News

AOPA Pilot Research Grants Announced

Opportunities for Clinical O&P Research Support from the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association, in partnership with the Center for O&P Learning & Evidence-Based Practice (COPL), is proud to announce a Request for Pilot Grant Proposals in 16 potential areas of orthotic and prosthetic research including an open topic. There […]

Submit Comments on CMS’ Proposed Rule on O&P Qualified Providers

Submit Comments on CMS’ Proposed Rule on O&P Qualified Providers On January 11, CMS released a proposed rule that would enact the long awaited provisions of Section 1834(h) of the Social Security Act, which establishes requirements for qualified suppliers and qualified practitioners, and restricts payments to providers who don’t meet those criteria. The proposal is […]

AOPA Unveils Centennial Website, www.AOPA100.org

AOPA is celebrating its 100 year anniversary in 2017 and is proud to unveil its commemorative website, www.AOPA100.org. The website’s theme is “Your Story is Our Story” and features AOPA’s history, an interactive timeline, photo gallery, O&P stories from AOPA members, and AOPA’s plans for the future. Members are encouraged to share photos and memories […]

Medicare Reconsideration Appeals Contractor Announces Expansion of the Formal Telephone Discussion Demonstration

C2C Innovative Solutions, the Medicare appeals contractor who processes all DMEPOS appeals at the second level, also known as reconsideration, has announced implementation dates for its expansion of the formal telephone discussion demonstration.  This program, currently limited to DMEPOS claims in Jurisdiction C and D, will be expanded to include claims for orthoses as of […]

CMS Announces Proposed Rule on O&P Qualified Providers

This morning, CMS released a proposed rule that would enact the long awaited provisions of Section 1834(h) of the Social Security Act, which “requires that no Medicare payment shall be made for an item of custom-fabricated orthotics or for an item of prosthetics unless furnished by a qualified practitioner and fabricated by a qualified practitioner […]

AOPA Submits Comments on AHRQ Systematic Review of Lower Limb Prostheses

On December 1, 2016 the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) announced that it was soliciting public comment on the key questions that would be used in its previously announced systematic review of clinical literature relative to lower limb prostheses.  Comments were to be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on December 20, 2016. […]

CMS Announces Initial Implementation of Prior Authorization Program-No Prosthetic Codes Included

On December 19, 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the initial implementation of the Medicare prior authorization program that was authorized through the final rule published on December 30, 2015. As expected, CMS has chosen a cautious approach in implementing its prior authorization program.  The initial list of codes subject to […]

Congress Adjourns-No Final Action on Medicare O&P Improvement Act or Other Medicare Issues in Final Continuing Resolution

The 114th Congress completed its work in a “beat the clock” enactment around 11:30 pm on Friday evening, December 9 by the Senate passing a Continuing Resolution (CR) just 30 minutes before the government would have shut down. That Continuing Resolution will keep the U.S. government operating through April, and without enacting the provisions of […]

CMS Releases the 2017 DMEPOS Fee Schedule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2017 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule which will be effective for Medicare claims with a date of service on or after January 1, 2017.  The 2017 Medicare fee schedule for orthotic and prosthetic services will be increased by 0.7% over 2016 rates. The 0.7% increase […]