Past Event Recordings
COPA Amputee Rally at The State Capitol, Sacramento
COPA Legislative Day
at California State Capitol
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
On Wednesday, March 20th, COPA hosted a rally on the West Steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento. Over 100 patients with limb loss and limb difference as well as healthcare workers and caregivers were in attendance to urge the California State Legislature and Governor Newsom to support Managed Care Organization (MCO) Tax investment to increase Medi-Cal reimbursement which will improve access to orthotic & prosthetic (O&P) devices.
Chants of “Mobility Saves!” were heard loud and clear throughout the rally. Speakers included COPA President Spencer Greene, CPO; Jim Wilkes with the Amputee Coalition; and hand and upper extremity surgeon Andrew Li, MD. The rally was covered by local NBC affiliate KCRA. Click here to see the piece they did on the rally.
In the afternoon, a small delegation of COPA advocates (Spencer Greene, Trevor Townsend, Linda Collins, Andy May, Luis Mora and several patients) lead by COPA Lobbyist Bryce Docherty, barnstormed the Capitol. They attended eight appointments that afternoon and met with Senate Health Committee Chair Richard Roth (D-Riverside), and staff from the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Riva (D-Hollister) and other key legislative targets on the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees.
Our mantra … “I’m an amputee … Medi-Cal … don’t forget about me!” has been resonating in and around the State Capitol. Our advocacy efforts will only get stronger as we push hard over the next three-months in seeking increased access to O&P devices in the Medi-Cal Program.
A special THANK YOU to all the patients and O&P providers who attended the rally. We could not have done it without you!
COPA WEBINAR
June 21, 2023
All businesses have challenges and opportunities that can be daunting and/or seemingly impossible to conquer. We find so often the barrier to solving the big things in business and in life is our ‘Mindset’, which is inherently limited by our individual experiences, both positive and negative. By unlocking an ‘Innovation Mindset’ in ourselves, our teams, and ultimately our organization, new superpowers emerge. What problems would you most like to solve? What opportunities would you most like to capture? What ‘superpowers’ in yourself and your organization would you like to identify and unlock? Join Jimmy as he takes you through the approach that he’s practiced throughout his career in product development, problem-solving, building organizations, and leading teams. Jimmy will inspire you through his talk, and bring you out of your comfort zone and into the Innovation Mindset.
Presented by:
Jimmy Capra,
Founder and CEO, Click Medical
Jimmy Capra, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Click Medical had a vision: To change the lives of millions of people with disabilities around the globe through prosthetic and orthotic adjustability. He has focused on innovative products and business solutions throughout his career. He is a true innovator who loves to challenge the status quo and work with people to find new ideas and solutions that solve problems. Through this approach, he has positioned Click as a global brand and an industry leader.
COPA WEBINAR
March 23, 2023
What is “LEAN” or the “Toyota Production System”? What motivated us to move in this direction?
In this presentation, Dave Hughes will define what is “Lean” and cover “Lean” principles in clinical, fabrication, as well office systems. We will discuss implementation and show examples of “Lean” in P & O to control inventory and create standard work with continuous improvement.
Learn how “Lean” principles can be applied to improve our workplace efficiency.
Dave Hughes graduated from the University of Washington School of Prosthetics and Orthotics in 1984. Dave is a partner/clinician with Cornerstone P & O Inc. as well as a partner and clinical advisor with Fabtech Systems LLC. He is an adjunct lecturer for the UW School of P & O with a keen interest in Lean Manufacturing principles and has done many lectures on advanced Carbon Bracing. He specializes in all types of prosthetic and orthotic patient care. Dave began his “Lean” journey in 2000 training with consultants and making two trips to Japan, in 2001 and 2004, to study “The Toyota Production System” as well as other “Lean” companies. Dave was awarded the 2019 Distinguished Practitioner Award by the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists.
COPA WEBINAR
September 13, 2022
What is “LEAN” or the “Toyota Production System”? What motivated us to move in this direction?
In this presentation, Dave Hughes will define what is “Lean” and cover “Lean” principles in clinical, fabrication, as well office systems. We will discuss implementation and show examples of “Lean” in P & O to control inventory and create standard work with continuous improvement.
Learn how “Lean” principles can be applied to improve our workplace efficiency.
Dave Hughes graduated from the University of Washington School of Prosthetics and Orthotics in 1984. Dave is a partner/clinician with Cornerstone P & O Inc. as well as a partner and clinical advisor with Fabtech Systems LLC. He is an adjunct lecturer for the UW School of P & O with a keen interest in Lean Manufacturing principles and has done many lectures on advanced Carbon Bracing. He specializes in all types of prosthetic and orthotic patient care. Dave began his “Lean” journey in 2000 training with consultants and making two trips to Japan, in 2001 and 2004, to study “The Toyota Production System” as well as other “Lean” companies. Dave was awarded the 2019 Distinguished Practitioner Award by the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists.
