| News for Professionals in the Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics Profession |  |
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- OIG seeks lower Medicare rates for back braces
The Office of the Inspector General has called on the CMS to cut Medicare rates for lumbar-sacral orthoses billed under L0631 after an investigation found that Medicare paid an estimated $37 million more for such devices than supplier costs in a 12-month period. The OIG wants these products to be subject to competitive bidding under the DMEPOS program. Health Industry Washington Watch blog
(1/14)
   
| Science and Technology
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- Denver researchers are developing a permanent prosthesis
Scientists at the University of Denver are designing a permanent prosthetic leg that would be implanted into the residual limb. The project, led by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ronald Hugate, would attach the prosthesis through a post in the bone of the residual limb, and it uses a special metal that blocks infection. WRAL-TV (Raleigh, N.C.)
(1/11)
- Cell therapy/device combo for diabetes treatment is in the works
Sernova is working on a polymer "cell pouch" system infused with therapeutic islet cells that can administer insulin based on a diabetes patient's blood glucose levels. The device, implanted below the skin in the abdomen using a 15-minute procedure, also will contain the Sertolin local immune protection cell system to prevent transplant rejection. MedCityNews.com
(1/8)
| Medical News
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- Specialists team up to prevent diabetic amputations
A team approach to providing diabetic foot care can prevent amputations, say health experts. Specialists in infectious disease, foot surgery, podiatry, pedorthics and vascular surgery, among other disciplines, work collaboratively to address wound infection, vascular issues and offloading of plantar pressure, followed by wound management procedures. “From the clinical standpoint, this is the future of how wound care is going to be managed throughout the country,” said pedorthist Joe Jones. O&P Almanac (Adobe Flash required)
(1/2013)
- Many diabetes patients don't know they have foot neuropathy
Data on 1,100 patients with diabetes and prediabetes found 154 had clinical distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy, 140 of whom were not aware they had the condition. "Overall, these results suggest inadequate attention to diabetic foot prevention practice and insufficient adherence to the clinical guidelines for diabetes care necessary to prevent further development of severe diabetic foot complications," researchers wrote in Diabetes Care. PhysiciansBriefing.com/HealthDay News
(1/10)
| Legislative and Regulatory
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- CMS, vendors to change providers' health IT practices
CMS' Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation is piloting a "medical neighborhood" program that will involve up to 15 provider groups and health systems in 15 states, helping them transform their practices using health IT to improve outcomes, lower costs and coordinate care with other providers in the community. The initiative aims to lessen the cost of health care by $49.5 million and boost the experience of patients by 25% within three years among the participating organizations. Government Health IT online
(1/10)
| Business and Finance
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- Wright & Filippis acquires controlling share in S.C. O&P facility
Michigan-based Wright & Filippis has purchased a controlling share in Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics, headquartered in North Charleston, S.C. The acquisition is "getting back to our roots a little bit," said President and CEO A.J. Filippis. "Carolina O&P is a high-quality company that has very similar cultures of patient care." C. Ralph Hooper will continue as president of Carolina O&P, and the company will continue to operate independently. Crain's Detroit Business (free registration)
(1/14)
- Touch Bionics reports unprecedented growth
U.K.-based Touch Bionics exceeded $16 million in sales for the first time in its history, reporting growth of 17%. The company credited an expansion of its product lines for the rise, including the i-limb ultra prosthetic hand and an upgrade of its partial hand prosthesis, i-limb digits. Business7.co.uk (U.K.)
(1/10)
| AOPA News
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- Breaking news from AOPA
What is the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, has four highly regarded O&P professionals speaking and now has OPEN REGISTRATION? Last year was recorded breaking, and this year will rock your world. Need an AOPA speaker for your state or local event? Book your experts now – they are booking very quickly. All of this and more in today's AOPA Breaking News.
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