NEW ORLEANS — The O&P profession is relatively small in terms of political leverage; this means communicating with legislators and presenting a strong, unified message is imperative, according to Peter D. Rosenstein, executive director of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.
Peter D. Rosenstein
Rosenstein, along with Bruce “Mac” McClellan, CPO, LPO, FISPO, FAAOP, shared thoughts on the current political climate for health care during a session at the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium, here.
“It is an intriguing time in your practices and in health care in general,” Rosenstein told practitioners. In the face of changing regulations, reimbursement issues and audits, the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) joined forces with the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC), the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA), the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) and the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP) to form the O&P Alliance about 10 years ago.
“The idea of putting that together was that we [would] speak with one voice on these issues,” he said. “We are a small field, and that makes us effective.”
Rosenstein noted that the AAOP regularly sends legislative alerts via email that provide opportunities for O&P professionals to get involved. The AAOP offers draft emails to send to representatives in Congress on O&P-related issues and even helps participants find their own representatives.
People who are working in the O&P profession are also important contributors to the voice of O&P, and Rosenstein urged practitioners to get to know their state and national legislators them by visiting their local offices. Bringing a patient along who can advocate for the importance of O&P care increases the impact.
“You all have a responsibility to meet with them at home,” he said, adding that practitioners also can invite legislators to visit their O&P offices, which is a great publicity move for the legislator.
“It gets them in the door so that you can explain the issues that you care about,” he said. “It is worth it if you are trying to build up your practice.” — by Amanda Alexander
Reference:
Rosenstein P, et al. Future political climate for health care. Presented at: American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium; Feb. 18-21, 2015; New Orleans.
Disclosures: Rosenstein and McClellan report no relevant financial disclosures.
