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BYRON
L. DORGAN United States Senate NORTH
DAKOTA WASHINGTON,
DC 20510-3405 713
HART BUILDING September 23, 1998 WASHINGTON.
DC 20510 3405 (202)224-2551
(202)224-9378 TTD COMMITTEES. APPROPRIATIONS COMMERCE.
SCIENCE & TRANSPORTATION ENERGY
& NATURAL RESOURCES INDIAN
AFFAIRS ASSISTANT
DEMOCRATIC FLOOR LEADER Joni
Van Dyke 15124
Watergate Rd Silver
Spring, MD 20905 Dear
Joni: Thank you for contacting me with your
continuing concerns about the orthotic and prosthetic industry. I'm sorry to
hear from my staff that you are continuing to have problems with your
prosthesis. As you may know, Congress has given the
orthotics and prosthetics industries some attention recently, particularly
with regard to the devices and care they provide to Medicare beneficiaries.
For instance, the report accompanying the 1999 Labor, Health and Human
Services Appropriations bill includes language expressing concern about the
link between orthotics and prosthetics provider quality and appropriate billing
of Medicare. This language encourages Medicare to adopt training standards
for Medicare providers of orthotics and prosthetics. I've enclosed a copy of
this language for your review. It is my hope and belief that raising the
quality standards for Medicare beneficiaries, who represent a large portion
of the medical device market, will also result in better care for those who receive
their orthotics and prosthetics through private insurance. You may also be interested to know that
the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the federal office charged with
investigating Medicare fraud, has conducted a study of the orthotics and
prosthetics industry. I've included a summary of this report for your
consideration. As you'll see, the OIG used a variety of methods in conducting
its review, including a survey of Medicare beneficiaries. I hope you find this information
interesting and helpful. Thanks again for contacting me. Sincerely, Byron
L U.S. Senator BLD:smm
Enclosures PRINTED
ON RECYCLED PAPER |
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