BOSTON — The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association National Assembly began, here, with opening remarks from James Campbell, PhD, CO, FAAOP, president of the organization. He emphasized the importance of being involved in O&P research and advocating for funding, as private and government payers could impose regulations that impact patient care.
“[We] have a responsibility to make available the tools required to provide quality care, where each [practice] can receive an appropriate level of reimbursement,” Campbell said.
One of those tools is Prosthetics 2020. According to Campbell, the initiative seeks to demonstrate the importance of data-driven treatment options and outcomes. The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) has received approval to update research conducted by Dobson-DaVanzo to validate the efficacy of O&P intervention.
Joseph Robert “Bob” Kerrey, a former U.S. Senator from Nebraska, also spoke during the opening session and urged O&P professionals to advocate evidence to their local members of Congress.
“When you have an opportunity to go face-to-face with your senators [or] house representatives, take it,” he said. “[If O&P providers’ data are recognized as a part of physician notes], it will save money, reduce fraud [and] it will be easier for patients to get the appropriate technology and the care they need.”
The award-winning Thranhardt lectures also took place during the session. Omar Selod, DO, and Gordon Stevens, CPO, LPO, presented on increasing functional independence through prosthetic rehabilitation. Kenton Kaufman, PhD, PE, presented on functional assessment and satisfaction in K2-level transfemoral amputees receiving microprocessor-controlled knees. Beatrice Janka, MPO, CPO, presented the effects of ankle foot orthosis stiffness and alignment on lower extremity kinematics in patients with stroke and multiple sclerosis and Lauren White, PT, DPT, PCS, presented on the development and implementation of a clinical decision-making algorithm for aiding orthotic prescription in patients with neurological impairments.
The session closed with Campbell calling for continued research and resilience as the profession faces change.
“It is important that we must all make the conscience decision [to] not allow ourselves or the profession to be defined, and more importantly, divided because of the current challenges we face within this environment,” he said.
AOPA will celebrate its centennial and second world congress Sept. 6-9, 2017 in Las Vegas. – by Shawn M. Carter
Reference:
Campbell J. General Session. Presented at: American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association National Assembly; Sept. 8-11, 2016; Boston.
Disclosure: The speakers report no relevant financial disclosures.
