness about the O&P profession and impact policies affecting the future of the industry. AOPA also provides business tools and services to help its members improve the operations and profit of their practices and enhance the care they provide to patients. Advocacy: AOPA advocates for policies that improve patient care, sustain adequate Medicare reimbursement rates for O&P services, reduce the Medicare-related regulatory and paperwork burden on an O&P business, and improve access to and coverage of O&P products and services in all healthcare settings. According to its website, AOPA has formed the only association political action committee (PAC) representing the O&P industry and profession on Capitol Hill. Professional development: AOPA provides small-business tools and advanced services through its National Assembly, educational seminars, audio conferences, webcasts, an online video learning center, a business certificate program, various print and online publications, its website, and its "Ask the O&P Experts" forum, where experts answer coding, reimbursement, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) questions by e-mail or telephone. Research: AOPA supports research via the Center for Orthotic and Prosthetic Learning and Outcomes/Evidence-Based Practice (COPL), an independent, nonprofit scientific and charitable membership organization that is dedicated to advancing the development of, and learning about, O&P outcomes and evidence-based research projects through annual grants.

National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics

Mission: The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP) is to be a strong, unifying advocate, representing the interests of the O&P patient and practice communities, specifically championing causes concerning patient access, funding, and outcomes through leadership in national and state policy formation. Background: NAAOP, a nonprofit trade association, was founded in 1987 by a small group of O&P practitioners who wanted to do something about the lack of research dollars being put into O&P. These individuals, along with NAAOP's founding staff, sought to advance the O&P patient's well-being and protect the O&P profession. Membership: Membership is open to nationally certified and/or state-licensed orthotic and prosthetic professionals, accredited O&P facilities, and select manufacturers that are dedicated to advancing O&P technologies and outcomes. NAAOP also has O&P patients among its membership and on its board. Function: NAAOP is dedicated to educating the public and promoting public policy that is in the interest of the O&P patient. Its members advocate for better evidence, better practitioner education, greater and better technology for the O&P consumer, and greater access to O&P care. NAAOP begins its advocacy efforts by working to understand the circumstances, opportunities, and areas of concern affecting professional O&P care. Communication: NAAOP fosters dialogue with its members, partners, and community, with the goal of presenting workable solutions based on evidence and experience. The association monitors and analyzes activity in Washington DC that impacts O&P patients and providers, and disseminates information to the O&P profession. Advocacy: NAAOP (1) works to heighten awareness of O&P through education and advocacy in Congress, the Administration, federal agencies that administer Medicare and Medicaid, coalitions of national health organizations, and private insurance; (2) develops and maintains close working relationships with all health-related House and Senate committees, members of Congress and their staffs, Administration and healthcare finance administration officials, and personnel from the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (3) develops strategies to combat or support various proposals and then presents the positions of the O&P profession to public-policy decision makers in Washington DC; (4) implements proposals and promotes points of view on Capitol Hill that protect and advance professional O&P patient care; and (5) supports state legislative initiatives that defend patient access to comprehensive O&P care. Unified Voice

Whether they are speaking about the profession as a whole or their "preferred" association, the O&P professionals and association board members interviewed for this article agree that there is strength in numbers, consistent messages are more effective than fragmented ones, and the goal of O&P organizations should be to move the profession and the level and scope of patient care forward. The Orthotic & Prosthetic Alliance took this to a new level when four national organizations joined forces.

Orthotic & Prosthetic Alliance

Mission: The Orthotic & Prosthetic Alliance (O&P Alliance) works to represent the scientific, research, professional, business, and quality-improvement aspects of the O&P field to government. The O&P Alliance advocates for state and federal policy that improves the practice of O&P and quality of services provided to patients who require these healthcare services. Background: The O&P Alliance was formed in 2005 as a coalition of the leading national O&P organizations so that these organizations could work more closely and collectively to make progress on a consensus government-affairs agenda. The four original member organizations are the Academy, AOPA, ABC, and NAAOP. In November 2010, the Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC) was invited to participate as a non-member in O&P Alliance meetings and conference calls, and effective January 1, 2012, BOC is an official member of the O&P Alliance. Membership: One representative from each of the five member organizations are part of a steering committee. The Alliance functions under a consensus rule, and each member organization has one equal vote. If any one organization does not agree that a particular issue should be subject to Alliance involvement, that issue would then fall to the individual organization(s) with an interest in pursuing it. Function: The O&P Alliance has built its agenda on three consensus priorities: (1) quality of care and practitioner qualifications; (2) O&P coverage and reimbursements; and (3) O&P education and research. The O&P Alliance has created a routine and open communication mechanism among its five member organizations so that policy positions and coordinated responses to issues that arise occur efficiently and routinely, allowing the O&P field to speak to government with one voice. Practitioner Certification, Facility Accreditation, and Education Program Accreditation High-quality education programs and highly educated and qualified practitioners result in improved services and patient care for any healthcare discipline. Advocating for improved qualifications of O&P providers and facilities is the foremost function of the following three organizations. These organizations collaborate with one another and with the other O&P organizations to help advance the profession.

