The History of
The History of
The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) originated in 1917
in Washington, D.C., as the Artificial Limb Manufacturers and Brace
Association (ALMBA). Anticipating World War I casualties would require
orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) treatment, the Council of National Defense and
artificial limb and brace manufacturers met to prepare the industry to meet
those needs. Through the years, AOPA has changed its scope and evolved to
become the unified voice of the O&P profession and industry.
Before the Civil War, few artificial limb companies existed. However, the
carnage of the Civil War and subsequent wars dramatically increased the need
for artificial limbs. Thus, limb companies were started, generally by
amputees who were dissatisfied with available prostheses.
Between the world wars, ALMBA's focus changed. Its members began to see
themselves as professionals. They were no longer craftspeople and
blacksmiths hammering on leather and metal. The rehabilitation of people
with disabilities was becoming a priority.
Through World War II and the Korean conflict, O&P practitioners realized a
need for more O&P research, and through the association, interested the
government in funding studies. During these years, membership expanded, and
the association became more professional, assuming more duties. It also
changed its name to the Orthopedic Appliance and Limb Manufacturers
Association and established a national office in Washington, D.C., to work
more effectively with the government.
In 1948, the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Inc. (ABC) was formed to set minimum standards for practitioners' education
and experience levels and to test their clinical knowledge. Requirements for
certification include a degree from an accredited university or college,
advanced education at an accredited O&P program, a minimum of one year
acceptable experience and satisfactory completion of written and clinical
examinations. Nearly 3,000 O&P practitioners are ABC-certified.
Because of the increased need for advanced O&P education, the association and
the University Council of Orthotic and Prosthetic Education formed the
National Association of Prosthetic and Orthotic Educators (NAPOE). The
National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) now formally
oversees O&P educational programs.
In 1966, the association changed its name to the American Orthotic and
Prosthetic Association. Also in the '60s, the association, supported by the
Committee for Prosthetic-Orthotic Education of the National Research Council,
gathered the first national data on the O&P field, which helped establish
guidelines for recruitment and education.
In the early '70s, a guideline for the O&P education coursework essentials, a
universal orthotic-prosthetic terminology, and new occupational titles and
job descriptions were developed. Shortly thereafter, AOPA established the
Business Procedures and Liaison Committee. Government and international
relations also improved during these years.
AOPA extended its interests in the '80s to such areas as insurance, business
education and members' marketing needs. An educational campaign was launched
to teach personnel on Capitol Hill and at the Health Care Financing
Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies
overseeing O&P funding about O&P's value.
These efforts paid off in 1990 when O&P won the right to be considered a
separate field for reimbursement purposes. Other efforts on Capitol Hill
resulted in the signing of HR 3839, which increased funding for O&P schools.
In 1992, AOPA celebrated its 75th anniversary and held its first legislative
conference to educate members about O&P legislative concerns and lobbying
efforts. AOPA saw the beginnings of a national health-care plan and
advocated a strong presence in that plan for O&P in 1993.
Though federal healthcare reform rested on the backburner in 1995, AOPA
continued to work with HCFA to reform reimbursement policy. AOPA teamed up
with DMERC medical directors to eliminate CMNs for AFOs and KAFOs and joined
other groups in the struggle to convince the Veterans' Administration to
reverse its policy and pay for total contact and alignable systems. AOPA
increased grassroots efforts to influence legislative policy. Additionally a
series of coding seminars were held to help practitioners improve coding
accuracy and consistency.
The dormant state of healthcare reform did not deter AOPA from visiting
Capitol Hill either. Staff members presented O&P's reimbursement
recommendations to key senators and representatives, emphasizing the
difference between O&P care and DME practices and the need for adequate
reimbursement.
In addition, AOPA gathered and disseminated much requested information to
its members. The updated Illustrated Guide to Orthotics and Prosthetics
affords readers a listing of new L-codes as well as improved illustrations.
Managed-care brochures, emphasizing the cost effectiveness of O&P care and
the value of ABC certification/accreditation, also hit the shelves in 1995.
At the annual AOPA meeting in San Antonio, the Auxiliary raffle raised
$4,000 to support several O&P priorities: the Little League Challenger
Division, the O&P Athletic Fund and the O&P PAC.
As 1996 gets underway, AOPA will continue monitoring developments in
healthcare and managed care with particular focus on the inclusion of O&P
services within the 1996 Federal Budget Proposal.
WARTIME BEGINNINGS
SETTING CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
EDUCATING PRACTITIONERS
AOPA EXPANDS AREAS OF INTEREST
1995 REVISITED
Back to the Compendium Index