AOPA
in AdvanceBreaking News for O&P Professionals
January, 8 2008 ♦ Volume 12 Number 1
Printer-Friendly Version
| O&P News |
Readers of AOPA
In Advance who have not had time to
respond to the AOPA Member Survey
can still respond online until close of business, Wednesday, Jan. 9.
AOPA members have stepped up to help shape the future of this industry and their own business by participating in the member survey. More than 25 percent of AOPA member patient care facilities and more than 16 percent of supplier members have already responded to the survey. But to ensure the broadest possible participation in the survey, the deadline has been extended to Wednesday, Jan. 9.
Your response is needed because the AOPA Board of Directors and a specially appointed workgroup will evaluate the results to determine how AOPA can best serve its membership in the coming decade and how AOPA members may be better equipped to deal with changes in the marketplace. Questions raised in the survey relate to competition, recent growth trends, perceived threats and opportunities and what members will do to respond to these present and future issues. Members were also asked to rate the value of several AOPA services.
Do it online – and do it now. The fifteen minutes you spend completing the survey will have an impact on the future of AOPA and the O&P field. And the survey questions themselves may help raise your personal awareness of some of the big issues challenging the O&P field’s future.
To all those who have already responded: thank you. You’re a vital player in the future of O&P.
Questions? Contact Steven Rybicki at srybicki@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0835.
AOPA members have stepped up to help shape the future of this industry and their own business by participating in the member survey. More than 25 percent of AOPA member patient care facilities and more than 16 percent of supplier members have already responded to the survey. But to ensure the broadest possible participation in the survey, the deadline has been extended to Wednesday, Jan. 9.
Your response is needed because the AOPA Board of Directors and a specially appointed workgroup will evaluate the results to determine how AOPA can best serve its membership in the coming decade and how AOPA members may be better equipped to deal with changes in the marketplace. Questions raised in the survey relate to competition, recent growth trends, perceived threats and opportunities and what members will do to respond to these present and future issues. Members were also asked to rate the value of several AOPA services.
Do it online – and do it now. The fifteen minutes you spend completing the survey will have an impact on the future of AOPA and the O&P field. And the survey questions themselves may help raise your personal awareness of some of the big issues challenging the O&P field’s future.
To all those who have already responded: thank you. You’re a vital player in the future of O&P.
Questions? Contact Steven Rybicki at srybicki@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0835.
>> Back
to Top <<
The 2008 O&P
Policy Forum is happening in Washington D.C. on March 9–11.
Whether you’ve attended one of AOPA’s
Policy Forums in the past, or
this will be your first one, the opportunities for education and
interaction
are unparalleled.
The Policy Forum is a three-day gathering for O&P professionals who want to speak directly with their Congressional delegations. Decisions by our Congressmen and Senators significantly affect the O&P profession, so it’s always important to communicate with them when given these face-to-face opportunities. While AOPA has a staff of experts dedicated to lobbying members of Congress, you are the Congressional members’ voting constituents, and it is you whose support they need.
AOPA staff and invited speakers will prepare you with all the information and materials necessary to be a strong advocate for our profession, allowing you to present the O&P story to your legislators. You will educate lawmakers on the key issues facing O&P, so that our community can continue to serve our patients and maintain viable businesses. See how simple it is to make contact with the decision makers on Capitol Hill—one person really does make a difference!
To kick off this important event, AOPA has invited former Senator Bob Dole to speak to the attendees on his role as Co-Chairman of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors.
The cost for attending the O&P Policy Forum is $150 per registrant. This price includes receptions on Sunday and Monday evenings and your breakfast and lunch on both Monday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 11.
AOPA has secured housing for attendees at the renowned Hyatt Regency Bethesda at a rate of $225 per night (single occupancy). You may call the general Hyatt Hotels reservation number at (800) 233-1234 to make your reservation, or you may call the Hyatt Regency Bethesda directly at (301) 657-1234. To receive this rate, make your reservation before Feb. 8, 2008 and mention the AOPA Policy Forum.
To register for the Policy Forum, click here, or call AOPA at (571) 431-0876.
