Provider Qualification Position Statement

The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) recognizes that quality of care is one of the most pressing issues facing amputees today. The ACA supports efforts to set a minimum level of qualification for practicing prosthetists throughout the U.S. Currently, three federal agencies; Medicare, Medicaid and the Veterans Administration reimburse providers who are certified by either the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) or the Board for Orthotist Certification - Prosthetics (BOCP) and/or licensed to practice by their respective state.

The ACA considers these to be the minimum provider qualifications. Minimum provider qualifications are necessary in order to ensure that amputees will continue to have access to an appropriate level of care.

Additionally, the ACA supports increasing resources for education and training of healthcare providers including prosthetists, physicians, physical therapists, social workers, educators and other professionals regarding physical, psychosocial, educational, vocational and professional issues associated with limb loss, so that all standards can be elevated to a higher than minimum level.

Table Of Contents - July 2002

	Advocacy: A Win-Win Proposition What consumer advocacy has done for prosthetics and orthotics is similar to what occurred in the automobile industry in the mid-20th century. It has raised the bar for better technology and higher standards of care.
	From the Editor
	Amputee Advocacy: What’s Needed?
	CMS: Expedite 'Crosswalking' to Prevent Coding Hassles DC Direct
	NegReg: NOMA at Work DC Direct
	Century College O&P Students Form Unique Organization Education Outlook
	A Call to Expand and Improve the Advanced Science Content of O&P Curricula I propose that the advanced science requirement in O&P curricula should be expanded and the content improved. Education Outlook
	Physical Therapy: Schools Take a Hit O&P is not alone in its concern over declining school enrollment.
	AOPA Seminars Offer 20.5 CE Credits Industry Insight
	MCO Closed Provider Panels: Can They Be Opened? What if you, as an O&P provider, are confronted by managed care organizations' (MCOs') closed provider panels? Cutting Edge
	Fabricating a Flexible Brim Socket with a Rigid Distal End Shop Talk
	NegReg: Are Consumers Adequately Represented? Perspective
	Sneak Peek: Fillauer to Offer Innovative Orthotic Technology: SPL Orthotic Knee Joint Innovations
	Consumer Empowerment Grows in Developing Countries Salute!
	Provider Qualification Position Statement Exclusively Online
	Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Members Exclusively Online
	Competitive Bidding May Affect Up to One-Third of Orthotic Products From the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP)
	From the Editor Viewpoints