COPA WEBINAR
June 22, 2022
“Until now, there has been little evidence on effective clinical practices and technologies in this field,” says Kenton Kaufman, PH.D., a Mayo Clinic researcher and head of the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry project. “This data repository is being hailed as the first national registry of its kind, geographically and demographically providing data that will improve prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts for this population.”
Join us to learn more on how the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry addresses the public health knowledge gap, how data can be analyzed by age, gender, type of limb loss or preservation surgery and prosthetic device. How does it impact the rehabilitation approaches and guide improvement of devices for people with limb loss.
Presented by
KENTON KAUFMAN, PH.D.
Professor, Orthopedic Surgery
at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
COPA WEBINAR
May 12, 2022
Learn about COPA’s e orts in AB 1892 bill which is now making its way to a vote of the full Assembly and about COPA’s continuing endeavor to increase O&P Medi-Cal Reimbursement through the State Budget. With today’s challenging healthcare environment, you do not want to miss all the legislative updates that Bryce will be sharing with you.
Presented by:
BRYCE W.A. DOCHERTY
Founder & CEO of TDG Strategies, LLC.
COPA WEBINAR
January 19, 2022
Digitizing your workflow can make positive changes for your clinic but getting started can be overwhelming! Join our panel discussion as we hear from others in the industry on how they’ve digitized their workflow.
Moderator: Fernando Grego, Application Engineer at HP (Hewlett-Packard)
Panelists: Sean McClure, Prosthetics R&D Engineer & Director at Quorum Prosthetics;
Diana Hall, President & CEO at ActivArmor;
Antonio Dias, Director of Engineering at Hanger, Inc.
COPA WEBINAR
July 29, 2021
By Bryce W.A. Docherty, Founder & CEO of TDG Strategies, LLC
Over the last two years, COPA has been building a case to increase the Medi-Cal reimbursement rate, something that has not been done in over 25 years. The dwindling access to care for Medi-Cal patients, the abysmal reimbursement rates, and the difficulties of the last year make this cause even more relevant. Bryce Docherty, COPA’s lobbyist, will share the build-up, strategy, and necessary next steps to bring this important change to fruition. Bryce Docherty is the Founder & CEO of TDG Strategies. For over 25 years, Mr. Docherty has represented a vast array of healthcare and medical interests before all areas of state government, including physicians and surgeons, pharmacists, mid-level healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, telehealth disrupters, and health facilities.
Some of Mr. Docherty’s prior representations and involvements include: • Partner at KP Public A airs, one of California’s largest lobbying and public affairs firms. • President & CEO of The Docherty Group, an independent full-service consulting, government relations, and association management firm. • Executive Director of the California Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (COPA). • Adjunct Professor at Touro University. • Associate Director of Government Relations for the California Medical Association. • Legislative advocate for the Michigan State Medical Society. • Director of Government Relations and Assistant Director for other California-based healthcare trade associations and non-profit charitable foundations.
COPA WEBINAR
May 12, 2021
By Kurt Collier, CP, ADJ, CPT, Vice President of Prosthetics for Integrum, University of Maryland Adjunct Faculty
In December 2020, the FDA provided premarket approval of the OPRA™ System (Osseointegrated Prosthesis for Rehabilitation of Amputees) for transfemoral amputees. This presentation helped certifi ed prosthetists understand the di fferences in the various implant systems and gain in-depth knowledge about the OPRA™ System by Integrum. Kurt gave an insightful introduction to essential aspects of the rehab protocol and appropriate prosthetic components to be incorporated within the specific prosthetic devices used within the OPRA™ Protocol.
COPA WEBINAR
March 23, 2021
By Mark J. Higley and Ronda Buhrmester, VGM & Associates Executives
Competitive Bidding is changing the traditional dispensing and billing of OTS knee and spine braces for Medicare patients living in more than 120 Competitive Bid Areas (CBAs) where provider contracts were awarded, as well as in non-metropolitan areas where payment rates have also been adjusted. California is one of the states with significant reductions to OTS payment rates.
Presented by: VGM executives Mark J. Higley and Ronda Buhrmester.
They shared their perspectives and insights about the changes that went into effect in January, 2021.
• How will Competitive Bidding impact O&P clinics and other providers that dispense knee and spine braces to Medicare beneficiaries?
