Progress Notes is POINT’s way of communicating member driven network activities to all POINT members over email. Should you wish to be added to the Progress Notes email list, please click here.
Progress note entries are maintained in chronological order by date. Scroll to find the date you wish to view.
From the desk of: Dennis Clark, CPO, POINT President
10
2
2008
POINT Member John Izak, CPO of Orthologix Receives Penn. Therapy Association Fellowship Award
John Izak, CPO, Partner in Orthologix, Inc., Receives Pennsylvania Therapy Association Fellowship Award
PHILADELPHIA - John Izak, CPO, and partner in Orthologix, Inc., a Philadelphia-based orthotics and prosthetics practice, has been selected by the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association to receive the 2008 Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association (PPTA) Fellowship Award. The award will be presented at the PPTA Awards Banquet, Saturday, Oct. 25, in Harrisburg, Pa.
The award honors a non-physical therapist who has significantly contributed to the betterment of physical therapy within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Izak specializes in pediatric orthotics, and works with children's specialized hospitals and facilities throughout Pennsylvania. He has developed unique bracing applications, which have enabled positive outcomes for even the most difficult cases.
As an educator, Izak provides ongoing seminars to allied health-care professionals on advancements in pediatric orthotics and participates in a variety of research projects.
Izak travels to South America and the Middle East each year as part of a team of rehabilitation specialists from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Variety International to provide much needed orthotic care as well as education and training. He has been instrumental in expansion of orthotic services in these regions and the development of relations with U.S. orthotic suppliers.
Testimony for Independent Prosthetic Practices Tomorrow
Testimony for Independent Prosthetic Practices Tomorrow
POINT President Dennis Clark, CPO will testify at a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Small Business entitled “Ensuring Continuity of Care for Veteran Amputees: The Role of Small Prosthetic Practices.”
The hearing will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.(EST) in room 1539 of the Longworth House Office Building.
Clark is speaking on behalf of members. As stated in his written testimony attached at the bottom of this email: “Each of POINT’s 146 member companies are independently owned small businesses. These companies are acutely affected by any V.A. prosthetics and orthotics procurement decisions. Accordingly, effective communication relative to V.A. contracting, contractor regulations and other administrative requirements is vital to these small businesses.”
Others to testify will be:
Captain Matthew Bacik, USA (Ret.)
AAOP President James Rogers, CPO, FAAOP
NAAOP President Tom Guth, CP
Captain Bacik will be sharing his first-hand account of transitioning from the battlefield to civilian world and his experience with the V.A. As stated in his written testimony, also attached at the bottom of this email: “the V.A. has approved and paid for the best available prosthetic care. My recommendation to this committee would be to support any initiative that would better enable veterans like myself to connect with the numerous outstanding private providers across the country. The current system does facilitate the relationship Glenn [Crumpton] and I have developed. I never knew that the experience and craftsmanship I needed to achieve my goals was in my own home town.”
The hearing may be available to watch live at www.c-span.org. Check the Web site for when the hearing could be broadcasted.
A recording of the hearing may be found as early as tomorrow afternoon by visiting the House Committee on Small Businesses Hearing at http://www.house.gov/smbiz/
POINT President to Testify at Congressional Hearing
POINT Members,
I have been invited to testify at a congressional hearing about independent prosthetic contractors and their role in ensuring the continuity of care for V.A. patients. Much of the discussion will relate to patients from the current conflict transitioning from Department of Defense care to V.A. care. The discussion will also include all care provided by independent orthotic and prosthetic providers to V.A. patients.
This hearing will take place 16th at 10a.m. in Washington, D.C. Below is a copy of an email sent to me by Mr. Ted Dawson, Esq., Health Care Counsel for the Committee on Small Business.
Dennis,
The formal title for the hearing has not been established. But it looks to be something along these lines: “Ensuring Continuity of Care for VA Amputees: The Role of Independent Prosthetic Contractors.” Our discussion will have the following focus: Democratic Staff
This hearing will focus on the VA’s relationship independent prosthetic contractors and its efforts to ensure continuity of care for amputees through its Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN). We will examine the success of the VA’s efforts, and discuss how the program may be improved. Particular attention will also be given to identifying the future needs of amputee soldiers returning from war, and how the VA and independent prosthetic contractors can best work together to address those needs.
Tom
Thomas Dawson, Esq. MPH, MA
Health Care Counsel
Committee on Small Business
If you have issues regarding the focus of this hearing, please send them to me so I can be better prepared to represent the independent orthotic and prosthetic network of V.A. providers. Please have any submissions directed to this email address by end of business hours, Monday, July 14.
