OPGA and VGM Government Relations Attend the Inaugural Rocky Mountain Orthotics and Prosthetics Conference

Published in Government Relations on September 28, 2022

The first ever Rocky Mountain Orthotics and Prosthetics Conference took place in Denver, CO, on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. There were over 40 attendees that came from around the state of Colorado with a strong interest in forming an orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) state association.  

Tom Speaking

Tom Powers of VGM Government Relations and Denise Doyle of Orthotics & Prosthetics Group of America (OPGA) attended this event as representatives of OPGA, the orthotics, and prosthetics division of VGM & Associates, to help educate attendees on how to advocate for O&P. 

The conference featured multiple opportunities for attendees to network with the over 20 suppliers that were there. While he was there, Powers gave a presentation on advocacy and how to have conversations with members of Congress. He also gave advice on how to run congressional meetings once you have them. 

“The event went great. There was great networking, and the opportunity is there for a great O&P state association to form,” said Powers. “The first meetings with congressional members can be scary, and that is why VGM Government Relations is an important asset because we are there to help coach everyone through these meetings.” 

Group

The conference featured Craig Towler as a keynote speaker, who spoke on his story of advocacy. Other speakers included representatives from Össur, Amparo Prosthetics, Fillauer, and many more. The conference was then wrapped up by a happy hour and display, hosted by VGM and OPGA. Overall, it was a momentous day of educating on O&P advocacy in Colorado. 

From Our Experts

BREAKING NEWS: Big Win For DME Industry in North Carolina thumbnail BREAKING NEWS: Big Win For DME Industry in North Carolina Congratulations to ACMESA on the passage of a Medicaid funding bill, which provides important stability for DMEPOS providers and the patients they serve. Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. thumbnail Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. During the upcoming NCART/iNRRTS U.S. Rehab Legislative Conference, NCART and U.S. Rehab will host a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Product Expo on May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C. This Expo is a valuable opportunity for members of Congress and their staff to see firsthand how CRT products impact independence, mobility, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers thumbnail Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers CMS released a new FAQ clarifying that small DMEPOS suppliers may form networks to collectively meet licensure, accreditation, and enrollment requirements for the next round of the Competitive Bidding Program. This guidance creates a new pathway for small suppliers to compete, with additional education and networking support available through VGM initiatives. VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities thumbnail VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities VGM Group continues to underscore the effectiveness and efficiency of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) industry and its critical role across the healthcare continuum. The services and support provided by DMEPOS suppliers not only enhance patient outcomes and strengthen community health, but do so in a cost-effective manner that delivers meaningful savings to the healthcare system. Thank You for Attending ‘What's Ahead for the DME Industry'. Recording Now Available. thumbnail Thank You for Attending ‘What's Ahead for the DME Industry'. Recording Now Available. Thank you for joining VGM Group's Ike Isaacson and AAHomecare's Jay Witter legislative update webinar. With significant movement at the federal level, we appreciated the opportunity to share the latest developments, emerging challenges, and what suppliers should be watching right now. WEBINAR: Current Legislative Update – What's Ahead for the DME Industry thumbnail WEBINAR: Current Legislative Update – What's Ahead for the DME Industry Join VGM Group's Ike Isaacson and AAHomecare's Jay Witter for a timely legislative update on the issues shaping the DME industry. With significant movement at the federal level, this session will break down the latest developments, emerging challenges, and what suppliers should be watching right now. Meet the Candidates: Rob Sand, Iowa State Auditor and Gubernatorial Candidate, Visits VGM thumbnail Meet the Candidates: Rob Sand, Iowa State Auditor and Gubernatorial Candidate, Visits VGM On Thursday, April 16, VGM Group welcomed Iowa State Auditor and gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand to its headquarters as part of VGM's Meet the Candidates series. VGM Government Relations Participates in the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership's (IA-CEO) Day at the Capitol thumbnail VGM Government Relations Participates in the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership's (IA-CEO) Day at the Capitol Alongside Amber Brauner, VGM Group's Compensation and Retirement Director, Adam Miller, Vice President of VGM Government Relations, joined numerous employee owners and advocates from employee-owned businesses (ESOPs) across Iowa for a panel discussion with several state legislators and Iowa's Lieutenant Governor.