The Policy Forum is a three-day gathering for O&P professionals who want to speak directly with their Congressional delegations. Decisions by our Congressmen and Senators significantly affect the O&P profession, so it’s always important to communicate with them when given these face-to-face opportunities. While AOPA has a staff of experts dedicated to lobbying members of Congress, you are the Congressional members’ voting constituents, and it is you whose support they need.
AOPA staff and invited speakers will prepare you with all the information and materials necessary to be a strong advocate for our profession, allowing you to present the O&P story to your legislators. You will educate lawmakers on the key issues facing O&P, so that our community can continue to serve our patients and maintain viable businesses. See how simple it is to make contact with the decision makers on Capitol Hill—one person really does make a difference!
To kick off this important event, AOPA has invited former Senator Bob Dole to speak to the attendees on his role as Co-Chairman of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors.
The cost for attending the O&P Policy Forum is $150 per registrant. This price includes receptions on Sunday and Monday evenings and your breakfast and lunch on both Monday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 11.
AOPA has secured housing for attendees at the renowned Hyatt Regency Bethesda at a rate of $225 per night (single occupancy). You may call the general Hyatt Hotels reservation number at (800) 233-1234 to make your reservation, or you may call the Hyatt Regency Bethesda directly at (301) 657-1234. To receive this rate, make your reservation before Feb. 8, 2008 and mention the AOPA Policy Forum.
To register for the Policy Forum, click here, or call AOPA at (571) 431-0876.
  Office Depot and AOPA: Partnering for Success!Take advantage of these
negotiated deeper discounts, cost saving initiatives, &
procurement solutions to run
your business. 60-80%off 75 of the most frequently ordered items; Tech
Depot Consultant for IT questions & quotes; custom furniture
solutions for Executive Offices - 50-cubicle stations; Copy Print
& Promotional Services.
START YOUR SAVINGS
TODAY-CALL JAMIE TREUTING AT 703-532-3666.
|
The Center
for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released the 2008 Medicare
DMEPOS Fee
Schedule and O&P received the expected 2.7 percent increase in
Medicare
allowables over 2007 levels. This increase matches the increase in the
Consumer
Price Index for Urban consumers (CPI-U) from July 2006 through June
2007. The CPI-U is used to determine the annual
increase in O&P fees.
New 2008 codes that directly replace deleted HCPCS codes have been assigned Medicare allowables that became effective Jan. 1, 2008. New codes that do not replace any deleted codes will be paid under Individual Consideration until July 2008 when fee schedules for these codes will be published.
A link to the full 2008 DMEPOS Fee schedule may be downloaded here.
Questions? Contact Joe McTernan at jmcternan@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0811.
New 2008 codes that directly replace deleted HCPCS codes have been assigned Medicare allowables that became effective Jan. 1, 2008. New codes that do not replace any deleted codes will be paid under Individual Consideration until July 2008 when fee schedules for these codes will be published.
A link to the full 2008 DMEPOS Fee schedule may be downloaded here.
Questions? Contact Joe McTernan at jmcternan@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0811.
2008
Medicare Part B Premium and Deductible Announced
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has published the 2008 Medicare premium and deductible rates for 2008. The monthly Medicare Part B premium for individuals with annual income of $82,000 or less (or joint income of $164,000 or less) will be $96.40. This represents an increase of $2.90 (3.1 percent) from 2007 rates. The Medicare Part B deductible for 2008 has increased from $131.00 to $135.00, an increase of $4.00 (3 percent). Medicare Part B coinsurance remains at 20 percent of the Medicare allowed charge.
As a reminder, Medicare beneficiaries are required to satisfy their annual Part B deductible before Medicare will make any claim payments. This is especially important to keep in mind at the beginning of the year when there is a good chance that a beneficiary has not yet met their responsibility for paying their deductible.
Questions? Contact Joe McTernan at jmcternan@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0811.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has published the 2008 Medicare premium and deductible rates for 2008. The monthly Medicare Part B premium for individuals with annual income of $82,000 or less (or joint income of $164,000 or less) will be $96.40. This represents an increase of $2.90 (3.1 percent) from 2007 rates. The Medicare Part B deductible for 2008 has increased from $131.00 to $135.00, an increase of $4.00 (3 percent). Medicare Part B coinsurance remains at 20 percent of the Medicare allowed charge.
