The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) has released a statement suggesting ways in which CMS can combat fraud within the O&P profession.
“We believe the most effective system is one that prevents fraud before it starts,” AOPA said in the statement. “We hope CMS will take the pathways outlined in Section 427 of BIPA [Beneficiary Improvement and Protection Act] 2000 and H.R. 3112, to deter fraud and protect the rights of orthotics and prosthetics suppliers.”
Section 427 of the BIPA requires CMS to ensure that Medicare payments for custom orthoses and prostheses are furnished by qualified practitioners and suppliers before being distributed.
H. R. 3112, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act, would eliminate payments to unqualified providers, resulting in better care for beneficiaries and lower Medicare payments.
AOPA believes that CMS and Congress have the tools to fight fraud in the O&P field, and would like to continue working together to ensure ethics in the profession.
“We offer our support for developing more effective means to fight Medicare fraud,” the statement said. “We hope to continue to improve the quality of care we deliver to patients who need orthotics and prosthetics, and to protect the integrity of the Medicare program.”
