US-Politics: Competitive Bidding for Prosthetics/Where is ACA?

[t-barr at t-barr.com]

Don't count on ACA for advocacy support on any legislative issues for amputees let alone  any opposition to the proposed competitive bidding initiative.

ACA did not accept a invitation to a seat at the Negotiated Rulesmaking Committee (NegReg) nor have they done anything to meaningfully advocate on behalf of amputees re: the current  major state and federal legislation issues that will determine qualifications of providers and future affordability made available for O&P services.

Do you think ACA not being participating in the Negotiated Rulemaking was an oversight? Hardly!

Prosthetics is a billion dollar industry in the United States and those that are heavily vested want to control its future and the growing population of amputees, over 40% by 2020. This  industry is no different then any other industry.
The more factors that you can control the more profitable it is. An amputee consumer organization effecting  legislation is that last thing the industry wants. However, when this conflict and control negatively effects a human being lifestyle and lessens their chances of retaining their own dignity and mobility, and their right to be self supportive, the situation must be investigated and stopped.

When the Academy was instrumental in founding ACA , it's intent was to give control to the amputee through information (education) and not about controlling the information (marketing) getting to the amputee. 
How many amputees or comprehensive orthotic users even know about the Neg Reg or Competitive bidding issues?
It is the Academy that must step up to the plate with the consumer and remedy the situation.
We can no longer wear blinders to the obvious control the industry has to gag the amputee via THEIR federally funded national consumer organization.


The proponents of ACA to truly ADVOCATE on the behalf of amputees have been recently described as "squeaky wheels" by their newly appointed Public Policy and Advocacy Committee (PPAC) ACA director Brad Ruhl whom just happens to also be a industry leader of a major manufacturer !!

The conflict of industry vs. profession goes back to 1917 the year of the formation of what is now AOPA and in 1970 the Academy.
The conflict of industry vs. consumer is now upon us now and it is being financed with federal and industry dollars.

In spite of  ACA  feeble attempts "to recognize that formal structure is needed to develop advocacy initiatives", 
it has come to my attention that the prearranged schedules for meaningful advocacy workshops in Anaheim at the July annual ACA convention have been cancelled by ACA thru the prior appointed program coordinator.

Unfortunately, I believe a  parade of even more ACA directors, regional representatives and members will follow John Miller, Phil Tamoush and others in providing their resignations as the frustration with the obvious conflict grows and  is made more apparent.
I wish it wasn't so !

Perhaps we can enlist alot more "squeaky wheels" from both the consumer and the profession to provide meaningful representation.

Tony Barr

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Wayne Renardson" <renardwc at ctrvax.Vanderbilt.Edu>
To: "Amputee Information Network" <amp-l at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Saturday, May 25, 2002 10:26 AM
Subject: US-Politics: Competitive Bidding for Prosthetics


> Mr. Allen sent this to OANDP-L for the attention of practitioners. It
> strikes me as a consumer I have a vested interest in the outcome of
> this legislation. If only the lowest bid received will be the main
> criteria that decides what rig I will wear or use, well, it don't take
> a weatherman to know which way this wind blows (apologies to Bob
> Dylan).  
> 
> Mr. Allen is happy to reply to questions:  <MAllenCPO at AOL.COM> 
> 
> He included a list of each member of the House committees formulating
> this legislation so if you plan to write, I suggest you contact him
> for the congressional committee member in your location.   
> 
> BTW, does anyone know where ACA stands or what they are doing re: this
> issue?  No doubt advocating for us.....
> 
> Wayne Renardson
> ------------------------------
> 
>                      CALL TO ACTION "ROUND TWO!
> 
> EXEMPT ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS FROM COMPETITIVE 
> BIDDING 
> 
> NAAOP thanks those listserv members for their advocacy efforts in 
> responding to our first Call to Action announced on May 15, 2002. This e- 
> mail is our second effort designed to keep the pressure on Congress.  During 
> the Congressional recess, which begins today and lasts until June 2, 2002, WE 
> ASK THAT YOU CONTACT THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS LISTED 
> BELOW WHILE THEY ARE IN THEIR HOME STATES and emphasize 
> the message to TOTALLY Exempt O &P from Medicare competitive bidding.      

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