As a reminder, Medicare beneficiaries are required to satisfy their annual Part B deductible before Medicare will make any claim payments. This is especially important to keep in mind at the beginning of the year when there is a good chance that a beneficiary has not yet met their responsibility for paying their deductible.
Questions? Contact Joe McTernan at jmcternan@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0811.
>>
Back to Top <<
Coding
Corner
A9283 is a new code for 2008 that describes devices that are used to offload pressure from the foot. Typically these devices are used to treat or prevent pressure ulcers of the foot. While Medicare does not cover these devices, other insurers may provide coverage under this code. Prior to the issuance of this code, providers had no way to properly code devices that were used specifically to relieve pressure from the foot.
Questions? Contact Joe McTernan at jmcternan@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0811.
A9283 is a new code for 2008 that describes devices that are used to offload pressure from the foot. Typically these devices are used to treat or prevent pressure ulcers of the foot. While Medicare does not cover these devices, other insurers may provide coverage under this code. Prior to the issuance of this code, providers had no way to properly code devices that were used specifically to relieve pressure from the foot.
Questions? Contact Joe McTernan at jmcternan@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0811.
|
Click on the 2008
Media Planner
Find out how AOPA can help you promote your products in 2008! AOPA members save 30% on advertising in the O&P Almanac and AOPA Yearbook. February Space Deadline: Jan. 9 Contact |
>>
Back to Top <<
| O&P Resources from AOPA |
Don’t
Miss the B.O.A.T. – It’s On The Way!
Are you satisfied with your business’ profitability? If the answer is no (and it should be) then don’t miss the B.O.A.T.! The Business Optimization Analysis Tool (B.O.A.T) will have its pre-launch testing beginning in January. All of the participants in the 2007 Operating Performance and Compensation study are invited to enjoy a six month free subscription to this sophisticated “profit building” tool, while they also function as the program testers. The B.O.A.T provides a private and secure Web site for each subscriber that brings together an orderly process for evaluating your economic and business health; measuring your external market and competition; analyzing your management processes and their effectiveness, including patient care practices; and benchmarking financial results against budget and peer top performers.
The B.O.A.T. Workgroup reviewed the site in early December and one member exclaimed, “It far exceeded my expectations.” That workgroup is chaired by Tom Kirk and its members include Anita Liberman-Lampear, Rod Cheney, CPO, FAAOP and Rick Fleetwood. Industry Insights, the same firm that does AOPA’s Operating Performance and Compensation Report, created the site for the B.O.A.T. and as per the workgroup’s specifications and will maintain the site to ensure the confidentiality of all data. For the OPC participants, Industry Insights will populate their individual, confidential Web pages with the financial operating data they supplied for 2006 and 2005 which gives users an instant history for comparing 2007 and future results. No one from AOPA will have access to any of the site’s individual data.
Questions? Contact Steven Rybicki at srybicki@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0835.
Are you satisfied with your business’ profitability? If the answer is no (and it should be) then don’t miss the B.O.A.T.! The Business Optimization Analysis Tool (B.O.A.T) will have its pre-launch testing beginning in January. All of the participants in the 2007 Operating Performance and Compensation study are invited to enjoy a six month free subscription to this sophisticated “profit building” tool, while they also function as the program testers. The B.O.A.T provides a private and secure Web site for each subscriber that brings together an orderly process for evaluating your economic and business health; measuring your external market and competition; analyzing your management processes and their effectiveness, including patient care practices; and benchmarking financial results against budget and peer top performers.