Sincerely,
Dennis E. Clark, CPO
President, POINT
7
1
2008
Check Claim Status 24/7 on pointhca.com
Now Available
Go to www.pointhca.com 24/7 to check status of your patient's claims billed through POINT or HOMELINK. The button is located on the bottom center of POINT's home page.
Click on "Check Claim Status" at bottom of home page.
You will see a box on left side titled "New customers" and one on the right titled "Returning customers."
New customers have to register first.
Click on "sign up now" under the new customers' column.
Enter the information.
POINT #, password, email.
Click on "Apply for an Account"
You should now be registered and will receive an email stating so.
To check status once the provider has registered, you need to go to the "Returning customers" column and enter your POINT #, password, email.
You should now be able to check status.
5
30
2008
NASA and Clark Focus on Wounded Warrior's Abilities
In an effort to familiarize themselves with the abilities and drive possessed by military service-connected amputees, NASA invited Midwest CPO and President of both POINT Health Centers of America and Clark & Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics Dennis Clark to present his first-hand account of working with returning wounded veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
“NASA recognizes this group of people as highly motivated, resourceful leaders who are incredibly trained and determined not to fail,” says Clark. “The quality of these men and women are just what NASA is looking for in potential employment.”
Clark’s presentation, “Saluting Our Differently Abled Heroes”, was hosted by NASA’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity.
“Our office sponsors two large diversity events each year,” explains NASA Diversity Program Manager Bonnie McClure. “We wanted our spring event to focus on the topic of individuals with disabilities and their capabilities. The federal government, overall, has not been as successful in attracting and retaining qualified individuals with targeted disabilities and NASA is no exception. The event's purpose was to raise awareness of this and hope to move forward.”
According to McClure, NASA wanted the focus on veterans for two reasons.
“We wanted to show our appreciation of those who serve our country,” she says. “And secondly, there are federal government agencies that provide special hiring authority for certain conflicts. NASA is interested in taking advantage of the hiring potential among this specialized group of ‘wounded warriors.’”
“The blend of technology, the fact that NASA had contributed to the further development of prosthetics and the specifics of Dennis' experience with Walter Reed made a terrific fit for what we wanted to achieve,” McClure adds. “The presentation was a tremendous success and we have received many wonderful comments from attendees.”
In 2003 Clark and his team of prosthetists were asked to come to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to work with the influx of wounded soldiers from the Iraq conflict. His experience there has given him a unique perspective and intimate access to the hearts and minds of these differently abled individuals.
“I truly believe this group of men and women will become known as the next greatest generation,” Clark says. “Their mantra is ‘Failure is not an option.’ It is an all volunteer army. They are older, and in general are more highly educated than past soldiers. The way they help each other is phenomenal to see. It’s all about what they give.”
Clark has been in the O&P field since 1968, serving as a certified orthotist and prosthetist, an instructor at Northwestern University and past president of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics. He was on the Board of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, former president of AOPA Region 7, and is a recipient of the Distinguished Practitioner Award from the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.From 2003 to 2005, Clark and his partners were contracted by the U.S. Department of Defense to provide prosthetic care to wounded soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
“Human performance is still the number one focus in this world and we are in a position to make it better,” Clark concludes. “My presentation at NASA is just the beginning of a partnership that has the potential to positively impact our differently abled veterans and the entire O&P community.”
4
29
2008
POINT Grows Stronger
POINT is pleased to announce the addition of two new associates. These associates, Amy Camarata and Missy Schaefer, are in charge of billing for all POINT contracts. Both Missy and Amy have 9 years of experience with medical billing, much of it in prosthetics and orthotics.
Missy and Amy have joined POINT to create more familiar, timely and consistent communication among POINT providers, POINT administration and POINT contracted entities.
POINT’s core competency is managed care contracting and the administration of contracts. We are committed to consistently improving the services that we provide to the provider and the payer.
I welcome any comments or suggestions from you. Please feel free to contact me by phone at (877) 274-4412 or email me at dennis.clark@vgm.com.
We have added four new courses to POINT U, internet-based education for POINT members only. Below is a description and CEUs awarded to each course.
ABC BOC Course Code - Course Name
.5 (S) 1 (C1) DMGT006 - Overview of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. In other words, the body damages its own nerve cells outside of the brain and spinal cord. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) results in muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. This course provides an overview of the disorder, including descriptions of symptoms, causes and treatment options. You should complete the POINT U course “Overview of the Immune System” before taking this course.
.5 (B) 1 (C2) HR013 - Advance Directives
More than ever before, people with life-threatening or potentially life-threatening diseases and injuries – and their families – are being asked to take part in decisions about the patient’s medical care. With an advance directive, patients can make known their wishes for future medical care in the event they become unable to make their own decisions about health care. As a health care provider, chances are good that you will encounter a patient with such a disease or injury somewhere along the line. This course provides information about the types of advance directives available.
