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A public service of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics |
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OandPCARE.org > Payers & Regulators > Facts & Stats |
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Facts & Stats |
What is Orthotics and Prosthetics?Orthotics and Prosthetics is an allied health profession that provides evaluation, fabrication and custom fitting of artificial limbs and orthopedic braces. O&P Professionals are specialists within the rehabilitation or care team for patients with disabling conditions. Who Provides O&P Care?The profession includes O&P practitioners, technicians and assisting professionals all of who are specifically trained in O&P. While it is not unusual for allied health professionals to cross-train (for example many prosthetists/orthotists are often involved in physical or occupational therapy), it is critical to note that there is specific training and education, as well as professional certification, for qualified O&P providers. An O&P Practitioner is an allied health professional who provides comprehensive orthotic and prosthetic care, including patient assessment, formulation of a treatment plan, implementation of the treatment plan, follow-up, and practice management. Orthotists evaluate and design orthoses (braces), and fit those needing protective support or correction due to muscle /bone impairment, disease or deformity. They work to restore mobility to the patient and to prevent or limit disability. Prosthetists evaluate, design, and fabricate prostheses (artificial limbs). They work with those who have amputations due to accidents, congenital birth problems, or disabling diseases, restoring physiological function and/or cosmesis. Assisting Professionals include those that fabricate, repair and maintain orthoses/prostheses as well as those who assist in fitting and in patient care. 
Who is Served by the O&P Market?More than 35 million (1 in 8) have disabling conditions that interfere with life activities and 16 percent of those individuals reported an orthopedic impairment. In 1990, more than 3.5 million persons in the U.S. were using some kind of orthosis, more than a 100 percent increase since 1980. By 2020, research predicts the demand for provider services is expected to increase by 25 percent for orthotic care and 47 percent for prosthetic care. * Based on the National Health Interview Survey (Nielsen, May 2002) & Issues Affecting the Future Demand for Orthotists and Prosthetists (Caroline Nielsen PhD, May 2002).
How Many O&P Professionals Serve this Market?There is no central source on the number of professionals or facilities, however the oldest and largest credentialing body, the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC), has issued credentials to more than 5,000 patient care practitioners, 2,800 assisting professionals, and 1,250 patient care facilities in the US (March 2005).
Who Regulates this Market?Unlike many other health professions, there is not one regulatory body or national standard. Therefore, individual states are left to pursue licensure independent of federal regulation. As licensure is limited to only 8 states, the profession itself has established credentialing programs to provide an independent standard of competency for practitioners and facilities.
Who to Contact for More InformationThe O&P profession is represented by a number of non-profit organizations: American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc. (ABC), established in 1948, is a national certifying and accrediting body for the orthotic and prosthetic profession. American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) is the pre-eminent professional organization whose mission is to promote high standards of patient care through advocacy, education, and literature & research. American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is the national trade association committed to providing high quality, unprecedented business services and products to O&P professionals. National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) is the accreditation body for the O&P profession, with a primary mission to develop O&P education and residency standards.
Media ContactThomas Derrick, or 703-836-7114, ext. 224. |
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OandPCARE.org > Payers & Regulators > Facts & Stats |
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