The overall rate of inaccurate claims payments increased since last year among leading commercial health insurers, according to the American Medical Association’s (AMA) fourth annual National Health Insurer Report Card. According to the AMA’s latest findings, commercial health insurers have…
Month: July 2011
NAAOP Sponsors Congressional Briefing on Rehabilitation in the US Health Care System
The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP) helped sponsor a congressional briefing on the importance of rehabilitation of the US health care system. The briefing took place in the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center and highlighted for…
Farra Named Director for U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing High Performance Program
The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) announced that John Farra was named director of the U.S. Paralympics nordic skiing high performance program. The move is part of the USOC’s continued commitment to improving Team USA’s success and advancing elite Paralympic sport…
Study Indicates Current In-Hospital Fall Prevention May Not Be Effective
While falls are a common cause of injury, particularly in older, hospitalized patients, some falls may not be as preventable as once thought. According to a new literature review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,…
CMS Proposes Updated Payment Policies
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would update payment policies and payment rates for services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries in hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) beginning Jan. 1, 2012. “The…
Foot Position During Walking, Running May Influence Ankle Sprains
The position of the foot just before ground contact during running and walking may put individuals at risk for ankle sprains, according to a study published in the June online edition of the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Cathleen Brown…
John Crane Reelected to California O&P Association Board
John Crane John Crane, Otto Bock HealthCare sales representative for northern California and northern Nevada, was recently reelected to the Board of the California Orthotics and Prosthetics Association (COPA). He will serve a second two-year term as the group’s secretary-treasurer.…
CMS Proposes Payment Change Rates for 2012 Physician Fee Schedule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has proposed a rule that would update payment policies and rates for physicians and non-physician practitioners for services paid under the 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, with a total payment projection of $80…
Ossur Americas Announces New Director of Sales for Prosthetics and Government Accounts
Ossur Americas has named Amanda Miller as the company’s director of sales, prosthetics and government accounts. Miller assumes responsibility for managing all domestic sales activities and overseeing the company’s team of sales professionals who serve prosthetists throughout the United States.…
Culturally Targeted Intervention Improved Diabetes Outcomes for Native Americans
In a pilot study conducted at American Indian reservations in Montana, culturally appropriate diabetes prevention strategies helped young people increase their physical activity and improve their diet. Using the Diabetes Prevention Program as a model, researchers developed the JOURNEY to…