October 2010 O&P Almanac

Almanac OP The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association

OCTOBER 2010

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WWW.AOPANET.ORG

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE ORTHOTICS & PROSTHETICS INDUSTRY

BRAVE NEW WORLD of Continuing Education What’s new and yet to come for accreditation and learning beyond the classroom

CMS ANSWERS Your Most Pressing Questions Meet the 2010 AOPA AWARD WINNERS

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O&P Almanac CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2010, VOLUME 59, NO. 10

COLUMNS

COVER STORY

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Brave New World of Continuing Education

By Anya Martin Ongoing learning is vital to the progress of the O&P community, but how can practitioners and managers continue to grow their skills outside the classroom?

Find out more about current programs and upcoming e-learning resources, plus an update on certification standards, including the pedorthist and post-mastectomy fitters.

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Simplifying the complex world of Advance Beneficiary Notices

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24 Agency Answers

Edited by Josephine Rossi At the 2010 AOPA Policy Forum, Charlene Frizzera, former acting administrator of the CMS, spoke to participants about competitive bidding, fighting fraud, the agency’s reorganization, and more.

32 Profiles in Progress

By Deborah Conn Although this year’s AOPA awards winners have different backgrounds and expertise, they all are challenging conventional thinking and pushing the industry toward a brighter future.

Facility Spotlight Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory

DEPARTMENTS

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AOPA Contact Page How to reach staff

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In the News Updates and company announcements

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FEATURES

Reimbursement Page

AOPA Headlines News about AOPA initiatives, meetings, member benefits, and more

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AOPA Membership Applications

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Marketplace Products and services for O&P

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Jobs Opportunities for O&P professionals

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Calendar Upcoming meetings and events

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Ad Index

O&P Almanac (ISSN: 1061-4621) is published monthly by the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association, 330 John Carlyle St., Ste. 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; 571/431-0876; fax 571/4310899; e-mail: almanac@AOPAnet.org. Yearly subscription rates: $59 domestic; $99 foreign. All foreign subscriptions must be prepaid in U.S. currency, and payment should come from a U.S. affiliate bank. A $35 processing fee must be added for non-affiliate bank checks. O&P Almanac does not issue refunds. Periodical postage paid at Alexandria, VA, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to: O&P Almanac, 330 John Carlyle St., Ste. 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. For advertising information, contact Dean Mather, M.J. Mrvica Associates Inc. at 856/768-9360, e-mail: dmather@mrvica.com.

OCTOBER 2010 O&P ALMANAC

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OP Almanac

AOPA CONTACT INFORMATION

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AMERICAN ORTHOTIC & PROSTHETIC ASSOCIATION (AOPA) 330 John Carlyle St., Ste. 200, Alexandria, VA 22314 AOPA Main Number: 571/431-0876 AOPA Fax: 571/431-0899 www.AOPAnet.org EXECUTIVE OFFICES

MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS

Thomas F. Fise, JD, executive director, 571/431-0802, tfise@AOPAnet.org

Tina Moran, CMP, senior director of membership operations and meetings, 571/431-0808, tmoran@AOPAnet.org

Don DeBolt, chief operating officer, 571/431-0814, ddebolt@AOPAnet.org O&P ALMANAC Thomas F. Fise, JD, publisher, 571/431-0802, tfise@AOPAnet.org Josephine Rossi, editor, 703/914-9200 ext. 26, jrossi@strattonpublishing.com

Kelly O’Neill, manager of membership and meetings, 571/431-0852, koneill@AOPAnet.org Steven Rybicki, communications manager, 571/431-0835, srybicki@AOPAnet.org Michael Chapman, coordinator, membership operations and meetings, 571/431-0843, mchapman@AOPAnet.org

Catherine Marinoff, art director, 786/293-1577, catherine@marinoffdesign.com

Ann Davis, office, meetings administrator, and associate editor, AOPA in Advance, 571/431-0876, adavis@AOPAnet.org

Dean Mather, advertising sales representative, 856/768-9360, dmather@mrvica.com

AOPA Bookstore: 571/431-0865

Steven Rybicki, production manager, 571/431-0835, srybicki@AOPAnet.org Ann Davis, staff writer, 571/431-0876, adavis@AOPAnet.org Teresa Tobat, editorial/production assistant, 703/914-9200 ext. 33, ttobat@strattonpublishing.com

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Kathy Dodson, senior director of government affairs, 571/431-0810, kdodson@AOPAnet.org

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Marinoff Design LLC PRINTING United Litho Inc.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS President James A. Kaiser, CP, Scheck & Siress, Chicago, IL President-Elect Thomas V. DiBello, CO, FAAOP, Dynamic O&P, LLC, Houston, TX Vice President Bert Harman, Otto Bock Health Care, Minneapolis, MN Treasurer James Weber, MBA, Prosthetic & Orthotic Care, Inc., St. Louis, MO Immediate Past President Brian L. Gustin, CP Executive Director/Secretary Thomas F. Fise, JD, AOPA, Alexandria, VA

DIRECTORS

Joe McTernan, director of reimbursement services, 571/431-0811, jmcternan@AOPAnet.org

Russell J. Hornfisher, Becker Orthopedic Appliance Co., Troy, MI

Reading the O&P Almanac has never been easier!

Rick Fleetwood, MPA, Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory, Little Rock, AR

Alfred E. Kritter, Jr., CPO, FAAOP, Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics Inc., Savannah, GA Anita Liberman-Lampear, MA, University of Michigan Orthotics and Prosthetics Center, Ann Arbor, MI Mahesh Mansukhani, MBA Ossur Americas, Aliso Viejo, CA John H. Reynolds, CPO, FAAOP, Reynolds Prosthetics & Orthotics Inc., Maryville, TN Lisa Schoonmaker, CPO, FAAOP, Tandem Orthotics & Prosthetics Inc., Sartell, MN Frank Vero, CPO, Mid-Florida Prosthetics & Orthotics, Ocala, FL

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For more information, contact Steven Rybicki at 571/431-0835 or srybicki@AOPAnet.org.

For advertising information, contact Dean Mather at 856/768-9360 or dmather@mrvica.com.

O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

ADVERTISING SALES M.J. Mrvica Associates Inc.

Kel M. Bergmann, CPO, SCOPe Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc., San Diego, CA

O&P Almanac Online

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EDITORIAL MANAGEMENT Stratton Publishing & Marketing Inc.

Devon Bernard, reimbursement services coordinator, 571/431-0854, dbernard@AOPAnet.org

Reimbursement/Coding: 571/431-0833, www.LCodeSearch.com a

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PUBLISHER Thomas F. Fise, JD

Copyright 2010 American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. All rights reserved. This publication may not be copied in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher. The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the official views of AOPA, nor does the association necessarily endorse products shown in the Almanac. The Almanac is not responsible for returning any unsolicited materials. All letters, press releases, announcements, and articles submitted to the Almanac may be edited for space and content. The magazine is meant to provide accurate, authoritative information about the subject matter covered. It is provided and disseminated with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services. If legal advice and/or expert assistance is required, a competent professional should be consulted.

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In the News IN MEMORIAM

Todd Anderson, CP, FAAOP Todd F. Anderson, CP, FAAOP, and clinician at Otto Bock HealthCare, died August 18. He was 50.

Anderson earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a post-graduate certificate in clinical education from Century College in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. In 1986, he was certified as a prosthetist by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics. In 2001, Anderson became one of the first clinicians to be recognized as an Academy Fellow. He also was a frequent author and presenter.

Anderson began his career in 1985 at Northwestern Artificial Limb and Brace in Minneapolis, and went on to work at Green Bay Orthopedic Company in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis. Anderson joined Otto Bock in 1999 as the director of professional and clinical services and spent subsequent years building a professional and clinical services team that delivers more than 400 educational opportunities annually. Most recently, he opened Otto Bock’s Innovation Center and launched the concept of cooperative care.

During his career, Anderson served as a board member for the United States International Society of Prosthetists and Orthotists, a president of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, and, most recently, the secretary-treasurer of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics.

He also was an adventurer, photographer, and sportsman, earning numerous recognitions, including eight National Wheelchair Softball Association National Tournament Most Valuable Player awards and Hall of Fame membership.

Donations may be made in memory of Anderson to the following organizations: Shriners Hospital, Courage Center, and the Amputee Coalition of America.

BUSINESS IN THE NEWS OrPro Inc. and Prosthetic Care Inc. are pleased to announce the merger of the two companies effective July 31, 2010. The combined companies operate 14 patient-care facilities and two central fabrication centers nationwide. Michael Hamontree, president of OrPro, and Steve Hamontree, CPO, president of Prosthetic Care, look forward to having a stronger position to facilitate future growth and will use each company’s best practices to improve operations throughout the company.

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

Donald Fedder, DrPH, MPH, BSP, FAPhA Donald O. Fedder, DrPH, MPH, BSP, FAPhA, founder of The Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC) and BOC’s CEO from 1984 to 2006 died August 28. He was 82.

Fedder graduated from the University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy in 1950 and later earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from the Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. His Dundalk, Maryland, pharmacy was the first in the state to carry home health medical equipment and orthotics, which led to his development of an orthotic practice during the 1960s.

During his career, Fedder served as a consultant to the National Board for Orthotic Certification, and in 1974, he joined the faculty of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy as a clinical instructor. There, he became active in the school’s Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research program, concentrating his research on behavior modifications to improve health, reduce disease risk, increase patient compliance with medicines, and improve relationships between patients and health-care providers.

In 1984, Fedder founded BOC to facilitate increasing the professionalism and the capacity of the O&P industry to meet the needs of the community. He also founded ENABLE-MD: The Center for Community Outreach, which trained health-care workers to help high-risk populations with chronic diseases to control their illnesses. The innovative program earned him community recognition and the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s 2005 Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Award.

Fedder was recognized as a Fellow of the American Pharmacists Association and the Society for Public Health Education and a Senior Fellow at the Center on Drugs and Public Policy. He also served multiple terms as president of the Maryland Public Health Association.

In November 2009, Fedder retired from the Maryland School of Pharmacy as a professor emeritus.

Colleagues at the University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy have created a graduate fellowship in PHSR in memory of Fedder. To contribute to the fellowship, contact Janice Batzold at jbatzold@rx.umaryland.edu or 410/706-1711. a

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Colleague, Friend, Mentor We miss you and celebrate your life.

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Comes into us at midnight very clean.

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It hopes we’ve learnt something from yesterday.” ~ John Wayne

Todd Anderson, celebrating Lt. Col. Lourake’s return to active duty. Loura ke was the first transfemoral amputee to be approved to fly for the US Air Force.

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

Reimbursement Page

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By Devon Benard, AOPA government affairs department

Advance Notification Protects You and Your Patient Simplifying complex questions about ABNs and NEMBs

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he simple things are so complicated. That may be the best way to describe the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN). In the simplest terms, the ABN is a written notification to a Medicare beneficiary stating that service may be denied and they may have to pay for the service out of pocket. Yet, AOPA receives a number of calls or requests to explain the proper usage of an ABN. A Medicare beneficiary is liable for payment for services that are not covered because they are not part of a defined Medicare benefit. However, when an item or service is a Medicare benefit and is denied because it is not medically reasonable or necessary, the patient’s liability for payment may be limited. The Social Security Act contains a provision that establishes when beneficiaries cannot be held financially liable for items or services they receive.

This provision, the Limitation on Liability, protects Medicare beneficiaries from having to pay for a service when they did not know and could not reasonably be expected to have known that a service would be denied as not medically necessary.

But, if they are notified in advance that the service they were going to receive could be deemed not medically necessary and denied, then Medicare beneficiaries are no longer protected

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

not medically reasonable or necessary. Now, however, the current ABN form also may serve as a voluntary notification of financial liability, replacing the need for a separate Notice of Exclusion from Medicare Benefits (NEMB) form.

Complex Questions

by the Limitation on Liability provision and can be held financially liable. The ABN form was created to provide this advanced written notification, ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries are properly made aware of their potential responsibility.

The current official ABN, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services form CMS-R-131, was introduced in March 2008; use of this version of the ABN became mandatory in March 2009. Traditionally, the ABN is a written waiver of liability allowing a supplier to bill a beneficiary for an item or service that may be denied as

The combination of the two forms, ABN and NEMB, is where the simple becomes complicated. Even though the forms are now combined, they cannot be used interchangeably, as each has a distinct function.

This raises a question: When do you use the form as a traditional ABN, and when do you use it as an NEMB? The answer depends on whether the service or item you are providing is a covered or noncovered benefit under the Medicare program. How does Medicare know how the form was used? That depends on which modifier you use with your claim submission.

The NEMB’s function is to notify a beneficiary that a service is statutorily noncovered, that it is never a Medicare covered benefit, and that the beneficiary is liable for payment. Since you always can collect from patients for services that are not part of any Medicare benefit, a written advanced notice of the possibility of denial is not required. Since there is no requirement for advanced notification, the use of an NEMB is voluntary. It is still a good idea to provide the patient with the

Reimbursement Page

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NEMB, however, so you have a record that you informed the patient that Medicare will not pay for the service.

An example of an item currently deemed statutorily noncovered for any Medicare beneficiary, when a NEMB may be used, is an orthopedic shoe that is not attached to a brace. If you or the patient chooses to submit a claim for the shoe, you should attach the GY modifier to indicate that you are aware that the service is not covered and the denial will result in patient liability.

For an ABN to be valid, it must clearly identify the particular item or service being provided as well as the specific reason why you believe Medicare will deem the service not medically necessary.

If a service is normally covered under an established Medicare benefit but you have reason to believe that Medicare may deny the service due to medical necessity, then you would use the ABN. The ABN, unlike the NEMB, is mandatory if you want to be able to collect from the patient. As stated earlier, the Limitation on Liability provision protects Medicare patients from having to pay for a service or item when they did not know and could not reasonably be expected to have known that a service would be denied as not medically necessary, unless they received advanced written notification.

Since the onus is on you, the provider, to determine that an item is not medically necessary and to inform the patient, it is a wise idea to review the Medicare medical policies. These policies will clearly tell you when an item or service is not medically

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Common Misconceptions Modifiers Related to ABN and NEMB Usage GA Waiver of Liability statement on file GK Reasonable and necessary item/service associated with a GA or GZ modifier GL Medically unnecessary upgrade provided instead of non-upgraded item, no charge, no ABN GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any Medicare benefit GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary, no ABN.

necessary and when it is not covered.

Just because you have informed the patient that an item may be denied as not medically necessary and provided the patient with an ABN, doesn’t guarantee that financial liability has been shifted from you to the beneficiary. The ABN must be valid and must meet certain Medicare guidelines.

For an ABN to be valid, it must clearly identify the particular item or service being provided as well as the specific reason why you believe Medicare will deem the service not medically necessary. Simply stating that a denial is possible or that the service is not medically necessary is not sufficient. You must provide a detailed explanation of why the service is not medically necessary.

The ABN also must be presented far enough in advance of providing the service so that the beneficiary has enough time to make an informed and rational decision on whether or not to receive the service. Lastly, the ABN must be signed and dated by either the beneficiary or that person’s representative. If the beneficiary refuses to sign the ABN, you are under no obligation to provide the service.

Now that you have a valid ABN on file, the next step is to file the claim.

Since you are not required to submit a copy of the ABN, how does Medicare know you have issued a valid ABN? The GA modifier should be included on the claim next to the item or service you believe is not medically necessary and may receive a denial. This serves to inform Medicare that the ABN is on file and available for review.

A common misconception is that an ABN is used only when the entire claim may be deemed not medically necessary. This is not true; an ABN may be used on any item that is not medically necessary, even if it is part of a larger item or service. The most common example of this situation is providing an upgraded item.

A common misconception is that an ABN is used only when the entire claim may be deemed not medically necessary.