American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics

Mission: The mission of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) is to establish and promote the highest standards of organizational and clinical performance in the delivery of orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic services. Background: ABC was established in 1948 to set clinical standards, further professionalism, and establish the orthotics and prosthetics practitioner as a member of the allied healthcare community. Since 1973, ABC has twice raised its minimum education standards for orthotists and prosthetists in keeping with the increased role that practitioners play in healthcare. ABC sponsored the establishment of the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) and, along with AOPA, sponsored the establishment of the Academy. In 2007, the Board for Certification in Pedorthics (BCP) integrated into ABC, bringing more than 2,500 pedorthists into the ABC family. Function: ABC offers certification programs for orthotists, prosthetists, pedorthists, orthotic fitters, mastectomy fitters, therapeutic shoe fitters, O&P technicians, and O&P assistants. It also offers a facility accreditation program and administers a Professional Discipline program. Credentials: According to its website, the education requirements for ABC-certified orthotists and prosthetists are the only O&P educational standards recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The ABC-certified orthotist, prosthetist, and pedorthist programs are also accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE).

Board of Certification/Accreditation, International

Mission: The Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC) assures patients, physicians, professional organizations, the public-at-large, and government agencies and representatives, of the competence, professionalism, and safe practice environments of BOC-certified practitioners and BOC-accredited facilities. Background: BOC, an independent, nonprofit agency, was founded in 1984 as a certification program that advocated for professional experience and was geared toward working O&P professionals seeking to enhance or advance their careers. In the early 1990s, BOC introduced facility accreditation into its services to help suppliers independently prove their competency in patient care and sound business practices. Function: BOC offers certification programs and continuing education opportunities for orthotists, prosthetists, pedorthists, orthotic fitters, and mastectomy fitters and is also "deemed" by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a DMEPOS facility-accreditation organization. Credentials: According to its website, BOC is the only O&P credentialing organization with National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation for all of its certification programs.

National Commission on Orthotic & Prosthetic Education

Mission: The National Commission on Orthotic & Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) develops, applies, and assures standards for O&P education through accreditation and approval to promote exemplary patient care. Its primary mission and obligation is to ensure educational and residency programs meet the minimum standards of quality to prepare individuals to enter the O&P professions. Background: In December 1999, NCOPE became an incorporated accreditation agency, independent from the Academy, AOPA, and ABC. It is the accreditation body for the O&P profession. NCOPE is organized and operated for scientific, educational, and charitable purposes. Function: NCOPE promotes education in the O&P field and works to raise the standards of education in the field; develops standards for and accredits O&P education programs; establishes accreditation and evaluation procedures in O&P education; aids the development of new O&P programs; publishes an annual report on O&P education; and develops and administers the O&P residency program. Credentials: NCOPE serves in cooperation with the CAAHEP for accreditation of orthotic and prosthetic educational programs.

Niche Organizations Provide Continuity to O&P Sub-Specialties

O&P is a niche profession to be sure, but there are a number of even more specialized niches in O&P, and each is served by its own organizing body.

American Association of Breast Care Professionals

Mission: The American Association of Breast Care Professionals (AABCP) educates, advocates, and protects the interests of breast care professionals and the clients they serve by monitoring both federal and state legislation, taking action when necessary to ensure the continuation of breast care benefits. Background: AABCP was founded in 2004 and is the only national membership-driven organization dedicated to the comprehensive advancement of the breast care profession. Function: AABCP serves as a resource for professional information, policy and statistical trends, educational standards, and continuing education for the breast care profession. AABCP provides a bi-weekly newsletter, website, an online professional monthly magazine MeasureUp!, as well as marketplace partnerships, social media, educational tools, books, seminars, webinars, and legislative alerts.

Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics

Mission: The Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC) provides resources to professionals who serve children with various orthopedic impairments associated with limb deficiency, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and burns. Background: In 1977, an unsponsored, ad-hoc committee of individuals involved in O&P research and development laid the groundwork for an organization that would exchange information in the area of children's O&P. ACPOC was officially formed in 1980. Function: ACPOC provides information to allow pediatric patients and patients' families to access specialized clinics and healthcare providers; provides educational opportunities to its membership through newsletters, its website, Annual Meeting, and other programming; seeks to stimulate clinical research that will advance the technology and treatment approaches for orthopedic impairments; and offers an environment that promotes team collaboration with all medical professionals.

Orthotic & Prosthetic Technological Association

Mission: The Orthotic & Prosthetic Technological Association (OPTA) was established as a source for standards-based technical O&P fabrication techniques and procedures. Background: OPTA started as a grassroots, nonprofit membership organization in 2003 by a group of O&P technical professionals who saw the need for a unified voice within their profession. OPTA has since eliminated memberships so that the organization could focus on its mission; the organization is now self-funded and driven by its board of directors. Function: OPTA's main function is the acquisition and dissemination of O&P technical information. Objectives include facilitating professional and educational requirements of O&P technicians and focusing on advancing the science of technical O&P fabrication standards. OPTA is currently "culling information from all over the planet to compile a fabrication manual, with the goal of offering it via the Internet, free of charge," according to Tony Wickman, CTPO . "This is what we do for fun."

Pedorthic Footcare Association

Mission: The Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) strives to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the credentialed (certified and/or licensed) pedorthist through education; increase the demand for the credentialed pedorthist's services through marketing; and defend the credentialed pedorthist's right to practice through government affairs activities. Background: Founded in 1958, PFA is a nonprofit professional association that represents the interests of the certified and/or licensed pedorthist and supports the pedorthic profession at large. Function: PFA's efforts focus on legislative and regulatory lobbying for issues important to the pedorthic profession, along with the PFA PAC; educational offerings through online/on-demand professional-development courses and webinars, specially designated articles in the Current Pedorthics magazine, and at its Annual Symposia & Exhibition; and the dissemination of news and information to its constituents.

Small Profession, Big Impact

In comparison to other allied healthcare professions, O&P is decidedly small, but the impact that orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic professionals have on their patients can be profound and oftentimes life changing.

Being involved in one or more of the associations that serve the orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic professions "allows you to understand the pulse of...our industry," Miguelez says. "It's important to give back to those organizations and share what you are doing. It's really hard to grow professionally if you are in isolation."

There are a number of ways to get involved-from attending or presenting research at local, regional, or national meetings; joining a committee; writing letters to congress members and/or meeting with local government representatives; developing educational content, and contributing to association forums and publications. Writing a check also counts.

"If you don't get involved, what can we do at the end of the day if we're left out of big decisions in Washington?" asks Kevin Carroll, MS, CP, FAAOP , vice president of prosthetics for Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, a division of Hanger Orthopedic Group, Austin, Texas, and Academy board member. "We just have to fight for our own little profession at this time.... We all need to be as vocal as possible...whether it's [through] the Academy or AOPA or NAAOP, or working with the Amputee Coalition. We are all in this together."

Laura Fonda Hochnadel can be reached at linkEmail('laura','opedge.com');

† The O&P EDGE would like to thank each organization described in this article for contributing information about their mission, background, and function.

O&P 101: A Crash Course

Young Turks: Where Are They Now?

Are You Ready for a Party? We Are!

TMR Technically Feasible for Transfemoral Amputees

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Lower Extremity Product Manager

Texas Board–Eligible Prosthetist or Licensed Prosthetic Assistant

Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

O&P 101: A Crash Course

What associations serve the O&P profession, what do they do, and what does it mean for you?

Support authors and subscribe to content

Subscribe

Related posts:

Young Turks: Where Are They Now?

Are You Ready for a Party? We Are!

TMR Technically Feasible for Transfemoral Amputees

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Lower Extremity Product Manager

Texas Board–Eligible Prosthetist or Licensed Prosthetic Assistant

Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist

Login to your account

Reset Password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Login to your account

Reset Password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation