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Practice Analysis of ABC Certified Orthotic Fitters

January 2019

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Highlights of Results Related to Qualitative Responses

Each respondent was given the opportunity to respond to a series of five open-ended questions regarding the orthotic fitter profession in general and aspects of their own work life in particular. Brief synopses of the most common responses to each question are provided below.

1. In the next three years, what changes in the profession do you think will occur with regard to reimbursement? The most common responses were:

  • Reimbursement levels will decrease

  • Hopefully levels will go up

  • Medicare and Medicaid will have more stringent documentation requirements

  • There will be more stringent guidelines to obtain reimbursement from insurance

    companies

  • Fewer items will be reimbursed; codes will be eliminated

  • Off-the-shelf items will not be covered by reimbursement plans

2. In the next three years, what changes in the profession do you think will occur with regard to credentialing (licensure, certification)? The most common responses were:

  • Requirements will be stricter and more demanding

  • There will be more education requirements

  • More certification required to obtain reimbursement

  • Higher standards

  • More continuing education will be required to maintain certification

  • Requirements will remain the same

  • It is a positive thing that certification and/or licensing requirements will be more rigorous

3. In the next three years, how will your professional status change? The most common responses were:

  • Will attain additional credentials; working toward CO or C.Ped

  • Will remain certified; no change; stay the same

  • Will take on more job duties without a change in title or professional status

4. In the next three years, what changes in the profession do you think will occur with regard to expansion into diabetic/wound care? The most common responses were:

  • Will need more knowledge or training to do this

  • Diabetic patient population is increasing, so will be required to do this

  • There are possible problems with expanding into this area as many patients have severe problems and are impossible or difficult to treat

  • Do not intend to expand into this area

5. Describe your thoughts on the availability of continuing education in your profession. The most common responses were:

  • Answers to this question depend heavily on location

-  Not available locally; too much travel required

-  Readily available

  • Cost factors limit participation–too expensive to travel and courses too expensive

  • Need more online courses

  • Need more hands-on classes

  • Need more training in Off-the-shelf

  • Available training more geared to CO level; need more at the fitter level

  • Manufacturer sponsored training available