American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association

08/08/2026

Congratulations to all who participated in So Every Body Can Move’s 3rd Annual , incredible results!

08/07/2026

Please take a minute to hear directly from AOPA Executive Director Teri Kuffel, JD as she shares why this year's National Assembly is especially meaningful and why she hopes to see you there.

From September 9-12 in Las Vegas, O&P professionals from around the world will come together to learn, connect, and inspire one another at AOPA’s 2026 National Assembly.

Here are some highlights:
- 35+ CE credits
- Five education tracks
- Keynote by Dr. Hugh Herr
- Hundreds of exhibitors
- Hands-on learning experiences
- Engaging networking opportunities

And new this year: Night of Impact, an unforgettable evening celebrating the future of mobility care through advocacy, research, education, and innovation.

To learn more about the 2026 National Assembly and to register, visit www.AOPAassembly.org

We hope to see you in Vegas in September!

08/05/2026

Collaboration is one of the greatest strengths of the O&P profession!

Earlier this week, AOPA was pleased to join our colleagues from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC), the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE), and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) in hosting National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP) Fellow Elijah Brummond and NAAOP General Counsel Peter Thomas, JD for lunch and an opportunity to learn more about each of the organizations that work together to support and advance the profession.

As Elijah's fellowship comes to a close this week, we want to thank him for his hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm throughout the summer. His passion for advocacy and improving access to care has made a lasting impression, and it has been a pleasure getting to know him.

We can't wait to see what comes next and while we're certainly hoping it includes a future in O&P, we know one thing for sure…his future is bright.

Thank you, Elijah, and best of luck with your next chapter!

08/04/2026

Are you confident your organization is meeting all 30 Medicare Supplier Standards?

Failure to comply can put your Medicare billing privileges and your business at risk.

Join AOPA on Wednesday, August 19, from Noon - 1pm ET for Medicare Supplier Standards: Compliance Is Not an Option and gain practical strategies to help your organization stay compliant and reduce risk.

1 CE Credit
FREE for AOPA Members or $49 for Non-Members
Live via Zoom

Hear from AOPA experts Joe McTernan and Devon Bernard, along with compliance specialists Dana Glover and Michelle Wullstein of O&P Insight, as they discuss Medicare's current Supplier Standards, common compliance pitfalls, and steps you can take to protect your organization.

Whether you're a business owner, practice manager, billing professional, compliance officer, administrator, or clinician, this webinar will help you stay informed and prepared.

Register today https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qJS1l4LNQemO0WETFbISTQ

08/01/2026

Congratulations to Live in Motion Foundation’s 2026 Spring Mentored Pilot Research Grants recipients!

These grants support early-career researchers and emerging investigators as they complete clinically relevant research projects in orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics under the guidance of experienced mentors.

This program aims to strengthen research skills, foster meaningful mentorship, and generate evidence that can improve patient care and support future research opportunities.

07/31/2026

Important CMS Updates: CMS has expanded its O&P Prior Authorization Program and added new codes requiring Face-to-Face Encounters and Written Orders Prior to Delivery, with changes beginning October 28, 2026.

These updates affect several spinal, knee, ankle-foot, and upper extremity orthoses, with prior authorization for certain upper extremity codes rolling out in phases through 2027.

AOPA encourages providers to review these changes now to ensure compliance.

Read our latest announcement for all the details: https://aopanet.org/three-important-updates-from-cms/

07/30/2026

Strong clinical skills are essential. Strong business skills can set you apart.

The newly reimagined AOPA/IIOP Business Certificate Program launched exclusively for AOPA members in partnership with the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics (IIOP) provides the practical business skills needed to thrive in today's O&P environment. Whether you're leading a practice, managing a team, or preparing for the next step in your career, this flexible online program was built specifically for O&P professionals.

- Learn at your own pace
- Courses are built around four pillars: finance, management, operations, and sales & marketing. Successful graduates must take one core course and one elective course from each pillar and successful completion of the assessment at the end with an 80% or higher.
- Earn CE credits, a professional certificate, a digital badge, and recognition at the AOPA National Assembly
- AOPA members can complete the entire program for just $800, with AOPA electives included at no additional cost (excluding the Coding & Billing Seminar)

Fall semester begins August 24.

Take a few minutes to watch a short welcome video to learn more.

