AOPA
in AdvanceBreaking News for O&P Professionals
Februrary 5, 2008 ♦ Volume 12 Number 3
Printer-Friendly Version
| O&P News |
The 2008 O&P Policy Forum is happening in Washington D.C., 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 members of the Congress significantly affect the O&P profession, so it’s very 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!
The cost for attending the O&P Policy Forum is $150 per registrant. This price includes the Sunday reception 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. 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. If you make your reservation before Feb. 15, 2008 and mention the AOPA Policy Forum you will receive this rate while space is available.
Register here, or call AOPA at (571) 431-0876.
Policy Forum Update:
Special Events
The
2008 AOPA Policy Forum highlights
include:
-
Former Senator Robert Dole has been invited to speak to attendees about his
recent role as Co-Chairman of the President’s Commsision on Care for America’s Returning Wounded
Warriors;
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An O&P parity panel so attendees can hear from experts who have experience in
passing parity legislation;
-
A workshop on “How to lobby your member of Congress” to provide attendees with
the tools necessary to discuss the important issues that impact the O&P
profession;
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Face-to-face meetings scheduled with members of Congress or congressional staff
to discuss O&P issues; and
-
Introduction of AOPAvotesbusiness.com, a new internet-based grassroots tool to
assist members in contacting their Congressional delegations when issues arise
and Congress needs to hear from the O&P Community.
As
a special bonus, ABC has approved the AOPA
Policy Forum to count for 9 business continuing education credits.
The
registration fee for this event is $150. Register here, or call (571) 431-0876.
Questions?
Contact Daniel
Gurley at dgurley@AOPAnet.org
or (571) 431-0812.
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New K Code Set for April 1, 2008
The Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that effective April 1, 2008, the following K code will be added to the HCPCS
list:
K0672—Addition to lower
extremity orthosis, removable soft interface, all components, replacement only,
each.
K
K
codes are designated by
CMS as temporary codes. They are used to track utilization on a particular
service in order to determine if a permanent code is warranted. K0672 is designated for replacement only and
only applies to Orthotic interfaces that are removable. The existing codes for
soft interfaces for molded plastic (L2820/L2830) remain valid and should be
billed with an RP modifier to indicate replacement of a non-removable soft
interface.
Questions? Contact Joe McTernan at jmcternan@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0811.
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Ninety percent of AOPA member patient care facilities with $2 million or more in annual revenue are currently accredited according to the AOPA Member Survey Final Report produced by Industry Insights. Accreditation drops sharply to 70 percent accredited for those in the $1 million to $2 million range and 55 percent for those facilities with annual revenue of under $1 million. Information from the Member Survey and the 2007 Operating Performance Report indicate that from 60 to 67 percent of all patient care facilities have annual revenues under $2 million.
Current Medicare suppliers have until Sept. 30, 2009 to become accredited. For facilities that are not currently Medicare suppliers, if they get their Medicare application in by March 1, 2008, they will have until Jan. 1, 2009 to become accredited. If they wait to apply until after March 1, they will have to be accredited before they can apply.
The responses from participants track OPC data on several fronts including reported revenue from orthotics at 41.7 percent; prosthetics at 47.6 percent; pedorthics at 6.7 percent; DME at 2.6 percent; and other at 1.4 percent. The OPC Report reported 43.2 percent, 47 percent, 5.9 percent, 1.2 percent and 2.7 percent respectively for these categories.
AOPA thanks those members who made the survey possible by participating. Watch future issues of the Almanac and AOPA In Advance for more facts about O&P and what your peers think about the threats and opportunities they face in the future.
Questions? Contact Daniel Gurley at dgurley@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0812.
AOPAversity Launches in Las Vegas!
Join us at
Bally’s in Las Vegas April 17-18 for the first course in
AOPA’s new educational experience, AOPAversity. The initial course, “Mastering
Medicare: Advanced Coding and Billing Techniques,” takes up where our old
Coding & Billing Seminar left off, covering new topics like appeals,
compliance issues, documentation, complex coding and in-depth discussion of
medical policies and how they affect billing. Meant for both practitioners and
office staff, this advanced two day event will feature break-out sessions for
these two groups, to ensure concentration on material appropriate to each
group.
Basic material that was contained in our previous Coding & Billing Seminar program will now be converted to nine one-hour Web-casts. The first of these will be available this spring. Watch the AIA for further information.
If you have questions, contact Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0834. She can provide you with further information and a registration form.
Basic material that was contained in our previous Coding & Billing Seminar program will now be converted to nine one-hour Web-casts. The first of these will be available this spring. Watch the AIA for further information.
If you have questions, contact Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0834. She can provide you with further information and a registration form.
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2008 Audioconference Schedule Announced
AOPA is
rolling out this year’s informative series of audioconferences. During
these one-hour sessions, AOPA
experts will provide up-to-the-minute information on the following topics:
March 19: Tips on Getting Paid
April 23: Hints on Complying with Quality Standards
May 21: Handling Difficult Patients
June 18: Stark/Anti-Kickback Laws
July 16: How to Market your Practice
August 16: VA Issues
September 17: How to Not Get Sued
October 15: Fraud and Abuse
November 19: New Codes for 2009
The registration fee for each seminar is still only $99 for members, $199 for non-members. Any number of people may participate from each registered office for one fee. Each telephone seminar is worth 1.5 CEs; further details on obtaining CEs will be sent via e-mail shortly before each seminar.
