The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) testified at the Small Business Administration (SBA) Regulatory Fairness Hearing for Small Businesses, hosted by the Office of the National Ombudsman on June 6 in Seattle.
Tom Fise, AOPA’s executive director, testified about Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) and pre-payment audits and the harmful effect they are having on O&P businesses.
During his testimony, Fise addressed the initial report released by the HHS Office of the Inspector General alleging fraud in the O&P industry that led to the revision of the standards by which a prosthetic claim would be judged for reimbursement approval and Dear Physician letter. Fise detailed how this has led to lengthy and expensive appeals, layoffs and closures of businesses in addition to affecting patient care. He also reiterated the organization’s position in its lawsuit against the federal government
The SBA will hold another Regulatory Fairness Hearing on June 21, 2013, in Davenport, Iowa, from 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. CT. AOPA said it plans to participate in this upcoming hearing.
To read the entire testimony, visit here.