• How will these changes impact the care and products patients receive?
• What is the potential for additional product categories to be added to Competitive Bidding in the future?
COPA WEBINAR
FEBRUARY 9, 2021
By Conal Doyle, Attorney & Founder of Doyle Law, APC
This webinar presented by Conal Doyle, attorney and founder of Doyle Law, AP, a well-known advocate for amputees in bad faith insurance claims focus on: Legal issues related to prosthetic reimbursement with private insurance; What information practitioners need to get from their patients to get paid; and How to be a better advocate for your patients and how to protect yourself as a practitioner.
COPA WEBINAR
NOVEMBER 18, 2020
By Peter W. Thomas, NAAOP’s General Counsel
This webinar will provide a recap of the election results and how that impacts O&P over the next several years, as well as an update on the waterfront of federal O&P and broader health care policy. NAAOP represents the O&P profession in Washington, D.C. by monitoring policies, bills, and rules; educating and informing policymakers and the O&P community.
COPA WEBINAR
JULY 29, 2020
By Barry Smith & Jeremy Smith, Lloyds Capital
This webinar provides members with an understanding of preparing O&P practices for sale and a perspective on valuing the business, the legal aspects of selling, the current state of the market, and a shoebox of topics should members be considering selling.
COPA WEBINAR
JUNE 24, 2020
By Mahesh Mansukhani is currently CEO of WillowWood
The webinar will provide perspective on why manufacturers are getting into patient care, where they are in their cycle of acquisitions, and what this means for COPA members in the day-to-day running of their clinics as well as “exit strategies”, should members be considering selling.
COPA WEBINAR
MAY 5, 2020
By Joe McTernan from AOPA
The webinar will provide updates on issues such as Medicare prior authorization, competitive bidding of certain off-the-shelf orthoses, updates on Medicare audits and policy changes, and a comprehensive review of AOPA resources related to the COVID-19 emergency.
COPA WEBINAR
AUGUST 7, 2019
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to provide the best clinical care and outcomes for your patients, grow your practice, and face any reimbursement challenges that may occur. Presented by Kevin Symms, CO, BOCPO, LPO.
COPA WEBINAR
APRIL 17, 2019
This was a very informative and valuable webinar for all O & P practitioners, from administrators, clinicians to billing. To reach Ashlie White, please email: awhite@aopanet.org.
COPA WEBINAR
OCTOBER, 2018
Presented by Tim Baldwin, MA, ATC, CFO.
COPA WEBINAR
June 22, 2022
“Until now, there has been little evidence on effective clinical practices and technologies in this field,” says Kenton Kaufman, PH.D., a Mayo Clinic researcher and head of the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry project. “This data repository is being hailed as the first national registry of its kind, geographically and demographically providing data that will improve prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts for this population.”
Join us to learn more on how the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry addresses the public health knowledge gap, how data can be analyzed by age, gender, type of limb loss or preservation surgery and prosthetic device. How does it impact the rehabilitation approaches and guide improvement of devices for people with limb loss.
Presented by
KENTON KAUFMAN, PH.D.
Professor, Orthopedic Surgery
at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
COPA WEBINAR
May 12, 2022
Learn about COPA’s e orts in AB 1892 bill which is now making its way to a vote of the full Assembly and about COPA’s continuing endeavor to increase O&P Medi-Cal Reimbursement through the State Budget. With today’s challenging healthcare environment, you do not want to miss all the legislative updates that Bryce will be sharing with you.
Presented by:
BRYCE W.A. DOCHERTY
Founder & CEO of TDG Strategies, LLC.
COPA WEBINAR
January 19, 2022
Digitizing your workflow can make positive changes for your clinic but getting started can be overwhelming! Join our panel discussion as we hear from others in the industry on how they’ve digitized their workflow.
Moderator: Fernando Grego, Application Engineer at HP (Hewlett-Packard)
Panelists: Sean McClure, Prosthetics R&D Engineer & Director at Quorum Prosthetics;
Diana Hall, President & CEO at ActivArmor;
Antonio Dias, Director of Engineering at Hanger, Inc.
COPA WEBINAR
July 29, 2021
By Bryce W.A. Docherty, Founder & CEO of TDG Strategies, LLC
Over the last two years, COPA has been building a case to increase the Medi-Cal reimbursement rate, something that has not been done in over 25 years. The dwindling access to care for Medi-Cal patients, the abysmal reimbursement rates, and the difficulties of the last year make this cause even more relevant. Bryce Docherty, COPA’s lobbyist, will share the build-up, strategy, and necessary next steps to bring this important change to fruition. Bryce Docherty is the Founder & CEO of TDG Strategies. For over 25 years, Mr. Docherty has represented a vast array of healthcare and medical interests before all areas of state government, including physicians and surgeons, pharmacists, mid-level healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, telehealth disrupters, and health facilities.
