June 2005

In an effort to aid in the evolution of Orthotics and Prothestics within the healthcare industry, Ability sent intern T. Clayton Barrow to attend the 2005 O&P Policy Forum organized by the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA). The 3-day forum, held on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, allowed for over 120 representatives of the O&P field to speak openly about their concerns with government policy-makers.

The four-key issues addressed were:

• Defense of a full Medicare O&P schedule payment update in 2007
• Implementation of "Qualified Provider" regulations, to ensure that O&P devices are provided to patients only by individuals and facilities that are qualified.
• Opposition of direct access to O&P services through physical therapists, again so that proper O&P care is given to patients by appropriately-qualified providers.
• Review of Orthotic care in skilled nursing facilities, so that orthotic devices can be provided in an appropriate time period and manner.

"The Policy Forum was a definite success," Mr. Barrow reported as he reflected upon how well received the concerns of O&P professionals were by congressional leaders and their appointed staff members, "I think we can expect to see policy changes that will benefit both providers of and recipients of O&P services."

"Because Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc. is committed to providing high quality, efficient orthotic and prosthetic care," states Jeffrey Brandt, CPO and CEO, "We will continue efforts to ensure that our concerns and those of our patients are heard both at the local level and in Washington."