The upgrade can be at the patient’s request—let’s say the patient does not meet the requirements for a custom knee orthosis but wants a custom brace. The upgraded item also may be requested by the supplier or the physician. The best example of this situation involves billing for prosthetic components that are above a beneficiary’s assigned functional level. Let’s say your patient is eligible for K2 componentry, but due to weight issues you feel the patient may require some K3 componentry. You may provide the patient with the custom brace or the K3 componentry and have them sign an ABN. The patient will then be responsible for the difference in price

between the prefabricated brace and the custom brace or the K2 componentry and the K3 componentery, if the items are denied.

The ABN also is beneficial to you, because it provides written proof that you have followed Medicare guidelines and ensures that you receive reimbursement for the services you provide.

When using an ABN to describe the upgraded item or service in this situation, you must ensure that you submit the claim properly. For each code that represents an upgrade,

two claim lines must be submitted.

The first claim line should contain the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code that describes the item actually delivered to the patient, the upgraded item, and the cost of the upgraded item. Since you believe this item is not medically necessary, you should attach the GA modifier to indicate you have a valid ABN on file. Your claim also must include information that identifies the upgraded features.

The second claim line should contain the HCPCS code that represents the item or service originally ordered, the medically reasonable and necessary item, and the cost of that item. You must attach the GK modifier to the second claim line, as this will indicate that this is the reasonable and necessary item. When the claim is adjudicated, the beneficiary will be responsible (liable) for the difference between the two items.

The proper use of an ABN is beneficial to both the patient and

you. It ensures that Medicare beneficiaries are properly informed of services that may be denied due to medical necessity and allows them to make informed decisions about their plan of care. The ABN also is beneficial to you, because it provides written proof that you have followed Medicare guidelines and ensures that you receive reimbursement for the services you provide.

If you still feel that the simple things are complicated and you want to learn more about the proper use of an ABN, contact a member of AOPA’s Government Affairs Department or review Chapters 20 and 30 of the Medicare Claims Processing Manual located on the CMS Web site, www. cms.hhs.gov/manuals/IOM. a Devon Bernard is reimbursement services coordinator for AOPA. Reach him at dbernard @AOPANet.org.

OCTOBER 2010 O&P ALMANAC

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

By Anya Martin

BRAVE

NEW WORLD

OF CONTINUING EDUCATION Technology and other industry trends make meeting CEU requirements easier— and help create a culture of learning

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MC Orthopedic pays for its 22 practitioners to take the continuing education unit (CEU) courses they need to maintain their certifications and state licensures. TMC also asks for something that seems simple in return—that whatever employees learn is something they can bring back to the business, says Joe Sansone, CEO of the Houston, Texasbased firm, which has seven offices throughout the state.

Employees regularly submit the names of courses they’d like to take to the CEO, the COO, or their clinical director, triggering a valuable dialogue about how the knowledge and skills from a particular course will improve patient care, keep up with the latest technology, or allow the firm to offer a new service. For example, an employee asked to be sent to Hawaii for a seminar because he and his wife had never had a proper honeymoon, but only after he made a strong case about how his attendance would advance his

professional development did Sansone approve the trip.

“Unfortunately it seems as if many in our industry continuing education as a necessary evil, but we see it as a way to fine-tune individuals to make them more valuable for our business and also increase their skill level and render them a better practitioner,” Sansone explains. “For us, continuing education is part of our company culture and one of our core values. We don’t want our practitioners riding the wave of status quo, we want them on the cutting edge of technology [and] committed to their growth and improvement.”

It’s easy to view continuing education as just something you have to do, but smart practices increasingly are using CEU courses to strategically build their brands to customers and raise their bottom line. At the same time, standards are tightening, and technology and the Internet are making tracking and earning at least some of those credits easier and more convenient.

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New Certification Rules The biggest news in continuing education concerns modifications to CEU processing procedures

by American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) to ensure that orthotic and mastectomy fitters and technicians comply with a longstanding ABC policy that certified individuals must earn the majority of their continuing education credits in the disciplines in which they are certified. For example, to renew CFo certification, an orthotic fitter must fulfill a minimum of 34 Category I scientific credits, although the 16 remaining credits can be earned from business or Category II courses. Similar standards have applied to ABC-certified orthotists, prosthetists, and pedorthists for several years.

ABC always had encouraged all practitioners to take most of their CEU coursework in topics directly related to their specialty, but “started to notice a trend in potential abuse of the policy, meaning there was a loophole we wanted to close before it became an issue,” says Heather Harris, ABC’s director of continuing education. Both practitioners and patients should benefit from the change because it really underlies the purpose of continuing education­to remain up-to-date on patient-care protocols and new technology, as well as to advance one’s specialized skills and interests, she adds.

In other words, “better care equals better outcomes, and better care comes from those who are properly educated and credentialed,” Harris says. “Maintaining that credential through discipline-specific continuing education leads to better outcomes.”

The processing change also will make it easier for orthotic and mastectomy fitters and technicians to ensure they are getting the right balance between

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

All certified individuals, including orthotic and mastectomy fitters and technicians, must earn the majority of their CEUs in the discipline in which they are certified.

building up their core strengths and picking up additional skills that complement those specialties, she adds.

Higher standards can only benefit O&P, says Rick Fleetwood, MPA, CEO of Little Rock, Arkansas-based Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic, which has 53 employees in nine locations in the state. (See Facility Spotlight, page 40.)

“Any time you raise the bar higher and require an individual to go that extra mile,” he says, “you are making sure the service provided to the patient is of the highest standard.”

In response to the new ABC standards, the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) will be offering a full day of specialized education in each area of certification at the 2010 AOPA National Assembly, September 29 through October 2 in Orlando, says Tina Moran, CMP, senior director, membership, operations, and meetings for AOPA. To ensure that classes cover the most current and cuttingedge topics in each specialty, the organization is partnering with several other groups, including the Orthotic & Prosthetic Technological Association for technician training and the American Breast Care Association for post-mastectomy expertise.

In some cases, AOPA has invited experts from other countries, and business owners also will have their own full programming track on all three days.

“This year’s show will enable everyone who attends to receive credit in their core competency,” Moran adds. “Whether you’re an orthotist or a pedorthist, a post-mastectomy fitter, a prosthetist, or an office manager, there’s something for you.”

The Board of Certification/ Accreditation International (BOC) already required that 80 percent of a certificant’s total CEUs be earned in Category I credit hours related to the scientific, professional, and/or technical aspects of the recipient’s certified field of study. BOC has no plans to make any changes to its rules, says President and CEO Claudia Zacharias, MBA, CAE. An increasing number of practitioners also are tracking credits to meet state standards. Fourteen states have enacted CEU requirements for orthotists, prosthetists, and pedorthists to maintain a license to practice, and that number is likely to increase, Moran says.

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AOPAversity is a one-step, turnkey resource for continuing education resources created specifically for orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic professionals. Here are some of the tools you can find online at www.aopanetonline.org/education: • Online Video Learning: Watch and download PowerPoint files, MP3 audio, and/or podcasts of presentations at past AOPA conferences.

• Webcasts and Audio Conferences: Register for monthly webcasts or audio conference seminars on practice management topics, such as the Mastering Medicare: Coding & Billing Basics and Principles series. Seminars also are available on CD. • Classroom Learning Opportunities: Find out about classroom education opportunities at the AOPA National Assembly and upcoming seminars.

• Monographs and White Papers: Improve your skills and practice management with a variety of how-to resources.

• Publications and Subscriptions: Browse or download the AOPA 2010-11 Products, Education, & Services Catalogue, including manuals, reports, interactive CD-roms, DVDs, white papers, monographs, webcasts, classroom learning opportunities, and free offers for members on a wide range of topics, including improving your operations, coding, HIPAA compliance, mastering Medicare, and much more.

20

O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

Some states licenses may require additional coursework not specifically related to O&P. In Florida, for example, practitioners must complete classes on infection control and preventing medical errors. Since this year’s AOPA National Assembly is in Florida, AOPA will include this coursework for its Florida attendees. Additionally, O&P practitioners in such states can expect that their state organizations will offer state-mandated classes at their meetings, making it almost mandatory to attend when licensures are up for renewal, says Russell J. Hornfisher, director of sales for Becker Orthopedic, an AOPA board member and chairman of this year’s AOPA National Assembly.

More Online Education to Come The biggest change to CEUs in the near future will be improvements in tracking progress and more options for delivery, thanks to the Internet and advances in technology, Zacharias says. For example, practitioners certified by BOC can check not only a list of attended courses in their online account, but also how many credits they’ve earned and how many they still need.

“There’s always going to be some sort of human element because of the need for verification, but even a year ago, practitioners had to add up their credits themselves,” Zacharias says. “Technology also has enabled us to update a practitioner’s records a lot faster. We almost always can do that within a week of receiving information about a course, but on average, we do it within 24 to 48 hours.”

Both AOPA (see sidebar on AOPAveristy) and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) have been actively building their online offerings, providing exclusive Web-based courses and posting conference presentations online. The Academy’s online learning center has grown tremendously in the past decade, according to Laurie C. Chilek, AAOP’s education specialist.

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our State-of-the-Science findings into online course offerings as well as sessions that are presented at our One-Day Seminar Certificate Programs and our Annual Meeting.”

Online courses have an obvious benefit for practitioners who wait until their certification is almost up and then need to cram in some credits.

Practitioners also may find more continuing education classes being offered online by college and university O&P programs. For example, Northwestern University’s Prosthetic Orthotic Center has courses in production and hopes to have those offerings available online soon, says Administrative Director Mike Brncick, M.Ed., CPO. Initially, the program had tried simply filming classes but now favors new content prepared especially

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

for the online learner as well.

“There is quite a difference between providing online content that is a mirror of what goes on in the classroom and providing online content designed for the maximum benefit of the student,” Brncick says. “Every lecture that was initially recorded by our program has been redone or is in the process of being redone by our faculty along with our production coordinator.”

Online courses have an obvious benefit for practitioners who wait until their certification is almost up and then need to cram in some credits. Hornfisher knows one who waited literally until December 31 to take an online class to make a January 1 deadline.

However, practitioners who take a last-minute approach are missing out on the real benefits of lifetime learning, Sansone says. “It’s not uncommon for new technology to be newly released and available, but a practitioner is practicing using older technology,” he adds. “From a business as well as a clinical perspective, in order to retain and attract new patients, you’ve got to offer cutting edge technology, and without taking the proper CEU courses, how are you going to be able to embrace the newest technology?”

Of course, the need for face-to-face information sharing and networking, hands-on practice, as well as varying learning styles of participants mean that live programs and conferences will never go away. Rather, they will continue to be an important part of the continuing education process, with online courses to complement.

“This is definitely a field where hands-on learning will remain important, that’s how you learn the craft,” says Chilek. “Keeping current and renewing your skills are also important. Online learning is the perfect vehicle for this.”

A Culture of Learning With a greater emphasis on specialized training and more opportunities to earn credits, it’s more important than ever that a practitioner develop a solid plan both to track credits and to keep up with an expanded array of CEU opportunities, says Rick Fleetwood, MPA. Two years ago, Snell P&O gave one of its administrative assistants the additional title of education director, tasking her to do just that, and the system is working well, he adds.

“I know it must be harder for smaller companies to be able to regulate and monitor CEUs, but it’s so important to have somebody who will step up to the plate and accept the responsibility of keeping up and maintaining them,” Fleetwood says.

“Administrative assistants may be the best to do that because their specialty is organization.”

As with TMC Orthopedic, Snell P&O pays for its staff’s CEU coursework and has created a team atmosphere between leadership and employees to share responsibility in professional development. The company even develops in-house opportunities for employees to earn CEUs. One way is by inviting manufacturers to teach classes on site.

Another is by taking advantage of AOPA’s audio conferences, including the current monthly series “Mastering Medicare,” which offers individual modules focusing on such topics

as compliance with red-flag rules, appeals, and documentation. The conferences are economical in that for one price for the entire AOPA member company, employees in multiple locations can gather around a speakerphone and receive instruction from an expert, with an opportunity to ask questions at the end.

“Many facility managers use the AOPA audio conferences as a teambuilding exercise, ordering a pizza and gathering staff around a conference table,” Moran says. “When the conference is over, each staff person has a quiz to complete and fax back to [AOPA] to get their credits. You can also purchase a CD for the same price or purchase the entire series.”

Each spring, Snell Prosthetics & Orthotics also throws its own one-day conference. Last year’s event was held March 20, and the theme was “2010: The Year We Make Contact,” focusing on new technologies and equipment.

The company rented space at a local hospital and brought in nationally

recognized speakers, invited manufacturers, and assigned employees to make presentations on such topics as building and nurturing referral sources.

A month beforehand, Snell submitted the event manual to both ABC and BOC International to review and assign continuing education units (CEUs).

“Our attitude is that continuing education is the joint responsibility of the company and the employee,” Fleetwood says. In the most basic terms, a practice could not be accredited if its practitioners are not licensed, and the practitioner would not be as valuable

to an employer if he was not licensed, he adds.

One indication that your company has succeeded in creating a culture of learning is when an employee makes a passionate case for taking a class, Sansone says.“I really enjoy when a practitioner says this manufacturer came out with a new product, and I’d like to be trained in it because I’ve got a few patients that I think could really benefit from this latest technology,” he adds. “That’s the no-brainer. I want the practitioner to see the need for the product and become the expert in the latest technology.”

Another sign of success, Sansone says, is that when certification and licensure renewals come up, many employees at TMC Orthopedic have not just met their CEU requirements but often have earned double the requirement. a Anya Martin is a contributing writer to O&P Almanac. Reach her at anya99@ mindspring.com.

W NE IGN S E D

OCTOBER 2010 O&P ALMANAC

23

Agency

Answers

Former acting administrator of the CMS fields questions critical to the industry

W

hile the O&P industry may not always agree with the decisions of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, there’s no denying the profound effect the agency has on practitioners and businesses alike.

Each year, the agency controls and pays out $700 billion a year for the health care of 100 million Americans with the help of approximately 4,100 employees.

At the 2010 AOPA Policy Forum, CMS’s former acting administrator, Charlene Frizzera, met with participants to discuss the agency’s position on programs critical to the O&P community. Prior to taking on the acting administrator’s role in January 2009, she served as chief operating officer, overseeing day-to-day operational activities and the integration and execution of program initiatives. Frizzera also was the deputy director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations, where she led the development and implementation of national policies governing Medicaid, survey and certification, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the insurance reform provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. At the Forum, Frizzera discussed competitive bidding, PECOS, fraud, coding issues, as well as some major structural changes to the agency affecting beneficiary services, program integrity, and strategic planning.

Partial excerpts of her conversation follow.

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

BY JOSEPHINE ROSSI

QUESTION: Can you give us a general rundown on the competitive bidding process?

FRIZZERA: There are three cornerstones to competitive bidding: cost, quality, and access.

For a beneficiary, taxpayer costs are reduced as a result of overall competitive bidding program savings. Statistics show that competitive bidding in the original Round 1 areas resulted in a 26 percent average savings, compared with the prices Medicare would have paid under the traditional Medicare fee-for-service payment system, before the program was delayed by Congress. It also has

been shown that the price Medicare pays for equipment and supplies far exceeds the price paid by others.

According to a report by the HHS Inspector General, we were paying an average of 45 percent more than the private market paid for wheelchairs.

We also learned we weren’t doing a good job managing the cost of DME supplies, orthotics, and prosthetics.

In a 2006 report, the OIG found that, over 36 months, Medicare paid more than $7,000 for oxygen concentrators that sell for about $587 on the Internet. It’s pretty hard to justify those differences. And, OIG and the Congress obviously took us to task to make sure that we address those kinds of issues.

The second cornerstone is quality.

The goal of competitive bidding is that accredited DMEPOS suppliers efficiently provide high-quality products and services to Medicare beneficiaries at a reasonable cost.

The requirement that all DMEPOS must meet Medicare quality standards and be accredited helps to ensure that beneficiaries receive high-quality products and services from reputable DME suppliers. The competitive bidding program’s financial standards and subcontractor relationship reporting requirement further ensures that beneficiaries receive products and services from reputable DMEPOS suppliers.