For more information, to join the Virtual Open House on August 10 to get all the details and get your questions answered visit as well as to enroll visit https://aopanet.org/education-ce/certificate-in-op-business-management/

07/29/2026

Time is running out to register!

Coding and billing rules continue to evolve...make sure you're learning from the experts who help shape O&P reimbursement.

Join Joe McTernan, Devon Bernard, Jonathan Naft, CPO, and Lesleigh Sisson, CFo, CFm for AOPA's Virtual Coding & Billing Seminar next Monday and Tuesday. August 3–4 (Noon–4:00 p.m. ET both days).

Over two interactive half-day sessions, you'll gain practical strategies to:
- Navigate the latest coding and reimbursement changes
- Improve compliance and reduce billing challenges
- Get answers to your real-world coding and billing questions
- Earn 8.25 CE credits

Whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen your expertise, you'll leave with actionable insights you can put to work immediately.

AOPA Members: $359 | Non-Members: $469

Register today to build or fine tune your coding and billing skills: https://aopahub.aopanet.org/events/event-registration/?id=ea63a93f-8c5e-f111-89e7-6045bdc00a3b

Stay ahead of the latest coding, billing, and reimbursement changes impacting O&P practices.

Join AOPA’s reimbursement experts August 3–4 from Noon to 4pm ET both days for the Virtual Coding and Billing Seminar and gain practical strategies to strengthen compliance, reduce denials, navigate audits, and protect your revenue.

Topics include:
- HCPCS coding updates and reimbursement changes
- Medicare audits, appeals, and documentation requirements
- Prior authorization and competitive bidding
- Coding and billing best practices
- Revenue protection and operational efficiency strategies

Plus, earn up to 8.25 CE credits upon successful completion of the seminar and quiz.

Whether you're new to O&P billing or a seasoned professional, this seminar delivers actionable insights you can put to work immediately.

Register today https://ow.ly/mBGl50ZgqkP

07/27/2026

AOPA President Kimberly Hanson had the opportunity to speak at the Florida Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists - FAOP Annual Conference last week.

She thanks FAOP for bringing together leaders who are passionate about strengthening patient access and advancing the future of O&P.

She was honored to join Maggie Baumer, JD, EMBA, Leader of Enterprise Patient Advocacy for Hanger, and Megan Fay, Partner at Capital City Consulting, for a keynote panel discussion on the current state and future of advocacy and reimbursement in the O&P profession.

A special thank you to FAOP President Greg Bauer for leading a thoughtful and focused discussion around the advocacy work taking place in Tallahassee and the ongoing efforts to improve access to care for O&P patients throughout Florida.

The conversation highlighted Florida’s recent success in securing an additional $3 million in funding to improve reimbursement rates for 62 O&P HCPCS codes within the Medicaid fee schedule, as well as the continued momentum behind So Every BODY Can Move and other advocacy initiatives designed to expand access to mobility and advanced O&P care.

Most importantly, the panel discussed the tremendous dedication of FAOP members and the many organizations working together to advance our profession. These efforts are helping educate policymakers about the value of O&P services while highlighting the need for expanded coverage and reimbursement. Florida has made meaningful progress, but there is still important work ahead to ensure patients have access to advanced technologies and providers are appropriately reimbursed for delivering that care.

Kimberly’s hope is that every attendee left with a deeper appreciation for the impact that advocacy can have when our profession speaks with one voice. Meaningful change happens when providers, manufacturers, patient advocates, and professional organizations work together toward a common goal: improving patient access, mobility, and outcomes.

07/26/2026

Today, AOPA proudly recognizes the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that transformed opportunities and accessibility for millions of Americans living with disabilities.

Earlier this week, Executive Director Teri Kuffel, JD and Senior Director of External Affairs Ashlie White had the honor of attending the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) ADA Celebration alongside our partners from the Amputee Coalition and National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP). With remarks from former Senator Tom Harkin, it was an opportunity to celebrate the progress made over the past 36 years while recognizing the important work still needed.

Together, with our partners and the broader disability community, AOPA is proud to advocate for policies that build upon the ADA’s foundation, expanding access to O&P care, advancing mobility, and ensuring every individual can live an active, independent life.

Today we honor the progress we’ve made and vow to continue to work together toward a more accessible future for all.