AABCP forecasts 'good year'
By Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
Updated Fri December 28, 2012
HOUSTON - After a period of declining membership, the American Association of Breast Care Professionals (AABCP) says things started to turn around in 2012.
The seven-year-old association, which represents individual and HME-based post-mastectomy fitters, saw its membership drop by nearly 20% in 2011, some of which Executive Director Rhonda Turner attributes to issues that included accreditation and certification changes.
“I think people were burned out and didn't have the time, energy or financial resources,” said Turner. “This year, we are seeing people that are coming back in, that are more active. They are saying, 'What do we do? How do we do it?'”
Membership was near 1,000 in 2011; it now stands at about 800, she said.
Looking forward to 2013, AABCP plans to ramp up its education and training to include compliance “boot camp” sessions in each of the DME MAC jurisdictions, on-site training and advocacy updates, and a slate of seminars on topics such as business operations and advanced fitting that will be eligible for CEUs.
Turner's most ambitious endeavor is AABCP's first national show. The AABCP Symposium & Mastectomy Exhibition is a four-day event slated for sometime in the fall in Austin, Texas.
“We feel that it's time,” she said. “We are hoping to expand on what's out there and sticking with education, advocacy and options for women. We are looking forward to a very good year.”
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