The B.O.A.T. Workgroup reviewed the site in early December and one member exclaimed, “It far exceeded my expectations.” That workgroup is chaired by Tom Kirk and its members include Anita Liberman-Lampear, Rod Cheney, CPO, FAAOP and Rick Fleetwood. Industry Insights, the same firm that does AOPA’s Operating Performance and Compensation Report, created the site for the B.O.A.T. and as per the workgroup’s specifications and will maintain the site to ensure the confidentiality of all data. For the OPC participants, Industry Insights will populate their individual, confidential Web pages with the financial operating data they supplied for 2006 and 2005 which gives users an instant history for comparing 2007 and future results. No one from AOPA will have access to any of the site’s individual data.
Questions? Contact Steven Rybicki at srybicki@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0835.
Your
Help Needed for National Media Opportunities
AOPA is seeking your help to identify amputee patients who have been denied insurance coverage for medically necessary prostheses. As a result of efforts by the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), the O&P field has a wonderful window of opportunity, with the right patient story, to have this kind of story aired on an ABC’s Good Morning America. AOPA is assisting the ACA in trying to find that “right” person to follow-up on the interest media has expressed in this story. If your facility has a patient or knows of an individual who would fit this “profile,” contact Steven Rybicki at srybicki@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0835.
Even beyond the recent interest in this particular story, having the right person with the right story can put the spotlight on a disparity in coverage that has frustrated so many amputees seeking to recover their former productive lives. National media exposure on Good Morning America, the Today Show or other high profile programs can be a springboard for more extensive media exposure and AOPA is trying to identify patients on an ongoing basis who might be willing to share their story. In addition to conveying important messages, our field may see results that can help make legislators more knowledgeable in the various states which are considering “parity” legislation, Medicare, VA and Medicaid policy and research priorities relative to O&P.
AOPA is seeking your help to identify amputee patients who have been denied insurance coverage for medically necessary prostheses. As a result of efforts by the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA), the O&P field has a wonderful window of opportunity, with the right patient story, to have this kind of story aired on an ABC’s Good Morning America. AOPA is assisting the ACA in trying to find that “right” person to follow-up on the interest media has expressed in this story. If your facility has a patient or knows of an individual who would fit this “profile,” contact Steven Rybicki at srybicki@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0835.
Even beyond the recent interest in this particular story, having the right person with the right story can put the spotlight on a disparity in coverage that has frustrated so many amputees seeking to recover their former productive lives. National media exposure on Good Morning America, the Today Show or other high profile programs can be a springboard for more extensive media exposure and AOPA is trying to identify patients on an ongoing basis who might be willing to share their story. In addition to conveying important messages, our field may see results that can help make legislators more knowledgeable in the various states which are considering “parity” legislation, Medicare, VA and Medicaid policy and research priorities relative to O&P.
|
Need
Help? Find It Here.
Reach
more prospective employees with the only interactive,
O&P-specific online
employment network: the O&P
Job Board.
AOPA
members pay only
$80 to post a job.
Contact Corrinn
Mullins at
cmullins@AOPAnet.org
or (571) 431-0860.
|
AOPA and Chase: If
You’re Paying More Than 1.9%, You’re
Paying Too Much
AOPA members should check their current credit card processing rate to determine whether it makes sense to switch to the AOPA Chase Paymentech program with processing fees as low as 1.9 percent. Savings can amount to “found” dollars for the bottom line. As an example, if your current rate is 2.5 percent or more and you process $500,000 annually in credit card payments — the .6 percent savings can mean another $3,000 to the bottom line. That’s like a patient care facility getting a 200 percent return on their annual dues investment in AOPA. Or it’s the same as getting two years of AOPA membership free!
Check your rate and if you’re paying too much, call AOPA’s dedicated payments expert, Eric Mock, at (214) 849-3603. Be sure and mention your AOPA membership.
Questions? Contact Michael Chapman mchapman@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0843.
AOPA members should check their current credit card processing rate to determine whether it makes sense to switch to the AOPA Chase Paymentech program with processing fees as low as 1.9 percent. Savings can amount to “found” dollars for the bottom line. As an example, if your current rate is 2.5 percent or more and you process $500,000 annually in credit card payments — the .6 percent savings can mean another $3,000 to the bottom line. That’s like a patient care facility getting a 200 percent return on their annual dues investment in AOPA. Or it’s the same as getting two years of AOPA membership free!