OCTOBER 2010 O&P ALMANAC

25

Competitive bidding in the original Round 1 areas and the two CMS demonstration areas was successful in maintaining high-quality product selection at a reduced cost. We were very careful to document the results, and during those two demonstrations, beneficiary access to DMEPOS products and the quality of supplier service was essentially unchanged.

Beneficiaries who are currently renting DME products from non-contract suppliers may choose to continue to rent from the same supplier until their rental agreement expires, if that supplier decides to become a grandfathered supplier.

One of the biggest issues that always comes up when you talk about DMEPOS suppliers is fraud.

We found that fraud more frequently occurs in areas where it requires less capitalization to get into the program, and where it is easier to become a provider or a supplier. As you’ve seen, CMS has had to do a much better job at ensuring only non-fraudulent providers get into the program.

We’ve worked very hard to educate everyone and to appreciate that not everyone commits fraud. Most doctors, hospitals, and DME suppliers are generally reputable folks. Our goal is to make sure that it stays that way.

One of reasons we found that abuse was so prevalent in the DMEPOS area was the large profit margin. Sure, we’re all about people having profit margins. But, when they become so

unreasonable that people are making a lot of money and providing no services, it’s definitely something CMS needs to look at.

The quality standards for supplier accreditation include business- and product-specific service standards.

The business standards focus on administration, financial management, human-resource management, consumer services, performance management, product safety, and information management. The product-specific service standards include intake, delivery, and setup, training, and instruction of the beneficiary and/or the caregiver, as well as follow-up service.

I specify all of this to show our understanding and appreciation of what it takes for you to do your job. We realize it isn’t as simple as it sounds.

“Business standards” is a nice, generic term. But, we wanted to make sure that you understood that we know what it takes to do that.

Contract suppliers selected under competitive bidding are carefully screened and have specific documents to demonstrate they meet their financial needs, which we realize has been an incredibly controversial issue among the supplier community. It may have been a little too much in the beginning, but we felt we needed all of the documentation. However, I think we’ve made better arrangements now, so not all of that documentation will be required.

QUESTION: You talked about raising accreditation standards for suppliers to combat fraud. What advancements have you made?

FRIZZERA: State licensure is a difficult issue for CMS to get its hands around, because it’s so different in every state, and even by categories of supplier. We are looking at how we can use that information before we allow people to even get into the system. It’s not as easy as an edit-check on a computer screen because it’s so different. It would be a lot to check every state and every requirement.

Plus, the ability to bill from state to state and the national competitive bidding program make it even more difficult to decide which state requirements they’re meeting. We are, however, working on a way to crosscheck those requirements, but we’re really struggling with enforcement.

If you don’t need a state licensure requirement, and we don’t really have a federal one, what’s the requirement?

Getting into the program is just one of the many things to look at in fighting fraud. In South Florida, particularly in home-health agencies, we’re finding it difficult to fight fraud if beneficiaries are part of the process. We can process all the claims we want, and we can track providers and suppliers and see what their billing practices are. But, if beneficiaries are selling their numbers, or if beneficiaries are willing to let people share their cards, it’s hard—if not impossible—to track that kind of fraud. Enrollment in the program is just one step of many that we have to take to stop fraud.

One of the biggest issues that always comes up when you talk about DMEPOS suppliers is fraud.

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

QUESTION: So, what’s next for the competitive bidding program?

FRIZZERA: First, let me give you a quick background. The DMEPOS competitive bidding program was established by the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act, MMA, of 2003. In 2008, Congress delayed the program and mandated certain changes to the program, but that really didn’t alter the basic program structure established by MMA.

nine competitive bidding areas across the country. Information and materials for bidders and contract suppliers can be found at www.dmecompetitivebid. com, and a special toll-free help line, 877/577-5331, has been established to assist buyers with questions and concerns.

Regarding non-contract suppliers, basically there are two choices: They can be grandfathered or not.

Non-contract suppliers that elect to become grandfathered suppliers must send a written notification to each

CMS has the authority to phase in items and services under competitive bidding, beginning with those that are high cost and volume, or those that have the largest savings potential.

Then, along comes the Affordable Care Act of 2010, which expanded Round 2 of the program to include 21 additional metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), for a total of 91 Round 2 MSAs. We announced a new single-payment amount and began the contracting process with winning suppliers in June. In September, we announced the contract suppliers and began a contract supplier education campaign.

The first phase of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program is expected to begin again in January of 2011, and will apply to certain medical equipment and supplies in

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

Medicare beneficiary who resides in a competitive bidding area and who is currently renting a qualifying item from that supplier. Notifications must be sent at least 30 business days before the start of the implementation of the competitive bidding program.

If the beneficiary elects not to receive the item from the supplier, specific and additional notifications are required. Non-contract suppliers that do not become grandfathered must also send a written notification to the Medicare beneficiary at least 30 days before the start date of the implementation of the competitive bidding program.

QUESTION: What’s the impact of competitive bidding on orthotics and prosthetics?

FRIZZERA: The Social Security Act mandates that DMEPOS items subject to competitive bidding include durable medical equipment and off-the-shelf orthotics. The exceptions to this competitive bidding requirement are for physical and occupational therapists in private practice. They can purchase off-the-shelf orthotics without submitting a bid and being awarded a contract under the competitive bidding program, provided that the items were furnished only to their own patients as a part of the physical or occupational therapy service. Physicians and hospitals that meet the same requirements also are exempt.

CMS has the authority to phase in items and services under competitive bidding, beginning with those that are high cost and volume, or those that have the largest savings potential. To determine which items to phase in first, we consider annual Medicare allowable charges, annual growth and expenditures, the number of suppliers furnishing the item, and reports and other studies.

Off-the-shelf orthotics were not included in Round 1 of the bid, and selections of items for future rounds of competitive bidding are still under consideration for CMS and will be announced prior to each round of competition. Competition in 91 additional MSAs is to occur in 2011, and the Affordable Care Act of 2010 mandates a productivity adjustment to the annual fee schedule updates in 2011.

QUESTION: Can you give us an update on PECOS? FRIZZERA: Since October of 2009, Medicare has been editing claims from DMEPOS suppliers to ensure that the physician or eligible professional who ordered items has an enrollment record in PECOS. Most, but not all, physicians or eligible professionals have enrollment records in PECOS.

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The Affordable Care Act requires physicians and eligible professional who order DMEPOS for Medicare beneficiaries to be enrolled in the Medicare program.

So, we are working hard to revalidate what’s in there. We are reaching out to the physician community to ensure that they are, in fact, enrolled in the program if they currently provide services. We hope to have that updated as quickly as possible.

We know that you’re concerned that claims may be rejected, because the enrolled physician or eligible professional doesn’t have an enrollment record in PECOS. We have enrollment contractors revalidating every physician and eligible professional to ensure that they are properly enrolled in the program and, if they no longer should be enrolled, that we take them out.

The Affordable Care Act requires physicians and eligible professional who order DMEPOS for Medicare beneficiaries to be enrolled in the Medicare program, so they reaffirm what we have been using as our policy in the prior period. And, on May 5, we issued an interim final rule that required those physicians and eligible professionals who order DMEPOS for Medicare beneficiaries to have approved enrollment records or valid opt-out records in PECOS for their claims to pass the edits.

We withdrew the consignment closet policy, so that’s some good news.

QUESTION: If physicians do not have proper documentation, we do not get paid for diabetic shoes or pretty much anything we do. But, we can’t force doctors to improve their record keeping. Can you ensure that doctors are legitimate in a way that doesn’t also hurt us?

FRIZZERA: That is a common issue, and, yes, it’s not just about diabetic shoes. It’s a generic concern that we

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

hear all the time about any service.

We are talking to physicians about the requirement, and some of their concern is that it’s too hard; they have to do too much. So, we’re asking them what they could do that would meet our minimum requirements but wouldn’t take so long or be such an imposition. We asking about what suppliers could do for them.

We went pretty far in one direction, saying doctors must have a lot of documentation and not budging from that position. But, obviously, it isn’t fair for suppliers to be penalized because physicians didn’t complete the documentation. I think we need to appreciate why it is so hard for them, because it seems to be good medical practice to us. They’ve come back with some very good ideas, so we are working with them to minimize it.

I don’t think there’s much hope, however, that we won’t make documentation a requirement. Our goal is to try to make it easier so that they’ll do it and make it much easier on you guys to comply with the rules.

QUESTION: Anything we should know about PDAC and coding issues?

FRIZZERA: Two major orthotics and prosthetic policy changes have impacted the industry regarding PDAC coding. As of July 1, all prefabricated and custom back braces must be verified by the PDAC to bill the HCPCS codes for those products.

Also, CMS has determined that elastic garments do not meet the statutory definition of a brace, because they are not rigid or semi-rigid devices.

Therefore, claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2009, will be denied as non-covered.

QUESTION: Tell us more about the CMS organizational realignment that took place earlier this year.

FRIZZERA: I think it is important for people to understand why we felt the need to do it. Basically, we flattened the organization into primary lines of business. So, now, there’s a center for Medicare and a center for Medicaid, CHIP, and state operations. There also is a center for program integrity and a center for innovation and strategic planning.

Before, the organizational chart was kind of crazy, and you couldn’t find where the things that are most important to the program were. So, we’re hoping that this new organization sends the message that these are the four big programs we run.

And, I hope that you’ll see more attention and focus on those areas and a much clearer strategic vision coming out of CMS than you did in the previous organization, where there were lots of leaders figuring out their pieces of it.

We’re delighted to have our four deputy administrators on board.

They all are political appointees who have very different views and agendas than the last administration.

Jon Blum is deputy administrator of the Center for Medicare. Cindy Mann leads the Center for Medicaid, CHIP, Survey, and Certification. For the Center for Program Integrity that person is Peter Budetti, and for the Center for Innovation and Strategic Planning it’s Tony Rodgers. So, I think you’ll see some new, strong leadership coming out of CMS in those four particular areas.

I also wanted to point out that we added the beneficiary services function to the Office of External Affairs. So, that office is now the Office of External Affairs and Beneficiary Services. They have an ombudsman, and they run the 800 number. It’s the go-to place for issues surrounding beneficiaries. a Josephine Rossi is editor of O&P Almanac.

Reach her at jrossi@strattonpublishing.com.

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The 2010 AOPA award winners are changing the way O&P works

I

t has been said that discovery consists of “seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought.” This description succinctly describes the process that several outstanding members of the O&P community have taken to test the boundaries of industry knowledge and best practices.

For their efforts, Maria Gerschutz, PhD, and Andreas Kannenberg, MD, have been recognized with a 2010 Thranhardt Award.

The Thranhardt Awards originated in 1996 with a gift from J.E. Hanger in memory of Howard R. Thranhardt, CP. Each year’s winners receive an honorarium and present their research findings at the AOPA National Assembly as a lecture series.

This year’s winners differ in many respects: gender, nationality, age. But they share one important trait—a deep commitment to advancing outcomesbased research in the O&P field.

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

Maria Gerschutz, PhD Award winner Maria Gerschutz, PhD, an applied research engineer at Ohio Willow Wood, in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, examined prosthetic suspension systems. Her study compared three systems to see which would produce the least pistoning, or up-and-down movement, of the residual limb within the socket. Less movement means a reduced likelihood of skin breakdown and gives the amputee better control of the prosthesis.

The first suspension system in the study was the vented system, which MARIA GERSCHUTZ, PhD is open to the atmosphere. The second, the suction suspension system, features able only to simulate movement of the a one-way valve and a sealed socket prosthesis, says Gerschutz. She devised that passively expels air when the a method of measuring residual residual limb moves within the socket limb movement while the subject as the amputee walks on the prosthesis. was walking in place, comparing Finally, the elevated suspension the three suspension systems under system also is sealed to the atmosphere, dynamic conditions. The vacuum but actively expels the air with an suspension system was clearly most electronic pump, so it is able effective in reducing distal to maintain constant vacuum displacement, potentially pressure throughout the day. decreasing excessive Previous research pressures and shear forces indicated that vacuum on the limb. And although suspension provided Gerschutz’s initial study superior linkage than other dealt with one subject, her systems, with less movement subsequent research with of the residual limb. But four additional subjects Socket configuration those studies collected data incorporating an inducconfirmed her findings. on static subjects and were (Continues on page 34) tive displacement sensor.

AOPA Past President Takes Home New Sam E. Hamontree, CP, Business Education Award

A

trained associate—the care OPA is presenting extender—leaving the a new prize, the clinician free to see patients Sam E. Hamontree, and interact with physicians, CP, Business Education therapists, and insurance Award, at this year’s representatives. The National Assembly. clinician sets the direction of The award, funded by the treatment and oversees the family of Sam E. its execution, but does not Hamontree, CP, in honor SAM E. HAMONTREE, CP get bogged down by timeof Hamontree’s lifetime consuming, repeatable tasks of achievement in O&P, that assistants can be trained to do just recognizes the best business education as well. paper submitted for presentation “We need to drive decisions down to at the National Assembly. It is a the lowest competent level possible,” counterpart to the Thranhardt Awards says Gustin. for the best clinical papers.

In his paper, Gustin details the The first winner of the Sam E. responsibilities of each member of Hamontree, CP, Business Education the care team and offers a sample Award is Brian Gustin, CP. After a appointment timeline showing how long career as a practitioner and the care-extender model can free the O&P business executive, Gustin clinician to see more patients while has become a respected industry maintaining high-quality care. consultant who works with O&P Gustin came to O&P as a second facilities and investigates fraud and career. He studied to be an architectural abuse for government agencies. and industrial model designer and Gustin’s paper posits a new worked briefly for an engineering business approach for O&P that he firm in Chicago designing coalcalls the Care Extender Model. It arose fired and nuclear-energy power from his work in the field where, he plants. When that work dried says, “I saw companies that were up (“The Nuclear Regulatory losing profitability. They were overburAgency stopped granting dened with overhead and labor costs, licenses,” he says.), Gustin no economies of scale in purchasing, went back to school, this time and a high cost of goods relative in O&P. to revenues. Costs were going up, “My father, a transfemoral reimbursements were either stagnant amputee, was in the business. or decreasing, and some practitioners I knew about Northwestern’s were even offering to lower their program, and immediately own reimbursements in crazy deals got work at a local O&P to get more contracts. The thinking facility while I attended was, ‘If I get enough business, all will classes,” he says. be OK,’ without considering the cost After a few years, to get the business. At a certain point Gustin returned something’s got to give. The way we to his home deliver services has to change.” town, Green Gustin’s approach transfers the Bay, Wisconsin, hands-on fabrication and fitting to work with duties from the practitioner to a BRIAN GUSTIN, CP

his father, eventually taking over the practice. He expanded to five locations and ran the company for 18 years before selling it in 2006.

Gustin’s next position was chief clinical officer with Bridgepoint Medical, a start-up company based in Lexington, Kentucky, that sought to purchase O&P facilities and roll them into a single entity. Gustin says, “My job was to perform due diligence on the front end of acquisition and then go in and do integration and implementation work after the company joined Bridgepoint.” That work gave him a thorough understanding of typical workflow in an O&P facility and led him to develop his new business model.

After Bridgepoint fell victim to the 2008 financial crisis, Gustin struck out on his own as a consultant. He is still based in Green Bay, where he lives with his wife and the younger two of his three children. a

OCTOBER 2010 O&P ALMANAC

33

(Continues from page 32) This study is only one of many undertaken by Gerschutz at Ohio Willow Wood. Her internal research there focuses on new-product development for the company, while external studies seek to quantify patient outcomes with existing O&P products. Gerschutz’s position at Ohio Willow Wood is unusual, she says, and would be more typical in a university setting. “My work is part of Ohio Willow Wood’s effort to learn more about their products and how they benefit the consumers,” she says.

Gerschutz joined Ohio Willow Wood in 2008 after earning her doctorate in engineering, with a focus on biomedical engineering, at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where she also obtained her undergraduate and master’s degrees.

“I always liked math and science,” she says, “particularly combining humans and engineering in ways that improved the lives of end users.”

While in school, Gerschutz conducted several research projects and completed an internship at the National Institutes of Health. That work helped confirm her professional direction. “I liked the idea of being able to directly help people,” she says. “I can get immediate feedback on the benefits of a device or procedure.”