Each year, tens of thousands of children are traumatized by physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, or by caregivers who neglect them, making child abuse as common as it is shocking. As a representative of a health care provider, federal regulations require you to report any suspicions.
Elder abuse is recognized as a continually increasing and serious problem in our society. Mistreatment of older persons who cannot care for themselves is a national problem. Each of us has a responsibility to keep vulnerable elders safe from harm. And, as a health care provider, most states require you to report suspected elder abuse or neglect. This course provides tips on identifying elder abuse, and explains how you can report your suspicions.
We currently have 122 courses available that target specific job functions, including management and business development. All courses offer CEUs to help you and your staff maintain credentials. (ABC and BOC). Students may complete courses taken and test results, which may be used as a performance management tool.
Prices based on number of active users within your individual organization, not on credits earned:
1 to 4 users $30/month
5 to 10 users $60/month
11 to 20 users $90/month
21 to 50 users $120/month
51 to 75 users $150/month
76-plus users $180/month
Contact Sara Bauer at (888) 797-8672 or sara.bauer@vgm.com to learn more about POINT U or to set up a FREE on-line demo. Or visit the POINT U Web site at www.pointhca.com/pointU.php
3
17
2008
Opportunity for National Prosthetic Parity
O&P Professionals,
I have great news and an historic opportunity for you – the Prosthetic Parity Act has been introduced into the 110th Congress of the United States of America as HR 5615. The bill was authored by Representative Robert Andrews (D-NJ), with Representatives George Miller (D-CA), Todd Platts (R-PA), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) signing on as original co-sponsors. Rep. Andrews chairs the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee and Rep. Miller chairs the Education & Labor Committee while also serving on the Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Platts serves on the Education & Labor, Oversight & Government Reform, and Transportation & Infrastructure Committees while Rep. M. Diaz-Balart serves on the Budget, Science & Technology, and Transportation & Infrastructure Committees. Rep. L. Diaz-Balart serves on the Rules Committee.
As you know, we’ve been working with the Amputee Coalition of America to introduce federal legislation to protect access to prosthetic care. Today, the real push begins! It’s up to each and every one of you to write your Representative and ask them to co-sponsor HR 5615. If your representative is listed as one of those sponsoring the Prosthetic Parity Act, please contact them to say thank you.
Please note – at this time, only your Representative needs to be contacted; we will call upon you at a later stage to contact your Senator once a national bill is introduced in the Senate.
at this time, only your Representative needs to be contacted; we will call upon you at a later stage to contact your Senator once a national bill is introduced in the Senate.
Go to the "Find Your Representative" field on the upper-left corner of the screen, enter your zip code and click on the "Go" button. The name and contact information of your Representative will appear.
If you would like to send a letter via email or U.S. Postal Service, you are welcome to use the following sample text or draft your own:
Dear Representative ___________,
I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor the federal prosthetic parity act, HR 5615. This bill will ensure that prostheses are treated the same way as other basic, essential care. Sadly, without legislation to ensure coverage, many people living with the loss or absence of a limb are facing discouraging obstacles when trying to obtain prosthetic care. Current changes in insurance plans are having a devastating effect on amputees and their families.
The results of numerous studies demonstrate that prosthetic parity is not only low cost to individuals under private and group insurance plans, but that it also results in savings to the private and public sector. The provision of prostheses results in a variety of benefits, some of which are fiscal in nature, while others are related to quality of life issues, which are less measurable. Non-fiscal benefits include a reduction in the secondary conditions caused by a sedentary lifestyle, less dependence on caregivers, and lowered risk of diabetes-related complications leading to additional amputation. In addition, this segment of the population can continue to be contributing members of society instead of becoming dependent on it.
Unlike many bills to expand or protect health care coverage, this legislation will not result in an increase in utilization. This bill is specifically designed to ensure access to prosthetic devices for people with limb loss and limb deficiency.
Prosthetic parity bills have been launched all over the country. Currently, eight states have passed parity laws. Another thirty-one states are working to advance legislation. It is time for Congress to take a stand on this important issue.
This is an opportunity to ensure that people with limb loss are given the care they need to fully participate in society! I hope you will sign on as a co-sponsor of the parity legislation.
