News

Bipartisan Bill That Would Delay Bundled Payments for Joint Replacements Introduced

On Wednesday, March 23, 2106, Rep. Price (R-GA) and Rep. Scott (D-GA) introduced a bipartisan bill that would delay implementation of a Medicare bundled payment program that would pay hospitals a single payment for joint replacement surgeries and any related follow up care for a period of 90 days post-surgery.  This program, known as the […]

Proof of Delivery Requirements: AOPA’s Efforts Pay Dividends

As you may recall, last year the four Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs) released a clarification on the type of information which must be included on a valid Proof of Delivery (POD).  The DME MACs stated that the inclusion of the official L-code descriptor, which had been the accepted norm for years, […]

AOPA and the O&P Alliance Meet with CMS Officials about Prosthetic LCD Workgroup

On February 26, AOPA Executive Director Thomas Fise joined other representatives of the O&P Alliance for a meeting with CMS Deputy Administrator/Chief Medical Officer, Patrick Conway, M.D., Kate Goodrich, M.D., the Director of the Center for Clinical Standards & Quality, Susan Miller, M.D. who has responsibility for the planned Prosthetic LCD-related Interagency Committee comprised of […]

What has Happened with Medicare Amputee Services Since 2010?

What has happened to Medicare’s Spending on Prosthetics since 2010? AOPA has analyzed the data, and the picture is clear. Medicare spent 15% less in 2014 than in 2010 on prosthetics. Medicare spending on advanced prosthetics has trended down 41%, while spending on older technologies has trended up almost 50%. Overall spending has decreased by […]

Where is CMS Going on Prior Authorization?

AOPA has presented free webinars for members on Prior Authorization on two dates – February 18 and February 25.  AOPA is committing substantial resources to additional education related to Medicare Prior Authorization.  Details of these resources are listed below: 1.       Introductory Webinar: February 18th and 25th 2016-2 separate dates (Available as a recording) 2.       February 2016 […]

O&P Almanac Wins Bronze in Prestigious Association Trends All Media Contest

The O&P Almanac has been honored with a Bronze award Association TRENDS’ 2015 All Media Contest for the monthly trade association publication category. The TRENDS All Media Contest is an annual competition held exclusively for associations, recognizing the most creative and effective communication vehicles developed in the industry over the prior year. The 2015 competition […]

AOPA Announces Free Prior Authorization Webinar for Members

CMS will be implementing Prior Authorization February 29, 2016 for certain DMEPOS items that included lower limb prosthesis. What does this mean for YOU? AOPA is pleased to present the beginning of our educational efforts related to Prior Authorization. Please join AOPA for an AOPA Member Exclusive introductory webinar on Prior Authorization, with 2 dates […]

Update on DME MAC Contractor Transition

Following up on a previous Smart Brief announcement, regarding upcoming changes in the contractors who will serve as the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs), AOPA has learned about additional details regarding the transition of DME MAC Jurisdiction A and Jurisdiction B responsibilities. The denial of the NGS protest of the Jurisdiction B […]