Questions? Contact Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0834.
March 19: Tips on Getting Paid
April 23: Hints on Complying with Quality Standards
May 21: Handling Difficult Patients
June 18: Stark/Anti-Kickback Laws
July 16: How to Market your Practice
August 16: VA Issues
September 17: How to Not Get Sued
October 15: Fraud and Abuse
November 19: New Codes for 2009
The registration fee for each seminar is still only $99 for members, $199 for non-members. Any number of people may participate from each registered office for one fee. Each telephone seminar is worth 1.5 CEs; further details on obtaining CEs will be sent via e-mail shortly before each seminar.
Questions? Contact Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0834.
Office Depot and AOPA: Partnering for Success!
Take advantage of these negotiated deeper discounts, cost saving initiatives
and 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 KEITH LILES AT (540) 687 0068.
Reminder: Medical Review Functions
Just a reminder that
effective March 1, 2008 Medical Review (MR) functions will be transitioned
from the Program Safety Contractors (PSC) to the DME MACS. This means that any information pertaining
to Local Coverage Determinations (LCD), HCPS, and MR Education will be located
on the DME MAC Web sites. The DME MACS
will also become responsible for Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT), Probe
Reviews and Prepay/Post pay reviews.
Jurisdiction A: www.medicarenhic.com
Jurisdiction B: www.adminastar.com
Jurisdiction C: www.cignagovermentservices.com
Jurisdiction D: www.noridianmedicare.com
Questions? Contact Devon Bernard at dbernard@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0854.
Jurisdiction A: www.medicarenhic.com
Jurisdiction B: www.adminastar.com
Jurisdiction C: www.cignagovermentservices.com
Jurisdiction D: www.noridianmedicare.com
Questions? Contact Devon Bernard at dbernard@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0854.
|
March O&P Almanac:
Advertising Space Available at 30 Percent Discount!
It’s not too late to showcase your products in the March issue of the O&P Almanac. Take advantage of leftover advertising space available at 30 percent off the going rate! Featuring:
- Bonus distribution, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium, Orlando, Fla., Feb. 27-March 1. - Bonus distribution, AOPA Policy Forum, Washington, D.C., March 9-11. - Cover story: Research In the Here and Now - Reimbursement Page: Find answers to questions such as “Are shoe inserts ever covered by Medicare other than for diabetic patients?” - Diagnosing your Financial Health Exhibitor Special: Earn
a free product listing—a $400 value.
Act Fast: Reserve space by Feb. 6. Art is
due Feb. 7.
Contact: Amy
Clontz, aclontz@AOPAnet.org
or (888) 557-7277, select option 2, for rates. E-mail
artwork to Corrinn Mullins at cmullins@AOPAnet.org.
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Deadline Set for NPI Numbers
Beginning March 1, 2008 all claims must have an NPI number in
the primary provider
fields (e.g., billing, rendering provider).
You may continue to submit legacy pairs in the secondary fields.
Claims submitted using only legacy
identifiers in the primary fields will not be processed. Be
aware, as of May 23, 2008 only NPI numbers will be accepted. If you
have submitted
claims using the NPI and legacy pairs successfully in the past, now is
the time
to test your claims. Submit a few claims with only the NPI number in
the
primary fields. This will prepare you for the May 23 deadline when only
NPI
numbers will be accepted.
Questions? Contact Devon Bernard at dbernard@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0854.
Questions? Contact Devon Bernard at dbernard@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0854.
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| O&P Resources from AOPA |
In the
February issue of the O&P Almanac, look for tips on how to find new
business in a declining market. Frustrated with the hiring process? Our authors
tell you how to make the right hiring decisions. Plus, we have the latest
coding advice and news from the O&P world.
Save time! Register for the O&P Almanac Digest by sending your name and e-mail address to almanac@AOPAnet.org.
Save time! Register for the O&P Almanac Digest by sending your name and e-mail address to almanac@AOPAnet.org.
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AOPA Employment Opportunity: Seeking Project Manager
The American Orthotic and
Prosthetic Association (AOPA) in
Alexandria, VA is seeking a Project Manager to develop and implement a
strategic plan, in collaboration with stakeholders, to create and maintain
O&P treatment outcomes tracking programs to validate appropriate
reimbursements from Medicare and insurers; manage work of multi-organizational
committee; seek grants; and establish and maintain a Web-based system to assist
the committee with file sharing and act as a repository for work in progress.