Gerschutz grew up in the northwestern Ohio town of Kalida. Her husband, David, is a manufacturing engineer at Ohio Willow Wood. The couple has twin 2-year-old girls, and she says that working for the same company helps the family balance their work and home life.

Gerschutz is hopeful that her award-winning study will help develop a foundation for elevated vacuum systems and drive the O&P field more toward outcomebased research. “This data will help support research that’s already out there,” she says. “My study, using dynamic measurement, adds a piece to the puzzle. And the more we can increase patient outcome knowledge, the better we can justify appropriate treatments.”

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

ANDREAS KANNENBERG, MD

Andreas Kannenberg, MD Andreas Kannenberg, MD, has won the Thranhardt Award for a clinical study investigating a new shoulder orthosis, Omo Neurexa, and its effect on stroke patients with painful shoulder. Kannenberg is director of medical affairs in Duderstadt, Germany, for Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH, which developed the device.

A common issue after stroke is painful shoulder, with or without subluxation (partial dislocation of the shoulder joint). “The articulation between the bones is not correct, so when the arm moves, it impinges on soft tissues,” explains Kannenberg.

The resulting pain can interfere with rehabilitative gait training, as patients try to avoid discomfort by keeping the shoulder motionless.

Earlier shoulder orthoses were difficult to don, says Kannenberg, requiring the physical therapist or nurse to reduce the subluxation and hold the shoulder in position before applying the orthosis. In addition, patients had to remove the device before receiving physical therapy. The

Omo Neurexa, by contrast, can be put on in any shoulder position and remain loosely in place during therapy.

Kannenberg’s study examined 40 first-time stroke patients with painful shoulder who used the Omo Neurexa for about four weeks in two German neurological rehabilitation clinics.

“We saw a clinically relevant reduction in pain at rest and during movement in 60 percent of the patients,” says Kannenberg. “Even better, many of the patients reported that the orthosis gave them support in their activities of daily living, saying it was the first thing they put on in the morning and the last thing they took off at night.”

Researchers also observed that patients walked better when they wore the orthosis, moving more dynamically, quickly, and safely—findings confirmed by subsequent gait analysis.

And somewhat surprisingly, the Omo Neurexa was well-accepted by physical therapists who are normally reluctant to use orthotic devices with stroke patients.

“German physiotherapists tend to believe that stroke patients will come

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to rely on a device instead of developing their own capabilities,” says Kannenberg. “But these therapists said they could actually intensify physical therapy using the Omo Neurexa.”

Kannenberg has been with Otto Bock since 2003 and lives with his wife near Duderstadt, in central THE THRANDTHART LECTURES Germany. He attended medical school This event will take place from at the Humboldt University of Berlin, 8:20 – 9:30 AM, Thursday, located in the former East Berlin, and September 30 during the graduated in 1989, when the Berlin Wall came down. “The whole world Opening General Session in the opened, with lots of new opportuPanzacola Ballroom F1-4. nities,” he says.

Kannenberg began his career as a found that an exclusively business general practitioner, gaining clinical career wasn’t a good fit, and he experience in general and family moved to the more scientific, medical medicine, surgery, dermatology, side of the industry. After working internal medicine, rheumatology, for another firm for two years, he orthopedics, and rehabilitation joined Otto Bock to oversee clinical medicine. He decided to focus on research for advanced prosthetics. the business end of medicine in 1998, Since then, his job and his staff have serving as product manager for the grown to encompass all medical German-based company Fresenius, research for the company. which provides world-wide dialysis “Otto Bock is quite aware that there equipment and care. is After a few years, Kannenberg E-8181-1010_E-8181-1010 8/30/10 1:38 PM Page a1 growing demand for clinical

I’m only made out of paper, but I am formidable.

studies to prove patient benefits of advanced medical devices,” he says. “I think it’s a legitimate demand, because insurance companies want to know that they are getting good value for their money. That’s what we all want when we make a major investment.”

He believes the success of the Omo Neurexa holds a larger message.

“Years ago, the general thinking was that for many problems in neurologic rehabilitation, orthotic devices were not helpful and could be, in fact, detrimental,” he says. “We have enough experience now and data to show that this attitude must change. This shoulder orthosis is a good example that medical devices can facilitate and enhance rehabilitation of neurological patients, particularly stroke patients.

And if you have intelligent medical devices, they may even support rehabilitation in general and improve the results.” a Debroah Conn is a contributing writer for O&P Almanac. Reach her at debconn@cox.net.

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By Deborah Conn

Advocacy and Action Snell P&O Lab counts reimbursement parity among its legislative victories

Patient demographics vary. Overall, the lab sees approximately 60 percent orthotic and 40 percent prosthetic cases. “Some of our offices are located in towns with large retirement populations, so they do a lot of geriatric procedures,” says Frank Snell. Snell Laboratory also handles a variety of pediatric patients and has a long-standing prosthetics contract with the Veterans Administration and works closely with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.

Pushing for Parity

FACILITY: Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory LOCATION: Main office in Little Rock, Arkansas; eight satellite offices throughout the state

OWNER: Frank Snell, CPO, FAAOP

HISTORY: 99 years in business 40

O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

S

nell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory is one of the most venerable O&P businesses in the country, with roots dating back to 1911, when R. W. “Pop” Snell founded Snell’s Limbs and Braces in Memphis, Tennessee. Today, the Arkansas locations of the family-owned business are owned by Pop’s great-nephew, Frank Snell, CPO, FAAOP. The business is based in Little Rock, Arkansas, and has eight satellite offices across the state.

Staff members at Snell P&O lab include 18 O&P practitioners, five technicians, and 32 administrative employees who handle billing, collections, marketing, and customer service. Most administrative functions and the bulk of fabrication occur in the Little Rock office, although a few satellite offices perform some fabrication and repair.

Snell believes his firm’s most pressing challenge is the economy and its effect on business and reimbursement.

Frank Snell, CPO, FAAOP “We are fortunate in Arkansas that our state is not in the kind of financial turmoil most states are experiencing,” he says. “We have a constitutionally mandated balanced budget. But we have seen the beginning of efforts to curtail some of the growth of Medicaid spending within the state. Arkansas Medicaid recently hired a new director, and he will be trimming the budget.”

Snell’s response to these business threats has been to become actively involved in O&P issues, both in his state and nationally. He and others worked to gain passage of a state licensure law in 2007, and Snell serves as chair of the

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Arkansas Orthotic-ProstheticPedorthic Licensure Board. “Licensure helps us define who we are and what we do,” he says. “It has elevated the recognition and status of O&P providers.”

Snell and his colleagues went back to the legislature to push for a state insurance parity law, which passed in 2009. The law ensures that all state-regulated insurance programs pay Medicare rates for orthotic and prosthetic care. According to Snell, most states have only prosthetic parity.

A third effort has been to maintain a strong relationship with the state Medicaid program. “We continue to prove to [state officials] the value of orthotic and prosthetic services, that O&P care doesn’t just suck revenue out of the system, but actually pays back to the state,” says Snell. “We make the case that every dollar spent on rehabilitation saves the state many more dollars in caring for the disabled person.

“The Arkansas State Orthotic & Prosthetic Association has grown stronger with our political efforts,” he says. “We are on a regular speaking basis with Medicaid. We invite them to our meetings to make presentations, and we offer help when they need it in paying claims.” Snell says the association promotes the use of “value technology,” supporting the idea that it’s better to serve 10 individuals with effective, proven technology than to serve five with the most advanced devices simply because they are new.

Looking to the Future Snell knows that raising the awareness of state legislators is an ongoing process. While the association’s efforts to pass licensure and parity laws certainly shone a spotlight on O&P over the past few years, termlimited lawmakers are replaced on a regular basis, and the association must continually build new relationships.

Nationally, Snell is active in AOPA and stays attuned to issues affecting the industry. “About half the insurance sold in Arkansas is state regulated,

42

O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

and half is federally regulated, so we’re pushing for the federal House and Senate parity bills under consideration,” he says. Snell faithfully attends AOPA’s national policy forums and recently met with his senators and congressional representatives to discuss the new health care legislation, the excise tax on device manufacturers, and other topics. “When the regulations are written for the health bill,” Snell says, “we want orthotics and prosthetics to be included in the basic healthcare package, not as an addition or a rider.”

Snell P&O Lab has a distinguished history, and Frank Snell’s efforts are designed to make sure it has a successful future as well. The fourth generation of Snells already is in place. Snell’s son, Brant, who works at the Little Rock office, is a licensed prosthetist and has a master’s degree in health-care administration. Daughter Melissa, with a master’s in business administration, has been with the company since 1999 and serves as vice president of business development and marketing. “We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished in our first hundred years,” says Snell, “and we’re looking forward to the challenges in the next hundred.” a Deborah Conn is a contributing writer for O&P Almanac. Reach her at debconn@ cox.net.

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AOPA Headlines AOPA WORKING FOR YOU

CMS Turns to AOPA for Help Standardized testing methods for consistency in coding prosthetic feet reflect the collective expertise of AOPA members

A

OPA’s Coding and Reimbursement Committee (CRC) always has played a pivotal role in recommending that common sense should drive our coding system, making coding decisions consistent and defensible. While CMS always will hold the trump cards, AOPA’s recommendations have often found their way into the final decisions.

A good example of the constructive contribution the CRC makes to the Medicare coding system is the recently concluded Prosthetic Foot Manufacturers’ Project.

In 2007, AOPA was contacted by the Statistical Analysis Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carrier

AOPA Coding & Reimbursement Committee Members

(SADMERC) to request assistance in getting in touch with prosthetic foot manufacturers to discuss a potential overhaul of the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code set that describes prosthetic feet.

SADMERC also provided AOPA with a rough draft of new code assignments for the feet. In response to this request, AOPA, in conjunction with representatives of the O&P Alliance, met with SADMERC staff to discuss the project. One of SADMERC’s goals was to reduce the overall number of codes while creating a new code set that better represented the range of commercially available prosthetic feet.

Specifically, SADMERC was looking for contact information for manufacturers of prosthetic feet so that it could solicit feedback regarding the proposed code set.

A Different Approach Michael S. O’Donnell, CPO, FAAOP, Co-Chair Kathy Dodson, Co-Chair (non-voting) Keith D. Cornell, CP, BOCO, FAAOP Thomas V. DiBello, CO, FAAOP Mitchell D. Dobson, CPO, FAAOP Dennis Ebbing, MBA, CPO Brian L. Gustin, CP Pam D. Filippis, CO Alfred E. Kritter, Jr., CPO, FAAOP Jonathan M. Naft, CPO Mark A. Porth, CPO, FAAOP

44

O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

Recognizing that this presented what might be the only alternative to the very detrimental code revision proposed by SADMERC, AOPA suggested a slightly different approach.

Rather than soliciting feedback from each manufacturer individually, AOPA suggested that it convene and moderate a series of meetings of representatives from all of the interested prosthetic foot manufacturers. The purpose of these meetings would be to develop a set of procedure codes that accurately reflected modern prosthetic foot technology. In addition to the code set, AOPA proposed developing coding definitions and coding standards that

could be used to test and verify specific characteristics of prosthetic feet.

SADMERC agreed to this proposal, and the AOPA Prosthetic Foot Work Group was created.

The work group, chaired by AOPA President-elect Thomas DiBello, CO, FAAOP, a member of AOPA’s CRC, met over the course of many months and made significant progress in developing a revised code set that was designed to meet the needs of SADMERC, while at the same time accurately representing existing products available in the marketplace.

The philosophy behind the proposed code set also encouraged continued research and development of new and innovative products.

In creating code language that was easy to understand, the work group focused on the functional characteristics of prosthetic feet, only as they relate to what code would be appropriate to assign to the device. (It did not deal with the clinical effectiveness or medical necessity of the various feet, or with manufacturing or structural requirements.) In addition to creating a proposed code set for prosthetic feet, the work group also developed context-based descriptors of the terminology within the codes, as well as testing standards that clearly defined what thresholds must be met for a prosthetic foot to be deemed to have a certain function as described in a particular code. Before the development of these standards, there was no way to objectively determine whether a particular prosthetic foot

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AOPA Headlines AOPA WORKING FOR YOU

contained the features described in a specific procedure code. A goal of the work group was to create simple, repeatable tests that could be used to verify the presence of such features in a prosthetic foot.

Success In the midst of this important project, CMS decided to replace SADMERC with a new organization called the Pricing, Data Analysis, and Coding Contractor, also known as PDAC. CMS awarded the PDAC

contract to a different company than the one that previously performed the SADMERC function, resulting in a shift in direction for this project. PDAC remained interested in developing testing standards but did not express the same interest that SADMERC had in a completely new code set to describe prosthetic feet.

The AOPA Prosthetic Foot Work Group was able to shift direction and focus its efforts on developing standardized, repeatable testing methods that could be used to confirm

Companies Participating in the Manufacturers’ Foot Project American Prosthetic Components, Inc. BioQuest Prosthetics Endolite Freedom Innovations Inc. Kingsley Mfg. Co. Ohio Willow Wood

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

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the presence or absence of a specific feature of a prosthetic foot within the existing code set.

After several years and many meetings, the work group has completed its task, and a final report is being prepared for presentation to PDAC. Once this is done, the testing criteria and recommendations on how to code specific prosthetic feet will be released to the field.

This project could be the foundation for developing other industry-wide solutions to coding recommendations and other challenging issues facing the O&P community. At the July AOPA Board of Directors retreat, consideration was given to affiliation with the American National Standards Institute, which provides a framework and process for such activity.

The Prosthetic Foot Manufacturers’ Project is one more example of how the collective expertise of members can be facilitated by AOPA to achieve results on behalf of the entire O&P community.

When it is available, you may access the complete report at www.AOPAnet. org/Prosthetic_Foot_Project.pdf. a

n

AOPA Headlines

Final Coding & Billing Seminar of 2010

Don’t Delay!

REGISTER TODAY www.AOPAnet.org

October 14-15 in Las Vegas AOPA’s final “Mastering Medicare: Advanced Coding & Billing Techniques” seminar of 2010 will be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, October 14-15.

Hundreds of your colleagues already have benefited from this detailed, advanced seminar given by AOPA’s coding experts as well as members of the AOPA Coding & Reimbursement Committee. Join us in Las Vegas, where you will: • learn how to code complex devices, including repairs and adjustments, through interactive discussions with AOPA experts and your colleagues • join in-depth discussions on compliance with Medicare billing

•

•

• • •

rules and documentation expectations learn how to assess compliance risk areas and how to deal with them learn successful appeal strategies and hints on avoiding claim denials take part in break-out sessions for practitioners and office staff receive detailed information on hot-topic issues in O&P earn 14 continuing education credits in two days.

Seminar attendees stay at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino for just $119 per night. Cost of attending the seminar is $550 for members/$750

for nonmembers. Any additional attendees from the same office get a $50 discount—just $500 for members and $700 for nonmembers. Join us in Las Vegas, bring your toughest coding questions, and spend an informative two days with AOPA’s experts and your colleagues.

Register at www.AOPAnet.org.

Contact Ann Davis at adavis@AOPAnet. org or 571/431-0876 with questions.

Register for Audio Conference on Managed Care Contracting The next AOPAversity audio conference, “You’re Going to Pay Me WHAT? …Hints on Managed Care Contracting” will be held on Wednesday, October 13, from 1 to 2 PM, EDT. Listeners will learn about the potential advantages and pitfalls of negotiations with Managed Care organizations. Topics that will be addressed include: • safe harbor regulations that allow managed care discounts • things to consider when deciding to offer a discount or not • market conditions that may affect your decision • Medicare replacement plans • how to protect your business interests.

48

O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

Join AOPA for this valuable one-hour audio conference. Bring your questions as there will be an interactive question-and-answer period following the speaker’s remarks.

The cost of participation is just $99 per line for members ($199 for non-members). Any number of employees may listen on a given line. Participants can earn 1.5 continuing education credits by returning the provided quiz within 30 days and scoring at least 80 percent.