Some of Mr. Docherty’s prior representations and involvements include: • Partner at KP Public A airs, one of California’s largest lobbying and public affairs firms. • President & CEO of The Docherty Group, an independent full-service consulting, government relations, and association management firm. • Executive Director of the California Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (COPA). • Adjunct Professor at Touro University. • Associate Director of Government Relations for the California Medical Association. • Legislative advocate for the Michigan State Medical Society. • Director of Government Relations and Assistant Director for other California-based healthcare trade associations and non-profit charitable foundations.
COPA WEBINAR
May 12, 2021
By Kurt Collier, CP, ADJ, CPT, Vice President of Prosthetics for Integrum, University of Maryland Adjunct Faculty
In December 2020, the FDA provided premarket approval of the OPRA™ System (Osseointegrated Prosthesis for Rehabilitation of Amputees) for transfemoral amputees. This presentation helped certifi ed prosthetists understand the di fferences in the various implant systems and gain in-depth knowledge about the OPRA™ System by Integrum. Kurt gave an insightful introduction to essential aspects of the rehab protocol and appropriate prosthetic components to be incorporated within the specific prosthetic devices used within the OPRA™ Protocol.
COPA WEBINAR
March 23, 2021
By Mark J. Higley and Ronda Buhrmester, VGM & Associates Executives
Competitive Bidding is changing the traditional dispensing and billing of OTS knee and spine braces for Medicare patients living in more than 120 Competitive Bid Areas (CBAs) where provider contracts were awarded, as well as in non-metropolitan areas where payment rates have also been adjusted. California is one of the states with significant reductions to OTS payment rates.
Presented by: VGM executives Mark J. Higley and Ronda Buhrmester.
They shared their perspectives and insights about the changes that went into effect in January, 2021.
• How will Competitive Bidding impact O&P clinics and other providers that dispense knee and spine braces to Medicare beneficiaries?
• How will these changes impact the care and products patients receive?
• What is the potential for additional product categories to be added to Competitive Bidding in the future?
COPA WEBINAR
FEBRUARY 9, 2021
By Conal Doyle, Attorney & Founder of Doyle Law, APC
This webinar presented by Conal Doyle, attorney and founder of Doyle Law, AP, a well-known advocate for amputees in bad faith insurance claims focus on: Legal issues related to prosthetic reimbursement with private insurance; What information practitioners need to get from their patients to get paid; and How to be a better advocate for your patients and how to protect yourself as a practitioner.
COPA WEBINAR
NOVEMBER 18, 2020
By Peter W. Thomas, NAAOP’s General Counsel
This webinar will provide a recap of the election results and how that impacts O&P over the next several years, as well as an update on the waterfront of federal O&P and broader health care policy. NAAOP represents the O&P profession in Washington, D.C. by monitoring policies, bills, and rules; educating and informing policymakers and the O&P community.
COPA WEBINAR
JULY 29, 2020
By Barry Smith & Jeremy Smith, Lloyds Capital
This webinar provides members with an understanding of preparing O&P practices for sale and a perspective on valuing the business, the legal aspects of selling, the current state of the market, and a shoebox of topics should members be considering selling.
COPA WEBINAR
JUNE 24, 2020
By Mahesh Mansukhani is currently CEO of WillowWood
The webinar will provide perspective on why manufacturers are getting into patient care, where they are in their cycle of acquisitions, and what this means for COPA members in the day-to-day running of their clinics as well as “exit strategies”, should members be considering selling.
COPA WEBINAR
MAY 5, 2020
By Joe McTernan from AOPA
The webinar will provide updates on issues such as Medicare prior authorization, competitive bidding of certain off-the-shelf orthoses, updates on Medicare audits and policy changes, and a comprehensive review of AOPA resources related to the COVID-19 emergency.
COPA WEBINAR
AUGUST 7, 2019
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to provide the best clinical care and outcomes for your patients, grow your practice, and face any reimbursement challenges that may occur. Presented by Kevin Symms, CO, BOCPO, LPO.
COPA WEBINAR
APRIL 17, 2019
This was a very informative and valuable webinar for all O & P practitioners, from administrators, clinicians to billing. To reach Ashlie White, please email: awhite@aopanet.org.
COPA WEBINAR
OCTOBER, 2018
Presented by Tim Baldwin, MA, ATC, CFO.