Vol. 7, No.3

March 2002

Membership Year Shifts to July-June

This means you won't receive a dues renewal at holiday time

Merry Christmas from the Academy Board and Happy Hanukah, and special salutations for any other holiday that occurs near the end of the calendar year. You won't have to pay your Academy dues just before the holidays after this year. The Academy Board has shifted the Membership Year from its current December-to-November cycle to one that matches the Academy's Governance Year. That is, Academy dues will run from July to June.

Academy President Gary A. Lamb, CO, FAAOP anticipates the shift will be a welcome relief to many who have complained about receiving multiple invoices for their Academy dues and renewal fees of others, plus ABC and AOPA fees, all arriving just before the holiday period. The new Membership Year will be announced at the Annual Business Meeting in Orlando. The transition to the new cycle will begin with the renewal period at the end of 2002. Members will be given the option of renewing for a "short year" (December 2002 - June 2003) or an "extended year" (December 2002 - June 2004). "The dues rate has not increased in eight years and we do not anticipate an increase next year," proclaimed Lamb. Dues will be prorated at $175 for the "short year" option and $475 for the "extended year." Lamb said he would talk with the Board about offering an incentive to encourage members to choose the "extended year" option. Additional details will be announced as the transition period approaches.

Bylaws Changes: Mostly "Housekeeping" Modifications

When the National Office disbanded and the Academy had to seek new office space, some text references in the bylaws (i.e. " Academy offices will be located within the National Office") became obsolete. These needed changes have been lumped into one amendment and will be detailed in materials accompanying the member ballot after the Annual Meeting. A second amendment changes the time period for the ballot to be mailed to members from the current "not later than 90 days following the meeting" to 30 days. Members will also be asked to vote on changing the term for "Foreign Affiliate Member" to "International Affiliate Member."

Research Survey Underway

Academy members will soon receive a one-page survey about their interest in participating in future research activities. The survey will be faxed to half of the Active Members prior to the Annual Meeting and mailed to the other half in April to accommodate the processing of the anticipated responses. Research & Development Committee Chairman Michael Raney, CO says most individuals will be able to complete the survey in less than two minutes. The survey results will help identify individuals who have an interest in research either as a participant, reviewer, or someone who would like to learn more about research methods and their application to O&P.

Look for This PQL Coupon Booklet
It Will Save You $$$

Approximately 45 manufacturers, suppliers, and other organizations have made contributions to Project Quantum Leap and are now offering Academy members special discounts on products, services, and other items. The PQL Coupon Booklet will be distributed at the Annual Meeting and later by mail to members who couldn't attend. "We wanted to make this a win-win opportunity for all involved," said PQL Fundraising Chairman Frank H. Bostock, CO, FAAOP. "While discussing ways to recognize the significant contributions made by these companies, we asked a few companies committed to the project how we might combine their recognition with a reward for those individuals who also contribute to PQL. The result was the development of the coupon booklet with lots of discounts."

Included in the booklet is brief information about Project Quantum Leap and a tax receipt for individuals to use when making their contribution. Contributions will be accepted at the O&P Bookstore at the Annual Meeting and by mail. Checks should be payable to O&P Education and Development Fund c/o AAOP, 526 King Street, Suite 201, Alexandria, VA 22314. The Fund is a 501(C)(3) organization and con tributions are generally tax-deductible. Consult your tax advisor for details. Additional information about Project Quantum Leap is being sent to all members and may also be found on the Academy's website at www.oandp.org.

Carolina Chapter Tackles L-Code Issues

The North Carolina Chapter is working on fixing a problem with Region C DMERC Medicare concerning certain common L-codes which are holding up claims processing. Several members have contacted state and local legislative personnel to help them with the situation. If other practitioners are experiencing similar problems, please contact Gregory Straub, North Carolina Chapter President at (828) 252-0331. Looking ahead, the Chapter's Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with the South Carolina Society August 15, 16, and 17 in Charleston, SC (location TBD). More information will be sent by mail or contact Jennie Adams, CPO at (843) 556-5511 for details. Gregory Straub will represent the chapter at the Chapter President's Council Meeting in Orlando.

Make Address Changes Online

Academy members may notify the Academy of changes to their mailing address, home address (or email), or changes to their company's name by accessing the Members Only section of the website. The process is simple, easy to use, and only takes a moment. The changes are then updated in the member's record by staff. Members may also check a box to have the updated information forwarded to ABC's offices.

In Memoriam

The Academy has learned of the passing of Virginia Titus, wife of Bert Titus for whom the Titus-Ferguson Award is named. Mrs. Titus, a resident of NC, was president of the AOPA Ladies Auxiliary in the late 1960s at a time when they planned much of the social activities at the annual meeting. The Auxiliary also organized the library for the O&P National Office. Although her husband predeceased her by more than 20 years, she continued her membership in the Auxiliary. She was remembered by Loretta Muilenburg, wife of Al Muilenburg as one who "was open and friendly to people and always did the right thing."