Register at www.AOPAnet.org. For more information, contact Ann Davis at adavis@aAOPAnet.org or 571/431-0876.

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AOPA Headlines Get an Online Education with AOPA AOPA has just launched a new web page devoted to education—www.AOPAnetonline.org Thought you had to step inside a classroom to brush up on your O&P knowledge?

Think again. Log onto the recently launched AOPAversity and discover your one-stop resource for quality O&P education developed specifically for orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professionals. To your added benefit, most of the education on the site has been approved for continuing education credits.

Special features include educational videos from last year’s National Assembly (Available FREE as a temporary introductory offer to AOPA Members for a limited time.)

Whether you are an orthotist, prosthetist, pedorthist, billing manager or facility owner— you won’t want to miss the opportunity to learn from the videos featured on our exclusive site including:

[ 50

SAVE THE DATE SEPTEMBER 19-22, 2011

O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

]

• Targeted Nerve Transfers and TMR, by Douglas Smith, MD • Top Ten Billing Myths, by Joseph McTernan, AOPA Director of Reimbursement Services • Understanding Scoliosis, by Jeb McAviney, MD, DCBSc, MChiro, MPainMed, FCBP • Osteomyoplastic Amputation Reconstruction, by Jan Ertl, MD. In addition to the online video learning— there is much more that this interactive Web site has to offer. Users should expect web casts, audio conferences, CDs, classroom learning opportunities, monographs, white papers and publications, as well as subscription information.

Questions? Contact Tina Moran at tmoran@ AOPAnet.org or 571/431-0808. Participants will need their membership information to access the free videos. a

For more information, visit our Web site at www.AOPAnet.org.

We’re with you. Every step of the way.

BOC International—Recognized and respected for over 25 years of industry experience and expertise, BOC is your best fit for O&P certification and facility accreditation. The ONLY credentialing organization with NCCA accreditation for all of its certification programs, BOC provides the credentials that keep you current and competitive—so you can stay committed to what you do best.

- Five O&P professional certification programs: Orthotist, Prosthetist, Pedorthist, Mastectomy Fitter, Orthotic Fitter - Facility accreditation approved for all CMS billing categories, with all-inclusive pricing

Visit booth #1412 and meet Claudia Zacharias, MBA, CAE, President & CEO and Jim Newberry, BOCPO, BOCPD, Board of Directors.

Earn CE credits at our workshop “Beyond the Patient Room: Taking Care of the Health of your Career” with Wendy Miller and JR Brandt on September 29, 2010, 8:00 a.m.–noon.

Join BOC at the Accreditation Forum on October 1, 2010, 2:00–5:00 p.m.

BOCinternational.org 10451 Mill Run Circle, Suite 200, Owings Mills, MD 21117

1.877.776.2200

The EDUCATION You Need

From The EXPERTS You Require

Webcast ONLINE LEARNING Courses designed for practitioners and office staff who need basic to intermediate education on coding and billing Medicare. Education does not get any more convenient than this. Learn at your own pace—where and when it is convenient for you.

Earn up to

1.5 CE

Credits per Conference

Modules Currently Available AOPAversity Module 1

What is Medicare?

AOPAversity Module 2

Filing Claims

AOPAversity Module 3

Medicare as Secondary Payer

AOPAversity Module 4

Administrative Documentation

AOPAversity Module 5

Hospital SNF Billing

AOPAversity Module 6

ABNs and EOBs

AOPAversity Module 7

O&P Coding Basics

AOPAversity Module 8

Orthopedic and Diabetic Shoes

AOPAversity Module 9

When Bad Things Happen

Earn up to

14 CE Credits

Mastering Medicare Advanced Coding & Billing Techniques Seminar CLASSROOM LEARNING ✓ Two full days of in-depth, advanced training Available on different dates in different locations to serve you better.

May 24-25, 2010 PITTSBURGH

Oct. 14-15, 2010 LAS VEGAS

At this seminar, AOPA experts will provide the most up-to-date information to help O&P practitioners and office billing staff: • Learn how to code complex devices, including repairs and adjustments, through interactive discussions with AOPA experts and your colleagues; • Join in-depth discussion on compliance with Medicare billing rules and documentation expectations; • Learn how to assess compliance risk areas and deal with them; • Learn successful appeal strategies and hints on avoiding claim denials; • Break-out sessions for practitioners and office staff; • Detailed information on “Hot Topic” issues in O&P; and • Earn 14 continuing education credits in two days.

2010 Telephone Audio Conferencing

Earn up to

1.5 CE During these one-hour sessions, AOPA experts Credits per Conference provide the most up-to-date information on the following topics. Perfect for the entire staff—one fee per conference, for all staff at your company location ($99 Member/$199 Non-Member). A great team-building, money-saving, educational experience! Sign up for the entire series and get two conferences FREE. Entire Series ($990 Member/$1,990 Non-Member) DATE* January 13 February 10

TELEPHONE CONFERENCE Red Flag Rules: Are You In Compliance?

Hints on Passing Your Supplier Standards Inspection March 10 Billing for Refused/Returned Devices and Deluxe Features April 14 Documenting for Success: Chart Notes, Prescriptions and Physicians’ Records May 12 New Rules for HIPAA: Are You Still Compliant?

June 9 When Disaster Strikes: Implementing a Contingency Plan July 14 Medicare Appeals Strategies August 11 Medicare’s Knocking: How Good Is Your Compliance Plan?

September 8 Missed Billing Opportunities: Are You Billing Everything You Can? October 13 You’re Going To Pay Me WHAT?...

Hints on Managed Care Contracting November 10 The Ins and Outs of Billing in a Part A Setting: Hospital, SNF and Hospice December 8 2011 New Codes and Medical Policies *Previously held telephone conferences are available on CD. Please visit the AOPA Bookstore for details.

Register Today!

Visit us online at

www.AOPAnet.org or call 571/431-0876 for more information.

SOFT SOCK®

WITH NEW 3-D TOE SHAPE KNIT-RITE’S ORIGINAL SOFT SOCK® - WITH A NEW, PATENTED HEMISPHERICALLY KNIT THREE-DIMENSIONAL DISTAL SHAPE. The new distal end shape provides improved fitting qualities and comfort over the traditional flat knit envelope shape of prosthetic socks.

Soft Socks are available in X-Static® the Silver Fiber® or original CoolMax®, both moisture wicking fibers that move moisture away from skin and inhibit Patented Hemispherically knit three-dimensional distal shape.

odor in the sock. Soft Socks feel soft and

Patent No. 7,363,778

cuddly worn next to the skin, and Lycra provides stretch and excellent fitting qualities.

For more information contact Knit-Rite at 800-821-3094 or e-mail customerservice@knitrite.com.

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AOPA Applications

The officers and directors of the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) are pleased to present these applicants for membership. Each company will become an official member of AOPA if, within 30 days of publication, no objections are made regarding the company’s ability to meet the qualifications and requirements of membership.

At the end of each new facility listing is the name of the certified or state-licensed practitioner who qualifies that patient-care facility for membership according to AOPA’s bylaws.

Affiliate members do not require a certified or state-licensed practitioner to be eligible for membership.

At the end of each new supplier member listing is the supplier level associated with that company. Supplier levels are based on annual gross sales volume: Level 1: equal to or less than $1 million Level 2: $1 million to $1,999,999 Level 3: $2 million to $4,999,999 Level 4: more than $5 million

Greeneville Orthotics & Prosthetics 504 Justis Dr. Greeneville, TN 37745 423/638-2670 Fax: 423/638-6592 Contact Type: Patient Care Facility Paul T. Dixon, CP

Integrity Prosthetics & Orthotics 1705 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Ste. 3 Lakeland, FL 33805 863/937-9200 Fax: 863/937-9199 Contact Type: Patient Care Facility Clarence Ed Crowe, CPO

Kingsport Brace & Limb 921 Broad St. Kingsport, TN 37660 423/246-3324 Fax: 423/246-9176 Contact Type: Affiliate Parent Company: Greeneville Orthotics & Prosthetics, Greeneville, TN

Ritchie Limb & Brace LLC 1069 E. Gonzales Seguin, TX 78155 830/433-9188 Fax: 830/433-9199 Contact Type: Patient Care Facility David Ritchie, CPO, LPO, C.Ped.

Expert Coding Advice 24/7 at www.LCodeSearch.com

> > >

The O&P coding expertise you’ve come to rely on is now available whenver you need it.

Match products to L codes and manufacturers— anywhere you connect to the Internet.

This exclusive service is available only for AOPA members.

Log onto LCodeSearch.com and get started today.

Not an AOPA member?

GET CONNECTED Contact Michael Chapman at 571/431-0843 or mchapman@AOPAnet.org.

Manufacturers: Get your products in front of AOPA members!

Contact Joe McTernan at 571/431-0811 or jmcternan@AOPAnet.org.

Visit AOPA at www.AOPAnet.org 54

O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

www.AOPAnet.org

Ready When yo

u

aRe ... tm

lumbar

Thoraco-lumbar Thoracic ScolioSiS

If only I could have:

R e a d y W h e n Yo u A r e . . .

- tech support round-the-clock.

- quality products at a fair price.

- the brace when my patient needs it.

- my orders taken anytime.

- a brace the way I want it.

24 • 7 • 365

viSiT uS aT

aoPa orlanDo booTh 401

TlSo (back)

TlSo TlSo

w/

w/

Dlk

PPX

Only OPTEC fits that mold!!!

For nearly 15 years, OPTEC has been a leader in custom spinal orthotic manufacturing.

PDAC Approved LSO & TLSO P h : 888-982-8181 • Fx: 877-288-4197 • sales@optecusa.com 9 7 5 P r o gress Circle • Lawrenceville, GA 30043 • www.optecusa.c o m

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Marketplace

ORTHOTIC MANAGEMENT OF GENU RECURVATUM COMBINED WITH FOOTDROP Allard USA introduces COMBO, a thigh cuff/ knee brace attachment for ToeOFF or BlueRocker that offers lightweight, low-profile, functional orthotic solution for the management of genu recurvatum or chronic knee instability, accompanied with footdrop. Combine COMBO with ToeOFF or BlueRocker to fabricate a KAFO, customized to meet your patient’s needs. Uprights with dual-axis joints are easily shaped and adjusted to optimum height for the patient. Adjustable knee control popliteal interface for genu-recuvatum control. Modular components allow you to accommodate variances in thigh and calf circumferences.

For more information, call 888/6786548, e-mail info@allardusa.com or visit www.allardusa.com.

APIS

Apis is dedicated to providing our valued customers satisfactory solutions to many difficult problems, shoes that accomodate severe charcot, edema, and bunions. Our shoes are made of high-quality genuine leather with soft leather linings. Our shoes come in many different widths from AA to 14E and size from 4.5 to 20, all stock items for immediate delivery. We

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

offer custom-molded foot orthotics at a really low price, and our full line of service offering will make us the one-stop shop for all your pedorthic needs.

Whether it is a custom shoe order, shoe mods or slit pairs, or orthotics materials order, call our friendly customer service at 888/937-2747 for detailed information about any of our products or programs.

ACCENT YOUR LIFE WITH COLLEGE PARK The Accent® foot from College Park provides a service-free option for individuals who desire a cosmetically appealing foot with an easy-to-adjust heel height. A simple push of a button provides the wearer their choice of footwear. Features include: • 2 in (51 mm) user-adjustable heel height • Dynamic pylon and integrated pyramid options • Ankle fairing for superior finishing • Sandal-toe foot shell, with narrow and wide width options • Service-free • Three firmness choices.

For more information, call 800/7287950 or visit www.college-park.com.

CSI The C-Spine Immobilizer is a two-piece thermoplastic collar that offers superior control in limiting flexion and extension, rotation, and lateral bending. The uniquely contoured load diffusion tabs with integral thoracic extension distribute pressure over a large area providing the highest degree of patient comfort, control, and compliance.

A large anterior opening accommodates passage of tracheotomy facilitation. The moldable occipital component and an adjustable aluminum spine element combine to provide industry-leading ergonomics; full customization for total contact conformity of cervical arch contours.

Code L0174 approved. You are invited to visit Booth #1107 at the National Assembly in Orlando.

CYBERTECH CYBERSPINE The CyberSpine Cervical Orthosis incorporates the best design features of past proven systems with state-of-the-art materials. The result is not an upgraded extraction collar, but a functional, comprehensive, all-adjustable cervical immobilization system to conform to individual patient needs, and maximize support and stability.

Code L0180 approved. You are invited to visit Booth #1107 at the National Assembly in Orlando.

THE PRIMO LINER—DURABILITY MEETS AFFORDABILITY

The Primo Liner from Euro International & Streifeneder ortho.production GmbH, is a silicone liner that offers durability and quality at a reasonable price. It is recommended for patients who need a simple liner handling and even pressure distribution. The Primo Liner features a 10 cm internal matrix and a jersey fabric cover.

It is available in 2.5 mm and in sizes from 12 cm to 45 cm. The Primo Liner has a one-year warranty.

For more information on this liner or any of our other products, visit us at Booth #913 at the National Assembly in Orlando. Contact us toll free at 800/378-2480 or visit www.Eurointl.com.

• Fits easily into regular and narrow shoes • Flexible for multi-plane action • Enables athletic activity such as moderate running • Choose between PEEK rods on medial or lateral side • Six-month warranty.

Contact Fillauer LLC at 800/2516398 or Hosmer at 800/827-0070.

SFX WITH HOSMER KNEE TECHNOLOGY SPECIAL KIT PRICING The Weight Activated Locking Knee (WALK) and Single Axis Friction Knee (SAFK) are compact, durable options for patients requiring extra stability and performance. The independent friction and mechanical stance control adjustments make it easy to fine-

tune the knee to each patient’s individual needs. Adding the Sfx to the WALK or SAFK provides adjustable stance flexion and greater stability at heel strike. The Sfx increases balance during initial weight loading and adds a moderate amount of shock absorption for a smoother gait. Weighing just 241g with a build height of 3.34 in., the Sfx comes in three adjustable load levels for optimized function. Kit provides a 15-percent savings.

For more information, contact Hosmer at 800/827-0070 or visit www. hosmer.com.

DYCOR

DYNAMIC WALK SINGLE SIDE

BY CENTRI® The Dynamic Walk Single Side Orthosis is a new AFO made of a lightweight moldable carbon fiber composite material. The open heel construction allows for optimal fit and comfort with various shoe types. The Dynamic Walk Single Side provides dorsi-assist with subtalar inversion and eversion control. This high-activity design enables freedom of motion and allows for walking, running, and climbing stairs. Features include: • Easy donning and doffing • High strength

LCD ($480.00)

FDS ($545.00)

L5981 Pat./Pat. Pend. Includes integrated EVA footshell.

Dycor, 800-794-6099 www.dycormfg.com Also available through SPS, Knit Rite, Cascade, PEL Supply & Orto-Ped

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OCTOBER 2010 O&P ALMANAC

59

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Marketplace

INTRODUCING KISS REPLACEMENT KITS! These kits are designed to replace key components, without the need to purchase a distal base!

CMP32/A: Includes a velcrosewn placard, proximal nut and screw, proximal strap, and distal strap. CMP31/A: Includes an adhesive-ready placard, proximal nut and screw, proximal strap, and distal strap.

For more information, contact KISS Technologies LLC at 410/663-KISS or visit www.kiss-suspension.com.

OMEGA® SCANNER PROVIDES EXTREME ACCURACY

The OMEGA Scanner, with its unique combination of lasers and LED lights, captures extremely accurate shapes for use in prosthetic applications. The hand-held, 3-D laser imager works seamlessly with the OMEGA® Tracer® System. Portable and easy to use, the OMEGA Scanner allows for patient movement during shape capture by having set landmarks on a patient’s limb. Add in that the scanner is accurate to +/- 0.5 mm and it is clear that this powerful CAD tool has key advantages over competing shapecapture devices.

Visit Ohio Willow Wood at Booth #601 at the National Assembly in Orlando or contact us at 800/848-4930 or www.owwco.com.

