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Update on CMS’ Lower Limb Prosthetics Policy

The July 16, 2015 Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Lower Limb Prostheses policy that was proposed would have reverted patient care to a 1970’s standard. O&P organizations and patients joined to object to the policy, in the form of a White House petition, comments submitted to CMS, testimony at the hearing, letters from researchers whose work was cited, a rally in front of the HHS headquarters, meetings with CMS, etc. (Read all the actions taken.)

The policy was not enacted but it has not been removed from the website of CMS and its contractors, so O&P advocates have continued to voice their objections. On April 28, after efforts from the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee released a letter to HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell, criticizing the prosthetic LCD efforts of CMS and its contractors, and launching an oversight inquiry with a request for a substantial collection of documents. We will post updates of progress.

On April 26-27, O&P professionals, students, and patients visited Capitol Hill to meet with legislators to advocate for fair treatment of O&P providers and patients. One clinician met with Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who then authorized a letter to CMS Acting Administrator, Andy Slavitt regarding the 2015 LCD Policy, its status, and the workgroup that has been assembled to evaluate CMS’ O&P policy. Read the letter from Sen. McConnell to Andy Slavitt. AOPA will post any further correspondence.

 

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