Need Bachelor of Science degree (Masters degree preferred); 3-5 years of
project management experience; ability to research and analyze issues; grant
seeking experience; abilities in staffing and facilitating diverse work groups;
excellent organizational and networking skills; knowledge of the scientific
research process; willingness to travel up to 20%; outstanding oral and written
communication skills; and proficiency in MS Project, Excel, Word, and
PowerPoint. Familiarity with the orthotic and prosthetic profession and
industry is a plus. $55k-$65k comp range. Please send a cover letter
and resume to Positions@AOPAnet.org.
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.
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Membership Matters: Contact Aon’s Affinity Insurance Brokerage Service
AOPA has recently joined forces with
Aon’s Affinity Insurance brokerage service to make personal health care more
affordable for members. Get your free quote today online at www.affinityhealthinsurance.com
or call (888) 470-2121.
In light of the recent increases in the cost of medical bills and health insurance premiums, AOPA is now helping members meet the challenges of health costs. Aon’s Affinity’s new partnership with AOPA offers members a wide variety of plans for medical coverage; including plans for individuals and small businesses.
This new health insurance program with Aon’s Affinity provides members access to over 400 top health care providers. Also, dedicated specialists at Aon’s Affinity will help members find the best coverage plan for them based on members’ individual needs. The benefits don’t end there. Aon’s Affinity will also design a personalized benefits package for your office, which can include medical, life, disability, and vision coverage.
Questions? contact Michael Chapman at mchampan@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0843.
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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.
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LCodeSearch.com: Quick Response to Coding Questions
LCodeSearch.com is gaining
momentum as more and more AOPA members
are logging into this Web-based quick reference site to find 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.
Questions? Contact Devon Bernard at dbernard@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0854.
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Dec. 20 Medicare Audioconference Now Available on CD
The
enormously popular Dec. 20 “New Codes for 2008 and Preparing for 2008: A
Competitive Bidding Update” Medicare audioconference is now available for
purchase on CD from the AOPA Bookstore.
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: “Why Was My Claim Denied? Hints on Minimizing Claims Denials;” “The New CMS-1500 Form: Get It Right the First Time;” and “Guidelines on Billing Different Venues & Should I participate with Medicare?”
Questions? Contact Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@AOPAnet.org or call (571) 431-0834.
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: “Why Was My Claim Denied? Hints on Minimizing Claims Denials;” “The New CMS-1500 Form: Get It Right the First Time;” and “Guidelines on Billing Different Venues & Should I participate with Medicare?”
Questions? Contact Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@AOPAnet.org or call (571) 431-0834.
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AOPA 2008 National Assembly to Be Held in Chicago: Your Kind of Town
While the AOPA National Assembly will keep you
busy with the best in business and clinical education programming, as well as
the nation’s largest O&P trade show, take some time to get out and
experience all that Chicago has to offer! What’s your pleasure? From fabulous
restaurants and fantastic shopping, to world class art, theatre, and
architecture, to championship sports teams and river boat cruises, Chicago offers something for everyone.
In Chicago, you can:
- Catch the White Sox at Comiskey Park or see the Cubs play at Wrigley field;
- Enjoy the view from the top of the Sears Tower or the Hancock Observatory;
- Shop ‘til you drop on Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile;
- Dine at one of Chicago’s five-star restaurant, or grab some of the city’s famous deep-dish pizza;
- Take in a show at Steppenwolf, the Goodman, the Broadway Theatre, or any of Chicago’s many theatres; and
- Reflect on “American Gothic,” “Nighthawks” or “Sunday Afternoon,” at the Art Institute of Chicago
…and so much more! Click here for a sneak preview of Chicago attractions!
Questions? Contact Tina Moran at tmoran@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0808.
In Chicago, you can:
- Catch the White Sox at Comiskey Park or see the Cubs play at Wrigley field;
- Enjoy the view from the top of the Sears Tower or the Hancock Observatory;
- Shop ‘til you drop on Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile;
- Dine at one of Chicago’s five-star restaurant, or grab some of the city’s famous deep-dish pizza;
- Take in a show at Steppenwolf, the Goodman, the Broadway Theatre, or any of Chicago’s many theatres; and
- Reflect on “American Gothic,” “Nighthawks” or “Sunday Afternoon,” at the Art Institute of Chicago
…and so much more! Click here for a sneak preview of Chicago attractions!
Questions? Contact Tina Moran at tmoran@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0808.
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| O&P Insider's Track
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| The Only Up-to-the Minute O&P Newsline |
People In the News >> Back to Top << >> Back to Top <<
AOPA Board Member Tom Kirk, PhD, has been
appointed CEO of Hanger. He succeeds
Ivan Sabel, who steps down March 1. Kirk joined Hanger in Jan. 2002 and is also
an active member of the AOPA Board
of Directors. He is the chair of the Business Optimization Analysis Tool
(B.O.A.T.) workgroup, co-chair of the strategic planning workgroup and chair of the
Government Relations Committee.
Touch Bionics,
developer of the world’s first commercially available bionic
hand, announced
its incorporation in the U.S. as Touch Bionics, Inc. It will base its
U.S. operations out of Boston, MA. This announcement follows the
company’s opening of
its new headquarters and leading-edge development and manufacturing
facility in
the United
Kingdom
earlier this month.
Send Us Your News!
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