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

ALL STEALTH’S IN MEDICAL WHITE $75 OFF—SEPTEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2010

When it comes to support and comfort, OPTEC’s Stealth is king! Easy to put on. Easy to take off. The Stealth brand is our most popular anterior opening brace. The closure system glides like butter and provides smooth compression, which can be regulated by your patients. Your patient will actively participate in their rehabilitation by adjusting compression and support to the desired level, thus enhancing comfort and patient compliance.

Take advantage of the $75 off OPTEC’s Stealth White braces and see for yourself why they are our most popular brand of brace. Included are OPTEC’s Stealth LSO and LSO LP, Stealth X2 and X4, Stealth Pro 2 and Pro 4.

OPTEC’s Stealth LSO, LSO LP continues to be L0637. Find out more about these and other products. Visit OPTEC at Booth #401 at the National Assembly in Orlando or call us at 888/982-8181.

OPTEC USA—EZ STEP ™ LEATHER ANKLE GAUNTLET OPTEC’S EZ Step Leather Ankle Gauntlet continues the pattern of innovation and excellence catered to your needs. The EZ Step’s custom fabrication combines incomparable

comfort with unparalleled control, helping to make each step easier than the last.

Key features include: • Unsurpassed craftsmanship and professionalism • Premium leather outer shell with soft, comfortable, padded leather lining • Thin, durable, polymer ankle and foot stabilizer • Less bulky and rigid than traditional gauntlets • Multiple closure systems for easy donning and doffing.

For more information on OPTEC’S EZ-Step™ Leather Ankle Gauntlet or our other products, please call customer service at 888/982-8181 or visit us at www.optecusa.com.

OPTEC USA PRODUCTS WITH PDAC APPROVED CODES OPTEC USA consistently offers cutting edge products of the highest quality. Beyond offering innovative orthosis at a fair price, OPTEC USA works to help your practice be successful by submitting braces to the Pricing, Data Analysis, and Coding (PDAC) center.

PDAC recently reviewed many OPTEC USA’s products with the following decisions: VertaMax – L0627, Stealth PRO – L0631, Stealth Rehab – L0627, Stealth X – L0637, Stealth LSO LP – L0637, Stealth CB – L0637, Stealth Xtreme – L0637, Stealth TLSO with DLK – L0462, Stealth TLSO with ATE – L0464.

Additionally, the Stealth LSO, Oasis LSO and Oasis LSO LP continue to be L0637. Find out more about these and other products by calling us today at 888/982-8181 or by visiting us online at www.optecusa.com.

Do your footdrop patients need knee control but refuse a KAFO? Allard USA has evolved custom KAFO technology to provide you the components to fabricate a KAFO your patients will wear!

A Dynamic functional orthotic solution for the management of genu-recurvatum accompanied with footdrop.

Introducing COMBO…Innovative KO attachment for ToeOFF® or BlueRocker™ • Like all ToeOFF® Family Products, COMBO is lightweight – less than 2 pounds!

• Low Profile • Comfortable hyperextension control interface • Easy to don and doff • Easily removed when wearer is relaxing (watching T.V. etc.)

View fabrication instructions and patient videos on www.allardusa.com

Your O&P Partner

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Marketplace

OPTEC’S CUSTOM BRACES— READY WHEN YOU ARE For nearly 15 years, OPTEC USA has been a leader in custom spinal orthotic manufacturing. We provide the high quality products and services you need from your central fabricator.

With around-the-clock technical support, quality products at a fair price, and availability to take orders anytime, you will find that OPTEC USA fits your needs. Further, you will get your custom brace when your patient needs it and just the way you want it. Try OPTEC USA for your next custom orthosis!

Please come and visit Booth #401 at the National Assembly in Orlando.

FINALLY!

O&P BOARD STUDY FINALLY!! O&P Board Study Resources RESOURCES We can help you PASS your BOARDS

The ONLY Comprehensive Study Guides

We can help you pass your boards.

Specifically for Orthotics and Prosthetics (Many of our products are available in DVD Format also!)

The only comprehensive study JUST ADDED: guides specifically for orthotics and The MASTECTOMY FITTER’s Review and Study Guide prosthetics.

Many of our products are We also have Board Study Value Packages available in DVD format also! Just in Orthotics and Prosthetics added: the Mastectomy Fitter’s Review Our BEST SELLING products to save you money! and Study Guide. We also have board www.oandpstudyguide.com study value packages in orthotics and prosthetics. Our bestselling products save you money!

For more information, visit www. oandpstudyguide.com. Stop by Booth #1418 at the National Assembly in Orlando and check out our products.

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

ÖSSUR INTRODUCES THE NEW FLEX-FOOT® BALANCE™

*Please note: product shown without its accompanying foot cover.

For the optimum balance of light weight and stability, choose the new Flex-Foot Balance by Össur. Designed especially for household or low-impact users, the Balance is the lightest foot in its class. The Balance features an integrated multi-axial ankle, which flexes side-to-side for extra stability, and also comes with a removable, sandal toe foot cover. The Flex-Foot Balance is comfortable and smooth for unilateral users, and provides stability and confidence for bilateral users.

For more information, call 800/2336263 or visit www.ossur.com.

NEW SOLUTION FOR HIP FLEXION CONTRACTURE A new lamination anchor simplifies fitting patients with hip flexion contracture.

Otto Bock’s 4R119 four-prong lamination anchor includes a posterior arm that is angled upward. This angled arm is specifically designed to accommodate a person with a hip flexion contracture.

Because the posterior prong is already positioned to accommodate hip flexion contracture, it takes less bench time to bend the prongs into the proper position. That saves you valuable time in the fitting process. Excessive bending also can degrade the strength of a component, which can lead to failure.

The 4R119’s durable stainless steel accommodates a 330 lb. weight limit.

For more information, call 800/328-4058.

NEW 330 LB WEIGHT LIMIT ON 3R80: MORE OPTIONS FROM THE KNEE YOU TRUST A new 330 lb weight limit gives you more options from Otto Bock’s robust rotary hydraulic knee—the 3R80. The weight limit is new, but you are familiar with this K3/ K4 knee’s dynamic performance. The 3R80’s high flexion resistance through the entire range of motion gives users more controlled stair descent than other hydraulic knees. And the weight-activated stance makes it simpler for users to activate stance to recover from stumbles.

Find out more about the 3R80’s new weight limit by calling your local Sales Representative at 800/328-4058 in the United States or 800/665-3327 in Canada.

AFO...meet MIB. ™

Orthomerica’s new Molded Inner Boot is a popular addition to TC Flex™ custom AFOs. More than a liner, the MIB is preferred for its strength and comfort. Soft and intimately fitting, yet durable and nearly impossible to tear, the MIB is a perfect fit for pediatric applications.

All TC Flex custom AFOs come fully equipped with transfer patterns, felt pads, heel post, tone reducing modifications and toe pads in one base price! Include an MIB with your patient’s AFO and experience the benefits of a Total Contact, Total Control orthosis.

Total Contac t, Total Control

Free MIB Upgrade!

A $50 value.*

Custom Fabrication Hotline

877-737-8444

Visit us at AOPA • Booth 717

orthomerica.com/tcflex ©2010 Orthomerica Products, Inc. All Rights Reserved. *MIB upgrade offer ends 12/31/2010.

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Marketplace

PEL SUPPLY OFFERS DISCOUNT ON NEW ALPHA® SELECT LINERS The new Alpha Select Liner from Ohio Willow Wood combines many frequently requested liner traits into one product. Controlled pistoning is one of the leading liner characteristics desired by wearers of locking liners.

The one-way stretch fabric used in Alpha Select Liners effectively controls pistoning without the use of a traditional rigid distal matrix. It also provides tissue compression without uncomfortable pressure on the limb.

Additionally, the fabric stretches circumferentially, allowing for easy donning of the liner for a variety of limb shapes. And now through November 24, you’ll receive five percent off when you order any Alpha Select Liner from PEL Supply and use Order Code PC-OWWF10.

Remember to use PEL Order Code PC-OWWF10 to receive the 10 percent discount until November 24. Stop at PEL Booth #612 at the National Assembly in Orlando for more information on the new Select Liner and other quality products from Ohio Willow Wood. Call your friendly PEL Customer Service Rep at 800/321-1264, fax 800/222-6176, e-mail customerservice@pelsupply.com or order online at www.pelsupply.com.

10 PERCENT DISCOUNT FROM PEL ON IBEX FOOT SYSTEM™ The new Fillauer Ibex Foot System™ is a leap forward in multi-axial foot design. The innovative micro-slices in the Ibex pylon and the split heel plate provide controlled inversion/eversion for terrain conformance. Its multi-axial design is energy optimized with a long carbon pylon and full length heel plate that allows the Ibex to reach foot flat sooner and to store more energy. Unique components of the Ibex work together from heel strike to toe off to provide stability without sacrificing energy return.

Designed for patients up to 330lbs, the Ibex has a three-year warranty. And through November 24, you’ll receive 10 percent off from PEL Supply when you order the Ibex Foot and use Order Code PC-FILF10.

Remember to use PEL Order Code PC-FILF10 to receive the 10 percent discount until November 24. For more information on the Ibex Foot System and other innovative new products from the Fillauer Companies, stop by Booth #612 at the National Assembly in Orlando. Or call your friendly PEL Customer Service Rep at 800/321-1264, fax 800/222-6176, e-mail customerservice@pelsupply.com or order online at www.pelsupply.com.

PROVEL Provel offers cost-effective, fast, easy-to-use, and reliable O&P automation. The D2 digitizer, C5 carver, and T6 thermoformer are appropriate for small clinics as well as large central fab’s.

AOP file compatible and backed by a two-year warranty, the D2 digitizer allows automated shape capture of prosthetic casts with unmatched

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

accuracy. The C5 carver is not only fast and precise, its self-contained dust collection system is extremely quiet. The T6 thermoformer consistently produces high-quality thermoplastic sockets from industry standard preforms.

For more information, call 509/8572009 or visit www.provel.us.

NEW ANSWER 2 MINI-CATALOG SPS is pleased to announce availability of a new mini-catalog featuring the complete line of Answer 2 shoes for women, men, youth and toddlers. The catalog includes two new styles of the popular Answer 2 shoes in youth sizes.

The adorable Mary Jane for girls has an extra-long Velcro strap that may be trimmed. The handsome lace-tie oxford for boys has an extended, larger throat to facilitate easier entry.

Answer 2 shoes are designed to provide extra support at the ankle, added width at the toe, and extra girth at the ankle. Symmetrical straight last and symmetrical cut lines allow easy sole modifications.

Added depth in Answer 2 shoes is deeper than conventional straight last shoes. All designs accommodate an AFO. Contact SPS Customer Service at 800/767-7776 ext. 3 or your SPS sales manager for copies of the new Answer 2 Mini-Catalog today.

EZ Flex Liner

Practical Magic Hardly just a pretty face,the EZ Flex Liner delivers unequaled function without sacrificing anything.

Unified Flexible Front

The unique fabric on the anterior surface provides unlimited stretch over the patella for greater elasticity while reducing pressure on the knee and the amount of energy required to flex the knee

80% Less Vertical Stretch Posteriorly

As compared to other Alps gel liners, virtually eliminating pistoning while minimizing bunching behind the knee during flexion

Medial view of the knee in flexion demonstrates the greater elasticity of the anterior fabric to extend over the front of the knee. Paring it with the limited vertical stretch posterior fabric reduces the overall effort expended by the amputee to bend the knee and increases comfort.

Alps New EZ Flex Liner (anterior view shown above) is available in 3mm or 6mm Uniform thicknesses. Eight sizes fit circumferences of 16 cm to 44 cm.

NOW IN STOCK: Š 2009 ALPS. All Rights Reserved.

Antioxidants & EZ Gel Protect Skin--

Antioxidants in EZ Gel help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

ALPS EZGel is perfect for those with poor skin characteristics or sensitive tissues.

Budget Friendly-No other liner on the market provides this quality, durability and functionality at this price... absolutely no other!

800.574.5426 www.easyliner.com info@easyliner.com

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Jobs

INCREASE EXPOSURE AND SAVE!

Place your classified ad in the O&P Almanac and online on the O&P Job Board at jobs.AOPAnet.org and save 5 percent on your order. BONUS! Online listings highlighted in yellow in the O&P Almanac.

- Northeast - Mid-Atlantic - Southeast - North Central - Inter-Mountain - Pacific Use our map to find which region you fit into!

CLASSIFIED RATES Classified advertising rates are calculated by counting complete words. (Telephone and fax numbers, e-mail and Web addresses are counted as single words.) AOPA member companies receive the member rate.

Member Non-member Words Rate Rate 50 or fewer words $140 $280 51-75 words $190 $380 76-120 words $260 $520 121 words or more $2.25 per word $5.00 per word Specials: 1/4 page, color

1/2 page, color

$482 $634

$678 $830

Advertisements and payments need to be received approximately one month prior to publication date in order to be printed in the magazine. Ads can be posted and updated at any point on the O&P Job Board online at jobs.AOPAnet.org.

No orders or cancellations are taken by phone.

Ads may be faxed to 571/431-0899 or e-mailed to srybicki@ AOPAnet.org., along with a VISA or MasterCard number, the name on the card and the expiration date. Typed advertisements and checks in U.S. currency made out to AOPA can be mailed to P.O. Box 34711, Alexandria, VA 22334-0711.

Responses to O&P box numbers are forwarded free of charge. Company logos are placed free of charge.

JOB BOARD RATES Visit the only online job board in the industry at jobs.AOPAnet.org!

Member Rate $80

Non-member Rate $140

Save 5 percent on O&P Almanac classified rates by placing your ad in both the O&P Almanac and on the O&P Job Board, online at jobs.AOPAnet.org.

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

Northeast

CPO, CO, Board-Eligible Orthotist or Prosthetist, BOCO or BOCPO, C.Ped

Maine • Are you looking for something more?

• Do you want to be more than a number?

• Do you want a great life and a great job?

• We are a terrific practice looking for some nice people.

Is this you?

We are a well-established, patient-oriented, ABC-accredited facility seeking to strengthen our staff. Competitive salary offered, with bonuses commensurate with productivity, and renumeration for required educational credits. Offices located in picturesque Maine, just a short distance from our coast and mountain regions. Learn more about joining our team of dedicated specialists by contacting:

O&P Ad 25356 O&P Almanac 330 John Carlyle St., Ste. 200 Alexandria, VA 22314 Fax: 571/431-0899

Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist Boston Immediate career opportunity in Boston as O&P practitioner. Individual would be expected to have knowledge of lower extremity prostheses, as well as orthotics. Professional demeanor and appearance, attentiveness to detail, pride in work, all a must. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and holidays, disability. Forward qualifications to:

United Prosthetics 295 Columbia Rd. Boston, MA 02121 Email: chris@unitedprosthetics.com www.unitedprosthetics.com

CO/CPO

Northeast

CO Albany, New York Well-established, innovative patient-oriented facility celebrating our 90th year in private practice seeking an experienced orthotist. Supported by a skilled, talented technical and office staff, we offer the right person a competitive salary, health benefits, CEUs, matching IRA contributions, and more. Located in the Albany/Capital Region of upstate New York. Send your resume and call to discuss your opportunity to join us. All inquiries kept strictly confidential.

Timothy Lacy, CP La Torre Orthopedic Laboratory 960 Troy-Schenectady Road Latham, NY 12110 518/786-8655 E-mail: latorrelab@aol.com

Vermont Yankee Medical is looking for a CO or CPO who wants to participate in Vermont’s way of life. Vermont is a small state with a small population and all the benefits of more populous areas such as theater, orchestra, and the rest of the arts, but without traffic jams and high crime rates. Also, if you are someone who wants access to skiing, hiking, hunting, snowmobiling, sailing, diving, and all of the other activities that make us a year-round destination, then Yankee Medical is the place you want to be. Contact:

John Ficociello, CPO Yankee Medical Phone: 800/649-4591 E-mail: jnf@yankeemedical.com

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

Why do I work for Hanger?