Sincerely,
NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE
If you would like to call your Representative to urge them to sponsor the bill, you can follow this sample script (please note -- you will be leaving a message with a staff person and generally, they will ask for your name and hometown):
(please note -- you will be leaving a message with a staff person and generally, they will ask for your name and hometown)
I am calling to urge Representative _______ to sponsor HR 5615, the federal prosthetic parity bill. I work daily with amputees and their families and can attest firsthand of the need to advance prosthetic parity. This is an important piece of legislation for all Americans. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dennis Clark, CPO
President, POINT Health Centers of America
3
12
2008
AOPA Policy Forum Recap
Dear POINT Member,
As many of you are aware, AOPA sponsored a Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. from March 9-11. This forum gives orthotic and prosthetic professionals, manufacturers and concerned users the opportunity to speak directly to our nation’s legislators and decision makers.
In preparation for our meetings with our state representatives, we heard presentations from not only AOPA staff and leadership, but also from, Acting CMS Administrator Kerry N. Weems, Former Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole, New Jersey Representative Michael Ferguson, Fred Downs, Chief Consultant for the Prosthetic Sensory Aid Service for the Veterans Administration and Donald Dempsey, Associate Director for Human Resource Programs from the Office of Management and Budget.
At each of these presentations, ample time was allowed for individuals to ask questions and have them answered to their satisfaction. We also had an extended round table discussion where each attendee was given time to talk about topics important to them on a national, state, and local level. Issues that surfaced repeatedly for each state included licensure and parity. This prepared us for our congressional meetings.
Our goal for our congressional meetings was to give alternatives to O&P fee schedule reduction that will decrease fraud and abuse, improve and ensure the quality of O&P care and potentially generate savings to Medicare. Along with this, we made three proposals;
1. To enhance enforcement:
Congress should mandate that CMS adopt and fully implement within 90 days the content of Transmittal 656 for all states with O&P licensure laws (now and in the future) to assure that Medicare payments for O&P services and devices are made only to qualified O&P practitioners and suppliers.
2. To establish a link between provider qualification and the complexity of O&P care provided
Congress should adopt the framework of a revised payment system in O&P that would explicitly link practitioner and supplier qualifications with the level of complexity of the orthotic and prosthetic care being provided to the patient.
3. To reduce the number of deemed accrediting bodies in O&P
Congress should instruct CMS to limit its recognition to those certifying bodies which, in fact, meet the legislative quality criteria already established in BIPA 427.
The meeting was extraordinarily well organized and felt to be extremely beneficial and successful by everyone in attendance. In the future, as AOPA continues to hold Policy Forums, their importance and value will continue to increase. I would urge each of you to place a high priority on attending these forums.
The positive impact of working together as a unified body helps everyone in the orthotic and prosthetic profession and will ultimately ensure access to quality care and appropriate technology provided by qualified providers.
Sincerely,
Dennis Clark, CPO
President, POINT Health Centers of America
10
29
2007
AOPA Veteran's Day Tribute
In preparation for Veteran's Day, the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association(AOPA) is creating a database reflecting O&P professionals who are fitting/rehabilitating soldiers wounded in action. AOPA will then attempt to send Advisories to local area papers in an effort to get a higher media presence in the O&P industry for this important day of recognition.
If you work with service connected veterans, please send an email to cassi.ubben@vgm.com with your contact information and approximate number of veterans served.
10
17
2007
New rate for Homelink contracts
POINT members can now access all Homelink managed care contracts at a significantly reduced administrative fee, 10% with a $750 cap. Homelink has over 200 managed care contracts nation wide and is working every day to add more managed care coverage. This new agreement between Homelink and POINT exemplifies a partnership between these 2 powerful organizations dedicated to maintaining POINT member access to the largest possible percentage of patients needing the quality services we provide.
This new deal is only available to POINT members and before Oct. 1, 2007 the administrative fee for Homelink contracts was 18% with no cap.
POINT Special with new web-based patient survey and communication tool
Debuted at AOPA ’07, AbilityPRO is a web-based patient survey and communication tool. This represents POINT’s first step toward a web-based outcomes program, an industry and membership need. Measuring outcomes will help define the value of working with certified practitioners and accredited facilities. This initiative and its implications cannot be over stated. POINT is proud to be the industry leader in web-based data collection.
POINT U, internet-based education for POINT members only, is now up and running. With over 100 courses that are ABC approved or in the approval process, students may complete courses when it is convenient, and maintain an individual, permanent record of courses taken and results. Competitively priced as a member service, based on number of users within your individual organization, not on the credits earned:
1 to 4 users $25/month
5 to 12 users $50/month
13 to 24 users $75/month
25 to 75 users $100/month
76+ users $150/month
Contact Sara Bauer at (888) 797-8672 or sara.bauer@vgm.com to learn more about POINT U or to set up a FREE on-line demo.
7
20
2007
POINT's newest member
Independence Orthotics and Prosthetics is officially POINT's newest member.
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