2-13-09
AOTA Meets With CMS To Discuss Orthotics & Prosthetics
On February 6, 2009, AOTA staff, along with staff from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT), met with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials to discuss an upcoming orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) rulemaking.
The agenda was to discuss the qualifications of occupational therapists and physical therapists to furnish and fabricate O&P. AOTA provided background regarding OT licensure, scope of practice, professional standards, education, and training. OT and PT clinicians provided case scenarios to describe the process and skills involved in providing O&P as part of a total treatment program, as well as the benefits to the patient. CMS is reviewing information and plans to publish a proposed rule by the end of 2009. AOTA will work with APTA and ASHT to provide additional materials related to coverage and payment for O&P. For more information, see AOTA's Letter to CMS on Occupational Therapists' Education in the Provision of Orthotics.
In addition, part of the information CMS is reviewing is the use of L codes by OTs. If you have expertise in L codes, please e-mail AOTA at rrpd@aota.org.
