While we work diligently every day to serve our patients, we are also participating in work behind-the-scenes in order to help ensure that our patients maintain access to their care.
What is advocacy, and how does it relate to orthotics and prosthetics (O&P)?
Advocacy is the "public support or recommendation of a particular cause or policy" (New Oxford English Dictionary). Almost every year, bills are introduced into Congress, advocating preservation of patient access to quality orthotic & prosthetic care, as well as to protect the O&P businesses who are serving those patients.
What organizations help to advocate on our behalf at the federal level?
We are fortunate that there are many organizations that advocate for the orthotic and prosthetic field at the federal level. Some of these organization include (but are not limited to):
· American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
· National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP)
· O&P Alliance: a group with representatives from multiple orthotic & prosthetic professional organizations:
Which members of Congress represent Dankmeyer's offices?
At the federal level, Maryland's senators represent all constituents in the state of Maryland. Our current senators are Senator Ben Cardin and Senator Chris Van Hollen. The state of Maryland is broken into 8 different districts, each with a different representative. The following representatives correspond with our offices:
· Western Maryland Office- Representative David Trone
· Eastern Shore Office- Representative Andy Harris
· Baltimore Washington Office- Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
· North Baltimore Office- Representative Kweisi Mfume
If you are interested in finding out information regarding your member of Congress, click here.
Are there any "big wins" from an advocacy standpoint for the state of Maryland?
Yes! We are very fortunate that back in May 2009, Maryland's governor at the time, Martin O'Malley, signed into law the Prosthetic Parity Bill. This requires insurers in Maryland to provide meaningful coverage for prosthetic devices and better care for individuals with limb loss. You can read more about it by clicking here.
That’s great! What about at the federal level?
We have had some great "victories" at the federal level too! For example, in 2018, as part of the Continuing Resolution and Spending Bill, agreed upon by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the President signed into law that clinic notes written by a patient’s O&P practitioner are now considered part of the patient's medical record. This was a huge step forward, it means the practitioner's notes can be used to further justify medical necessity for patient care. More information can be found by clicking here.
Are there any O&P advocacy efforts going on right now?
Yes! There are two bills that have been introduced at the federal level--one in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate. Both of these bills are focused on patient care, and help ensure orthotic and prosthetic patients receive appropriate and safer care. For more information regarding these bills, please click here.
I'd love to get involved! Are there any webinars where I can learn more?
Yes! AOPA has been holding monthly webinars with advocacy updates. You can access the calendar by clicking here.
That's great! What else can I do?
It is important to share your voice with your members of Congress, to advocate for access to care, and to educate them as to why these current bills are important to you. You can always write to your congressperson in your own words, but if you need help getting started, AOPA has crafted letters and templates for you to use! To email your representative and/or senators, please click here.
We encourage patients to actively advocate for themselves and their needs. Your voice is important! If you have any questions about advocacy, please email info@dankmeyer.com.