Check your rate and if you’re paying too much, call AOPA’s dedicated payments expert, Eric Mock, at (214) 849-3603. Be sure and mention your AOPA membership.
Questions? Contact Michael Chapman mchapman@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0843.
>>
Back
to Top <<
LCodeSearch.com is gaining
momentum as more and more AOPA members
are logging into this Web-based quick reference site for finding
appropriate
coding for hundreds of O&P products. AOPA
member manufacturers are adding their products and codes to the site
and the AOPA Coding and Reimbursement
Committee
is verifying accuracy and resolving any coding questions. If you
don’t see
products of a favored manufacturer already on the site, remind them
that as an AOPA member their products can
be added
to the site free of charge. All manufacturers will be given an
opportunity
to enhance their listings, enabling them to communicate extensive
product
information and post pictures, for a modest annual fee, covering all
products
posted on the site.
Questions? Contact Devon Bernard at dbernard@AOPAnet.org
or (571)
431-0854.
>> Back
to Top <<
The
enormously popular December 20 “New Codes for 2008 and
Preparing for 2008: A Competitive Bidding Update”
Medicare audio seminar is now available for purchase on CD from the AOPA
bookstore.
The "Guidelines on Billing
Different Venues
& Should I Participate with Medicare?" audio seminar is now
available for purchase on CD from the AOPA bookstore.
This
seminar covers the complex rules of who to bill for services in various
venues,
from inpatient hospitals and SNFs to home health and hospice
care. It
covers not only the Two Day Rule, but also the differences in billing
between
orthotic and prosthetic care. In addition, this seminar discusses the
pros and
cons of Medicare participation and what it can mean to your
facility’s bottom
line.
The cost is $99 for AOPA members and $199 for non-members. Visit the AOPA bookstore to order.
The cost is $99 for AOPA members and $199 for non-members. Visit the AOPA bookstore to order.
Each informative audio seminar is worth 1.5 continuing education credits. Past topics, also available on CD, include: "Medicare Changes for 2007: New Codes, New Fees, New Medical Policies;" "Why Was My Claim Denied? Hints on Minimizing Claims Denials;" and "The New CMA-1500 Form: Get It Right the First Time."
The schedule and list of topics for 2008 will be posted on the AOPA Web site as soon as it's announced.
Questions? Contact Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@AOPAnet.org or call (571) 431-0834.
>> Back
to Top <<
The 2008 Assembly Advisory Committee met in Chicago to start mapping out plans for this year’s Assembly (Sept. 10-13, 2008). Russ Hornfisher, of Becker Orthopedic Appliance Company, chairs the Advisory Committee is overseeing the process of planning our biggest and best National Assembly at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago.
Expect some changes reflecting the evaluations
completed by attendees
at the 2007 National Assembly including high-level speakers and
programs that
spark that “wow” quality. Contributing to
the success of the event is its
outstanding location in the heart of Chicago’s booming
commercial area. It’s
a short walk to the best restaurants, top tourist attractions and the
Miracle
Mile.
Questions? Contact Tina Moran at tmoran@AOPAnet.org
or (571)
431-0808.
>>
Back to Top <<
| O&P
Insider's Track
|
| The Only Up-to-the Minute O&P Newsline |
Prince William Orthotics and
Prosthetics, LLC, owned by Albert
J. Garney, CPO, opened a new orthotic and prosthetic
patient
care facility at the Surgery Center next to Prince William Hospital in
Manassas, Virginia.
>> Back
to Top <<
Silvia Bedgood has joined Amputee Prosthetic Clinic in Macon, GA as their office administrator.
>> Back
to Top <<
New employee? New office? Tell us! Share your
news with the over 15,000 readers
of the O&P Almanac and AOPA
In Advance newsletter. Contact Steven Rybicki at srybicki@AOPAnet.org.
>> Back to Top <<
| AMERICAN ORTHOTIC & PROSTHETIC ASSOCIATION (AOPA) |
American Orthotic
& Prosthetic Association
(AOPA)
330 John Carlyle St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: (571) 431-0876, Fax: (571) 431-0899
www.AOPAnet.org