Knowledge Is the Best Defense

By Karen Henry

L-Code. I've counted the letters,and it's not a four-letter word although you might think it is if you bring it up in conversation with your O&P colleagues. Conversations about L-Codes evoke groans, grimaces, and heavy sighs from Medicare-weary practitioners, office administrators, and billing managers who just want to know why the code they used six months ago is now invalid--and from manufacturers eager to bring the latest technology to market, knowing that they will likely do so without the coveted piece of reimbursement gold.

Photograph courtesy of Nintendo

Each month, The O&P EDGE offers answers to your most frustrating reimbursement questions through our "Got FAQs?" column. I'd love to tell you that this month, The O&P EDGE provides you with the answers to the rest of your L-Code questions. While I can't tell you that, I can say that after reading the feature articles in this issue, you will come away with a better understanding of why the current system is the way it is, what's wrong with it, what's right with it (yes, we do have some good things to report), and what steps O&P activists are taking to make the system better. Chances are, if you have a more intimate knowledge of how the L-Code system works, you'll be better prepared not only to tackle your own future billing challenges but also to recommend improvements to the system. And of course, whenever you have pressing questions about L-Codes or claim denials, our reimbursement expert, Lisa Lake-Salmon, is ready to help.

All Work and No Play

Morgan Stanfield

Are you planning to attend this years American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly in Chicago? If so, be sure to stop by The O&P EDGE booth (#1110), where you can play to win a Nintendo Wii. Between games, be sure to say hello to the newest member of our editorial staff, Morgan Stanfield. Morgan brings more than a decade of writing, editing, and design experience to the publication, as well as a wonderful desire to learn from and be inspired by the many passionate professionals within the O&P community. Please help me in welcoming her to The O&P EDGE team.

I'll see you in the Windy City!

Table Of Contents - August 2008

	L-Codes: Are They Meeting the Needs of O&P? Feature
	L-Codes: What's Wrong? What's Right? Feature
	L-Code Obstacles: Experience from the Front Lines Feature
	Amazing Technology—But Not for Everyone Perspective
	NASCAR Meets Accessible Racing Sports
	Foot Orthotic Biomechanics, Part II Stepping Out
	Gary Ashe: Modifying the Perfect Fit Today's Consumer
	Five Questions for Alfred 'Denny' Denison, CLP Face to Face
	Got FAQs? Got FAQs?
	CAPO Covers the Future of O&P Industry Review
	ACA's 2008 Annual Conference Is One for the Record Books Industry Review
	Summer Fun...Parity Style Progress on Parity
	Knowledge Is the Best Defense Viewpoint
	Expulsion Valve Now Includes Vacuum Valve EDGE Direct Sponsored Story - Exclusively Online