“

Hanger offers amazing resources for growing my skills. I have access to a vast network of more than 1,000 fellow practitioners across the country that I can call on—and I can learn far more from their real-life experience than I ever could from a textbook.

Hollywood, FL Cincinnati, OH

Plus, I can take advantage of continuing education opportunities and extensive technological resources by being part of the largest prosthetic and orthotic company in the nation. I plan to have a long career with Hanger.

”

Charlye Tran, CPO, Practice Manager

Contact, in confidence: Sharon King, Director, Recruitment Tel: 512-777-3814 FAX: 512-777-3772 sking@hanger.com Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. 10910 Domain Drive, Suite 300 Austin, TX 78758

For more information visit www.hanger.com/careers Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment to all qualified individuals. All conditions of employment are administered without discrimination due to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship, or any

Birmingham, AL Phoenix, AZ Denver, CO Iowa City, IA Chicago, IL No. Riverside, IL Springfield, IL Evansville, IN

Orthotist

Michigan City, IN Methuen, MA Topeka, KS Paducah, KY Philadelphia Area, PA Milwaukee, WI Morgantown, WV Wheeling WV

Orthotist/Prosthetist

Springfield, IL Hattiesburg, MS Jackson, MS Meridian, MS

Prosthetist

Cleveland, OH Westlake, OH Enid, OK

Prosthetist/Orthotist

Merced, CA Salinas, CA Denver, CO Miami, FL Atlanta, GA Louisville, KY Akron, OH West Monroe, LA Baltimore, MD Lansing, MI Stratford, CT Waterville, ME Florissant, MO

Farmingdale, NJ Murfreesboro, TN Austin, TX San Antonio, TX Pittsburgh, PA Bremerton, WA Lakewood, WA Olympia, WA Port Angeles, WA

Certified Pedorthist

Tacoma, WA Wheeling, WV

other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Residency Program or Certificate Primary Education Program Info, contact: Robert S. Lin, CPO/Dir. of Academic Programs. Hanger P&O/ Newington O&P Systems, Ph. 860.667.5304; Fax 860.667.1719

OCTOBER 2010 O&P ALMANAC

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Jobs Southeast

Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (licensed or eligible) Atlanta, Georgia More than just home of the Big Chicken, Marietta is close enough to enjoy the city of Atlanta but far enough away to give you the best of both cities! The area has it all: professional sports; Centennial Olympic Park; Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Opera, Ballet; the Fox Theatre; the Tabernacle; the High Museum of Art; the world’s largest indoor aquarium; the World of Coca Cola and much, much more!

We have an opening for a well-rounded prosthetist/ orthotist who possesses great organizational and communication skills, along with excellent patient-care experience.

We offer a very attractive salary and benefit package, which includes relocation assistance and a sign-on bonus potential.

Ready to make a change? Join the Hanger Team! If interested, please contact, in confidence:

Sharon King Director, Recruitment Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. Phone: 512/777-3814 Fax: 512/777-3772 E-mail: Sking@hanger.com www.hanger.com/careers

Director of Clinical & Technical Services Alpharetta, Georgia Immediate opening for CP or CPO with minimum six years clinical experience to serve as technical liaison with customers and suppliers. Ideal candidate will have been a technician for period of three to five years before furthering education as CP or CPO. Position provides education to SPS customers, customer service, sales team, purchasing, and operations.

Position serves as primary contact point for clinical questions regarding product use/applications for all products SPS distributes. Responsibilities include development/presentation of educational programs on product technologies, materials, application, contra-indications, product evaluations, and sales/marketing support. Position works intimately with sales force to support customer needs for in-service, hands-on product demonstrations, and patient fittings.

Ideal candidate will be very well-organized multi-tasker who is enthusiastic and a highly motivated individual with a positive attitude. Must be strong team player. Hands-on fabrication experience in O&P field is highly desired.

Position requires 65 to 70 percent travel and is located at SPS headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia. Please send resume and references to:

Vickie Quinn Southern Prosthetic Supply P.O. Box 406 Alpharetta, GA 30009 Phone: 678/455-8888 ext. 183 Fax: 678/455-8880

CPO Birmingham, Alabama We have an immediate opening for a certified orthotist/prosthetist to join our well-established practice in Birmingham, Alabama. The ideal candidate must have or be eligible for Alabama State licensure. The ideal candidate also should possess at least three years of broad experience in orthotics/prosthetics. Fabrication skills are desired. We offer a competitive salary based on experience, and benefits including health insurance, vacation, personal time, and 401(k). Forward your resume, in confidence, to:

Eric S. Eisenberg, MS, CPO BioTech Limb & Brace, LLC 2421 4th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 Phone: 205/324-7897 Fax: 205/324-7899 E-mail: eseisenberg@msn.com

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

Bulow BioTech Prosthetics, www.bulowbiotech.com is seeking energetic, caring, and talented certified prosthetists to open clinics in several states. The certified prosthetist will be free to focus on patient care and given all the tools needed for success. We are unique in that we specialize in prosthetic patient care services only, allowing us to provide customized, one-on-one care for each of our patients. This is an amazing opportunity for very select individuals who want to take their career to the next level. A minimum of 4 years experience as a certified prosthetist and a passion for prosthetic patient care excellence is required. Position includes excellent benefits and salary with monthly profit participation.

Qualified and interested individuals please e-mail resume to: chris.casey@bulowbiotech.com

“Proven O & P Billing You Can Trust” Easy to Implement Turnkey Billing Services Make Your Practice More Enjoyable

“Are you over whelmed with billing?”

“Do you need someone you can trust?” ” Want the help of 30+ years of experience?”

“Need a billing company that is on top of it’s game?”

CPO Services can help you with all your O & P Billing needs, but don’t take our word for it see what our customers have to say “Don’t let another billing company put you out of business”

“If I were to start another practice I would 150% use John”

“I could not do all the billing myself, so we decided to hire a local firm to bill for us. They almost put us under. Then we found John and his team at CPO Services and now we don’t have to worry. I love John and Annette, they are part of our staff. Turn around is 2 to 4 weeks now, I seldom have to call them and when I do, they are prompt and efficient. They have all the reports I need and they know my schedule. ...Roxanne, Prosthetic Development & Research

“I was a new startup and did not have the expertise to properly bill. I know cash flow is critical so I needed a billing company that could help me get all my paper work in order and get money coming in the door”.

“John is a great person to work with, his staff is wonderful and extremely helpful with getting my new practice up and running.

“John’s eye for process and never ending persuit of improvments have put together the “Process Billing” system that uses today’s computer and telecommunications technology. O & P Practices can now outsource their billing and increasee their HIPPA compliance with just a few easy faxes”.

...Steven Chu, CPO Valley Prosthetics

...Martin J. Matties, President JME Inc IT Informatin Engineering

Why Choose Us? “Our Unique Billing Process” • fits both large and small • eliminates claim delays • guarantees quick claim turnaround • prevents missed items • guarantees maximum collection on claim • uses computer systems allowing a team of experts to process each claim

866-925-0674 Call today and find out how our “Billing Process” guarantees you will collect the maximum for your claims in the shortest possible time.

“John Uses’s todays computer and telecomminucations technology to your advantage”

Our customers have seen these results, You can too!

• 10% to 30% Increase in collections • 50% increase in office productivity • 90% less hours managing claims •100% of your billing needs handled • 30 + years guidance in O & P Industry

“Having an eye toward process improvments and 30 plus years of O & P and billing agency expirence has taught me how to get results that save you money and hours of unessary work.

Call me directly, toll free (866) 925-0674, so I can show you how easy it is to have us do your billing today.”. ...John Dolza, President CPO Services We make it easy for you to transition your billing to us with complete Satisfaction.

Stop chasing claims call today

Complete Professional Office Services p. (810) 629-6424 - f. (810) 629-6463

www.oandpoffice.com

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Jobs Southeast

North Central

Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist

Certified Prosthetist

Louisville, Kentucky What are you waiting for? Derby City! Triple Crown!

Bardstown Road corridor! Frankfort Avenue! Ohio River! $88 million rehabilitation center! One-third of all bourbon comes from Louisville! Bluegrass Balloon Festival! Toonerville II Trolleys! What a great combination! This position is accompanied by top compensation and benefits, relocation assistance, paid certification dues, education, sign-on bonus and much more! If you possess good clinical and interpersonal skills, let’s talk! Send resume, in confidence, to:

Minneapolis/St. Paul area Family owned prosthetics and orthotics company in Minneapolis area looking for a certified prosthetist with five or more years of experience. A self-starting individual comfortable working with hospital referral sources, with upper extremity experience would be an ideal candidate for this position. We offer a competitive salary and incentive program, professional education, health care benefits and an employer matched 401(k). We are looking for an individual willing to make a long-term commitment with room for professional growth.

Sharon King Director, Recruitment Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. Phone: 512/777-3814 Fax: 512/777-3772 E-mail: Sking@hanger.com www.hanger.com/careers

Mid-Atlantic

CO, CPO, BOCO, or BOCPO Pittsburgh (Area) Immediate opening for a hardworking, motivated practitioner with strong clinical skills in a well-established, accredited practice with multiple locations in the Southwestern Pennsylvania area. We offer a generous compensation package, paid continuing education, and recertification fees. We have well-equipped, modern facilities located in a region renowned for its rich history, recreational and cultural activities, great schools, and low cost of living.

Submit resume in confidence to:

Michael P. Serenari, CO Enduracare Orthotic & Prosthetic Services, LLC Fax: 724/941-8831 E-mail: michaelserenari@gmail.com

Winkley Orthotics and Prosthetics 740 Douglas Dr. N Golden Valley MN 55422 Cate Braun, CP, MN Manager E-mail: cbraun@winkley.com www.winkley.com 763/847-9508 Fax

Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist Troy, Michigan Orthotist/prosthetist wanted in Troy, Michigan. BOC or ABC certification in orthotics and prosthetics required. Mail resumes to:

MedSupply Corporation, Inc. 33333 Dequindre, Ste. A Troy, MI 48083

CPO/CP Illinois Well-established, independently owned, ABC-accredited O&P facility has opening for an ABC-certified CPO or CP. We are inviting a mature, motivated individual with good communication skills and a commitment to providing the highest quality of patient care, to join our down-state Illinois practice. Competitive salary, health insurance, paid time out, and Simple IRA Plan are part of the benefits of a challenging, rewarding, and appreciated position. Send resume to:

E-mail: dj@petersorthopedics.com

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

Your opportunity to experience the latest high-tech, lightweight innovations, with out-of-the-box, go anywhere performance.

individualized solutions. thousands of possibilities.

Visit us at AOPA for your chance to win* a free SoleusŽ foot or an Apple iPad™ *Full list of terms and conditions available at the College Park booth.

Apple and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

800.728.7950

I

www.college-park.com

Don’t want to wait?

Now you don’t have to...

ABC is offering more dates for the certification exams in 2011.

Now with a total of four exam cycles each year, you’ll have even more opportunities to become ABC certified!

MORE EXAMS, GREATER ACCESS, AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES.

ABC’s 2011 certification exams for orthotists, prosthetists, pedorthists, orthotic, mastectomy and therapeutic shoe fitters are: >> FEBRUARY 14-19 >> MAY 9-14 >> AUGUST 8-13 >> NOVEMBER 14-19

The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. 330 John Carlyle St., Suite 210 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-836-7114

www.abcop.org

Contact us today at 703-836-7114 to learn how you can become ABC certified. Download the Scope of Practice and an application at www.abcop.org.

n

Jobs Inter-Mountain

Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist West Monroe, Louisiana We are searching for an individual who desires the security of working for the oldest patient care company in the world!

If you have excellent clinical, organizational, and communication skills, we would love to speak with you. Management experience a plus! This position is accompanied by top compensation and benefits, relocation assistance, paid certification dues, state-of-the-art education and much, much more! Contact, in confidence:

Sharon King Director, Recruitment Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. Phone: 512/777-3814 Fax: 512/777-3772 E-mail: Sking@hanger.com www.hanger.com/careers

OP Almanac &

ONLINE

Pacific

Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist or Certified Orthotist California Do you want to work for an established, growing company in an environment that values clinical excellence, and work/life balance? Do you want to live in one of the most desired and diverse areas in the country, beautiful Southern California?

SCOPe has a career opportunity for you. We are a leading orthotics and prosthetics company looking for an energetic and motivated CO and/or CPO to provide comprehensive assessment, treatment, and follow-up for our patients.

SCOPe offers competitive salaries as well as an excellent benefits package for full-time employees. Salary is commensurate with experience. All communications will be held in the strictest confidence. Interested parties can send resumes via e-mail to:

E-mail: jobs@scop.net Fax: 858/292-5496 www.scop.net

FOR ForSALE Sale Used O&P Carving Equipment

Reading the O&P Almanac has never been easier!

•

•

Access advertiser Web sites by simply clicking on the hotlinks Access content with the click of a mouse or the touch of a smart phone

•

Easily e-mail your favorite articles to colleagues

•

Save articles as PDFs!

AVAILABLE

NOW!

Go to www.AOPAnet.org, click on ‘O&P Almanac Online’ today!

For more information, contact Steven Rybicki at 571/431-0835 or srybicki@AOPAnet.org.

Seattle Systems SM 2000 CV

PDI Pros Series 110-60

Very fast even at high resolution

A little easier to use and clean

Both systems are well suited for BKs, AKs, Spinals and Knees. * Also: Provel D1 digitizers, Seattle thermoformer * Trial runs, spare parts and support available.

Chapman Associates (414) 570-9700

For advertising information, contact Dean Mather at 856/768-9360 or dmather@mrvica.com.

OCTOBER 2010 O&P ALMANAC

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Calendar

2010 OCTOBER 5-6 Allard USA: T.O.T.E. (Tomorrow’s Orthotic Technology Education).

St. Louis. Sheraton St. Louis City Center Hotel & Suites. Three courses: New Perspectives in the Comprehensive Management in Gait Disorders; Tri-planar Biomechanics in Pediatric Function; Custom Fabrication TLSO/LSO & KAFO and New Approaches for Partial Foot Prostheses. Approved for 18.25 CEUs. Contact 888/6786548; e-mail: info@allardusa.com.

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PROMOTE EVENTS IN THE O&P ALMANAC

CALENDAR RATES Telephone and fax numbers, e-mail addresses and Web sites are counted as single words. Refer to www.AOPAnet.org for content deadlines.

Words

Member Non-member Rate Rate

25 or less 26-50 51+

$40 $50 $2.25 per word

$50 $60 $3.00 per word

Color Ad Special: 1/4 page Ad $482 1/2 page Ad $634

$678 $830

BONUS! Listings will be placed free of charge on the Attend O&P Events section of www.AOPAnet.org.

Send announcement and payment to: O&P Almanac, Calendar, P.O. Box 34711, Alexandria, VA 22334-0711, fax 571/431-0899, or e-mail srybicki@AOPAnet.org along with VISA or MasterCard number, the name on the card, and expiration date. Make checks payable in U.S. currency to AOPA. For information on continuing education credits, contact the sponsor.

Questions?

E-mail srybicki@AOPAnet.org.

74

O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

OCTOBER 6 Ultraflex: Pediatric Spasticity Continuing Education Course, via WebEx, 8:00 – 9:00 am ET. Covers clinical assessment of the pediatric neuromuscular patient with spasticity and using R1 and R2 for determining orthotic design for maintaining and improving muscle length. Presenter: Keith Smith, CO, LO, FAAOP. Call 800/220-6670 or register at www.ultraflexsystems.com.

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OCTOBER 13 AOPA Audio Conference: “You’re Going To Pay Me WHAT? Hints on Managed Care Contracting.”

To register, contact Ann Davis at 571/431-0876 or adavis@ AOPAnet.org.

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OCTOBER 13 Ultraflex: Pediatric UltraSafeGait™ Continuing Education Course, via WebEx, 5:00 – 6:00 pm ET. Covers assessment of pediatric pathological gait and influencing shank kinematics with the new Adjustable Dynamic Response™ (ADR™) technology. Presenter: Keith Smith, CO, LO, FAAOP. Call 800/220-6670 or register at www.ultraflexsystems.com.

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OCTOBER 13-15 AAOP New England Chapter Annual Meeting. Hyannis, MA. The Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis. For more information, visit www.oandp. org/membership/chapters.

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OCTOBER 14 Ohio Willow Wood: LimbLogic VS® Applications Practitioner Course. Mt. Sterling, OH. Course covers various clinical aspects of LimbLogic VS applications: static and dynamic socket fitting, vacuum pump configurations, fob operation, system evaluation, liner options, alignment, and troubleshooting. Credits: 7.25 ABC/7.0 BOC. Registration deadline: 9/23/2010. Contact: 877/665-5443.

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OCTOBER 14-15: AOPA Mastering Medicare: Advance Coding and Billing Seminar. Las Vegas. Mandalay Bay Resort. To register contact Ann Davis at 571/431-0876 or adavis@AOPAnet.org.

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OCTOBER 15-16 AAOP, Academy One-Day Seminars. Chicago. Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Oct. 15, 2010—Stance Control Knee Orthosis: Clinical Application, Evidence and Reimbursement.

Oct. 16, 2010—Orthotic and Prosthetic Management of High Activity Users. Contact Laurie Chilek at 202/380-3663, ext. 206 or lchilek@oandp.org.

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OCTOBER 19 Ohio Willow Wood: Discover LimbLogic® VS via WebEx, 1:30 pm ET. Critical components and operation discussed. Covers interpreting feedback from fob and basic fabrication processes for system. Credits: 2.5 ABC/2.0 BOC. To register online, visit www.owwco.com/webinar.php.

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OCTOBER 19-20 Allard USA: T.O.T.E. (Tomorrow’s Orthotic Technology Education).

Orlando. Three courses: New Perspectives in the Comprehensive Management in Gait Disorders; Tri-planar Biomechanics in Pediatric Function; Custom Fabrication TLSO/LSO & KAFO and New Approaches for Partial Foot Prostheses. Approved for 18.25 CEUs. Contact 888/6786548; e-mail: info@allardusa.com.

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OCTOBER 20 Ohio Willow Wood: Clinical Tricks & Techniques with LimbLogic® VS via WebEx, 1:30 pm ET. Discusses clinical treatment plans, fabrication processes, diagnostic process, patient education methods.

Credits: 2.5 ABC/2.0 BOC. To register online, visit www. owwco.com/webinar.php.

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OCTOBER 21 Ultraflex: Adult UltraSafeStep™ Continuing Education Course, via WebEx, Noon – 1:00 pm ET. Focuses on normalizing adult pathological gait with the utilization of Adjustable Dynamic Response™ (ADR™) knee and ankle technology.

Call 800/220-6670 or register at www.ultraflexsystems.com.

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OCTOBER 22 Ohio Orthotics and Prosthetics Association Annual Fall Meeting. Dublin, OH. Embassy Suites. Contact Dianne Farabi 614/659-0197 or dfarabi@columbus.rr.com.

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OCTOBER 23 Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) Annual Fall Scientific Meeting.

Dublin, OH. Embassy Suites.

Contact Richard W. Butchko 614/659-0197 or butchko1@ columbus.rr.com. See Web site at www.ohiochapteraaop.com.

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OCTOBER 26 Ultraflex: Complex Orthopedic Rehabilitation Continuing Education Course, via WebEx, Noon – 1:00 pm ET. Focuses on Ultraflex combination dynamic and static stretching orthosis for addressing complex orthopedic rehabilitation goals and restoring range and function.

Call 800/220-6670 or register at www.ultraflexsystems.com.

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OCTOBER 26-27 Allard USA: T.O.T.E. (Tomorrow’s Orthotic Technology Education).

Emeryville, CA. Four Points

By Sheraton. Three courses: New Perspectives in the Comprehensive Management in Gait Disorders; Tri-planar Biomechanics in Pediatric Function; Custom Fabrication TLSO/LSO & KAFO and New Approaches for Partial Foot Prostheses. Approved for 18.25 CEUs. Contact 888/6786548; e-mail: info@allardusa.com.

NOVEMBER 3 Ultraflex: Pediatric Spasticity Continuing Education Course, via WebEx, 8:00 – 9:00 am ET. Covers clinical assessment of the pediatric neuromuscular patient with spasticity and using R1 and R2 for determining orthotic design for maintaining and improving muscle length.

Presenter: Keith Smith, CO, LO, FAAOP. Call 800/2206670 or register at www. ultraflexsystems.com.

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OCTOBER 28 OPGA: Bioness Training Course. Boston. One-day course covers NESS L300 system evaluation, handson training and functional electrical stimulation concepts. Instructed by John Michael, MEd, CPO/L. The NESS L300 is a user-friendly neuroprosthetic designed to improve gait for individuals experiencing foot drop.

6.75 MCEs from ABC. Call 800/214-6742 or register at www.opga.com.

NOVEMBER 4 Ohio Willow Wood: LimbLogic VS® Applications Practitioner Course. Mt. Sterling, OH. Course covers various clinical aspects of LimbLogic VS applications: static and dynamic socket fitting, vacuum pump configurations, fob operation, system evaluation, liner options, alignment, and troubleshooting. Credits: 7.25 ABC/7.0 BOC. Registration deadline: 10/14/2010. Contact 877/665-5443.

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

NOVEMBER 4-6 The North Carolina Chapter AAOP Annual Meeting.

Charlotte, NC. Ballantyne Resort. For more information, visit www.oandp.org/ membership/chapters.

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NOVEMBER 5-6 Ohio Willow Wood: LimbLogic® VS Applications Technicians Course. Mt. Sterling, OH. Learn all aspects of fabricating LimbLogic VS for various applications: socket materials, controller configurations and care, fob operation, troubleshooting.

Fabricate sockets following recommended techniques for airtight socket designs.

Credits: 12.25 ABC/12.0 BOC. Registration deadline: 10/14/2010. Contact 877/6655443.

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NOVEMBER 8-12 Applied Technology Institute (ATi) Orthotic Fitter School.

Dallas. Crowne Plaza.

Independent comprehensive course to prepare for certification exam. Approved entry-level school by NCOPE (ABC), BOC; for continuing education by BOC and NATA. Contact Lois Meier at 888/2656077, e-mail lois@kasseledu.com or visit www.kasseledu.com.

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NOVEMBER 10 AOPA Audio Conference: “The Ins and Outs of Billing in a Part A Setting: Hospital, SNF, and Hospice.” To register contact Ann Davis at 571/431-0876 or adavis@ AOPAnet.org.

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NOVEMBER 10 Ultraflex: Pediatric UltraSafeGait™ Continuing Education Course, via WebEx, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm ET. Covers assessment of pediatric pathological gait and influencing shank kinematics with the new Adjustable Dynamic Response™ (ADR™) technology. Presenter: Keith Smith, CO, LO, FAAOP. Call 800/220-6670 or register at www.ultraflexsystems.com.

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NOVEMBER 10-12 The New Jersey Chapter AAOP Annual Meeting.

Atlantic City. Bally’s Hotel & Casino. For more information, visit www.oandp.org/ membership/chapters.

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NOVEMBER 16-17 Allard USA: T.O.T.E. (Tomorrow’s Orthotic Technology Education).

Chicago. Three courses: New Perspectives in the Comprehensive Management in Gait Disorders; Tri-planar Biomechanics in Pediatric Function; Custom Fabrication TLSO/LSO & KAFO and New Approaches for Partial Foot Prostheses. Approved for 18.25 CEUs. Contact 888/6786548; e-mail: info@allardusa.com.

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DECEMBER 2 Ohio Willow Wood: LimbLogic VS® Applications Practitioner Course.

Mt. Sterling, OH. Course covers various clinical aspects of LimbLogic VS applications: static and dynamic socket fitting, vacuum pump configurations, fob operation, system evaluation, liner options, alignment, and troubleshooting. Credits: 7.25 ABC/7.0 BOC. Registration deadline: 11/11/2010. Contact 877/665-5443.

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DECEMBER 2-3 Allard USA: T.O.T.E. (Tomorrow’s Orthotic Technology Education).

Parsippany, NJ. Three courses: New Perspectives in the Comprehensive Management in Gait Disorders; Tri-planar Biomechanics in Pediatric Function; Custom Fabrication TLSO/LSO & KAFO and New Approaches for Partial Foot Prostheses. Approved for 18.25 CEUs. Contact 888/6786548; e-mail: info@allardusa.com.

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Calendar

DECEMBER 3-4 Ohio Willow Wood: LimbLogic® VS Applications Technicians Course. Mt. Sterling, OH. Learn all aspects of fabricating LimbLogic VS for various applications: socket materials, controller configurations and care, fob operation, troubleshooting.

Fabricate sockets following recommended techniques for airtight socket designs.

Credits: 12.25 ABC/12.0 BOC. Registration deadline: 11/11/2010. Contact 877/6655443.

2011

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DECEMBER 8 AOPA Audio Conference: ”New Codes and Medical Policies for 2011.” To register contact Ann Davis at 571/4310876 or adavis@AOPAnet.org.

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DECEMBER 9 OPGA: Bioness Training Course. Pinellas Park, FL. One-day course covers NESS L300 system evaluation, hands-on training and functional electrical stimulation concepts.

Instructed by John Michael, MEd, CPO/L. The NESS L300 is a user-friendly neuroprosthetic designed to improve gait for individuals experiencing foot drop.

6.75 MCEs from ABC. Call 800/214-6742 or register at www.opga.com.

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DECEMBER 9-11 Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago: Pediatric Gait Analysis and Orthotic Management. Chicago.

Featuring Elaine Owen. 21.25 ABC Credits. Contact Melissa Kolski at 312/238-7731 or visit www.ric.org/education.

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O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

FEBRUARY 17-19 PrimeFare West Regional Scientific Symposium 2011.

Salt Lake City. Salt Palace Convention Center. Contact Jane Edwards at 888/388-5243.

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SEPTEMBER 19-22 AOPA National Assembly.

Las Vegas. Mirage Hotel. Exhibitors and sponsorship opportunities, contact Kelly O’Neill, 571/431-0852, or koneill@ AOPAnet.org.

2012

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MARCH 16-19 37th Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium. Orlando. Caribe Royale Orlando. Contact Diane Ragusa at 202/380-3663, ext. 208 or dragusa@oandp.org.

MARCH 21-24 38th Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium. Atlanta. Hilton Atlanta. Contact Diane Ragusa at 202/380-3663, ext. 208 or dragusa@oandp.org.

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FEBRUARY 20-23 39th Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium. Orlando. Caribe Royale Orlando. Contact Diane Ragusa at 202/380-3663, ext. 208 or dragusa@oandp.org. a ■■

MARCH 28-APRIL 2 Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics 2011 Annual Meeting.

Park City, UT. The Canyons.

For more information, call 847/698-1637, e-mail acpoc@ aaos.org, or visit www.acpoc. org.

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APRIL 15 Ohio Orthotics and Prosthetics Association Annual Spring Meeting.

Columbus, OH. Hilton Columbus. Contact Dianne Farabi at 614/659-0197 or dfarabi@columbus.rr.com.

2013

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APRIL 15-16 Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) Annual Spring Technical Meeting.

Columbus, OH. Hilton Columbus. Exhibits included.

Contact Richard W. Butchko at 614/659-0197 or butchko1@ columbus.rr.com. See Web site at www.ohiochapteraaop.com.

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JUNE 3-4 PrimeFare East Regional Scientific Symposium 2011.

Nashville, TN. Nashville Convention Center. Contact Jane Edwards at 888/388-5243.

■■

th e

e z ” i r p “ is Right 10,000

$

Cash Give away Rosen shingle CReek ResoRt, oRlAnDo, Fl

aOPa National assembly exhibit hall

saturday, OCtOber 2, 2010 11:30 aM • booth #413 The AOPA Assembly is the place to be for fun, excitement and the chance to win $10,000 cash. During exhibit hall hours, stop by booth #413 to enter for a chance to win.

The game show excitement and cash give away will be awarded on Saturday, October 2 at 11:30 AM. Support the future of orthotics, prosthetics and pedorthics by participating!

SponSored by ArizonA AFo, brAnier orthopedic ShoeS and AopA

Ad Index

n

For free product information from these advertisers, enter the advertiser name online at www.opalmanac.org/shop.

Company

Page

Phone

Web site or E-mail

Advanced O&P Solutions

15

866/914-AOPS

www.aopsolutions.com

Affinity Insurance Services, Inc.

36

800/544-2672

www.aopa-insurance.com

Allard USA Inc.

35, 61

888/678-6548

www.allardusa.com

ALPS

41, 65

800/574-5426

www.easyliner.com

American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics

72

703/836-7114

www.abcop.org

Anatomical Concepts Inc.

29

800/837-3888

www.prafo.com

Apis Footwear

38, 39

888/937-2747

www.bigwideshoes.com

Arizona AFO

47

877/780-8382

www.arizonaafo.com

Becker Orthopedic

79

800/521-2192

www.beckerorthopedic.com

BOC International

51

877/776-2200

www.bocinternational.org

The Bremer Group

9

800/428-2304

www.bremergroup.com

College Park Industries Inc.

45, 71

800/728-7950

www.college-park.com

Complete Professional Services

69

810/629-6424

www.oandpoffice.com

Cybertech

37

800/220-4224

www.cybertechmedical.com

Daw Industries

1

800/252-2828

www.daw-usa.com

Dr. Comfort

5, C3

800/556-5572

www.drcomfortdpm.com

Euro International

13

800/378-2480

www.eurointl.com

Fillauer Companies Inc.

43, 75

800/251-6398

www.fillauercompanies.com

KISS Technologies LLC

55, 77

410/663-5477

www.kiss-suspension.com

KNIT-RITE

53

800/821-3094

www.knitrite.com

Med Spec

23

800/582-4040

www.medspec.com

Ohio Willow Wood

2

800/848-4930

www.owwco.com

OPGA (oandpdirect.com)

27

800/214-6742

www.oandpdirect.com

OPTEC

6, 7, 56, 57 888/982-8181

www.optecusa.com

Orthomerica Products

31, 63

800/446-6770

www.orthomerica.com

Ossur® Americas Inc.

C4, 19

800/233-6263

www.ossur.com

Otto Bock HealthCare

C2

800/328-4058

www.ottobockus.com

PEL Supply Company

49

800/321-1264

www.pelsupply.com

Spinal Technology Inc.

11

800/253-7868

www.spinaltech.com

SPS

21

800/767-7776 Ext. 3

www.spsco.com

OP Almanac Online &

Reading the O&P Almanac has never been easier!

• • • •

Access advertiser Web sites by simply clicking on the hotlinks Access content with the click of a mouse or the touch of a smart phone Easily e-mail your favorite articles to colleagues Save articles as PDFs!

Go to www.AOPAnet.org, click on ‘O&P Almanac Online’ today!

For more information, contact Steven Rybicki at 571/431-0835 or srybicki@AOPAnet.org.

For advertising information, contact Dean Mather at 856/768-9360 or dmather@mrvica.com.

80

O&P ALMANAC OCTOBER 2010

AVAILABLE

NOW!

and even more comfort for your patients.

CALL 1-800-992-3580 OR VISIT www.drcomfort.com ®

“my old knee controlled me. with my new rheo knee, i'm in control!” ®

Only the RHEO KNEE uses Artificial Intelligence to continuously adapt to the user's walking style and environment. The RHEO KNEE recognizes and responds immediately to changes in speed, load and terrain, restoring the user's ability to walk naturally, comfortably and confidently at any speed.

The new RHEO KNEE now features a 275 pound weight capability, as well as reduced resistance for faster swing speed and improved user confidence.

try the new rheo knee today and enable your patients to walk their way.

Dave Leeka, 60, Vietnam Veteran and Retired University Administrator

ViSit ÖSSUr At AoPA Booth #801 to leArn more. ©2010 Ossur. All rights reserved. Össur and RHEO KNEE are registered trademarks of Össur.