Navigating Change: Five Business Challenges O&P Practitioners Face in 2024

Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) practitioners play a vital role in increasing the quality of life for individuals with limb disabilities or loss. However, the business landscape for O&P professionals is constantly evolving, presenting a new set of challenges in 2024. From technological advancements to changing regulations, O&P practitioners are facing several business challenges that present an opportunity to grow. But survival in times of change will require adaptability and innovation.
Challenge #1 – Technological Advancements One of the primary challenges O&P practitioners face in 2024 is keeping up with the rapid pace of technological advancements. As 3D printing , artificial intelligence , and advanced materials become more integrated into the field, O&P practitioners must invest in ongoing training and education to remain competitive. Additionally, integrating these technologies into their practices requires substantial initial investments, which can be a financial burden for smaller O&P clinics.
Solution: To overcome this challenge, practitioners can explore partnerships with technology providers, attend relevant conferences and workshops, and consider seeking financial support through grants or subsidies to facilitate the adoption of these technologies.
Challenge #2 – Evolving Regulatory Environment The regulatory landscape for healthcare providers, including O&P practitioners, is continually changing . Compliance with regulations, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and Medicare/Medicaid guidelines, is crucial. Non-compliance can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. Keeping up with these evolving regulations and ensuring the highest standards of patient care can be daunting.

Solution: To navigate the complex regulatory environment, O&P practitioners should establish robust compliance programs, invest in staff training, and stay updated on changes through professional associations, legal counsel, and government resources.
Challenge # 3 – Reimbursement Challenges
In 2024, reimbursement challenges continue to plague O&P practitioners. Insurance companies are increasingly scrutinizing claims, leading to more denials and delays in payments. This can put a financial strain on O&P practices, especially smaller ones with limited resources to manage these billing complexities.
Solution: O&P practitioners can address this challenge by investing in billing and coding expertise, streamlining their billing processes, and ensuring accurate documentation. They should also diversify their revenue streams by offering cash-pay services and exploring partnerships with insurance companies.

Challenge #4 – Market Competition
The O&P industry is becoming more competitive, with larger corporate chains expanding their reach and local practitioners vying for the same pool of patients. This increased competition can make it challenging for smaller O&P practices to thrive and grow.
Solution: To remain competitive, O&P practitioners should focus on their unique strengths, provide exceptional patient care, and build strong relationships with referral sources, such as physicians and physical therapists. Differentiating themselves through specialized services and personalized care can help them stand out in a crowded market.

Challenge #5 – Patient Expectations
In 2024, patient expectations are higher than ever. Patients expect faster turnaround times, custom solutions, and a seamless experience throughout their treatment journey. Meeting these expectations while maintaining high-quality care can be demanding.
Solution: O&P practitioners should invest in efficient workflow processes, improve communication with patients, and leverage technology to streamline administrative tasks. Providing personalized care plans and actively seeking patient feedback can also help meet and exceed patient expectations.

While O&P practitioners face several business challenges in 2024, they also have opportunities for growth and innovation. By staying adaptable, investing in education and technology, and focusing on patient-centered care, O&P practitioners can overcome these challenges and continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with limb disabilities. The O&P industry may be evolving, but with the right strategies and dedication, practitioners can thrive in this changing landscape.
Which of these challenges are you feeling most deeply impacted by?

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Nymbl Appoints Josh Davidson as Chief Technology Officer

By Katie Lachey • July 15, 2025

Nymbl, the leading healthcare technology firm transforming practice management for DMEPOS providers, today announced the appointment of Josh Davidson as Chief Technology Officer. Josh will oversee the expansion of Nymbl's tech stack and drive innovation with a focus on scalable, secure solutions that enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Josh brings over two decades of hands-on leadership in healthcare IT, software engineering, and SaaS product development. He has deep experience working with specialty EHR and practice management systems and understands how critical reliable, supportive technology is to delivering better outcomes in healthcare. Throughout his career, he has led modernization efforts across cloud infrastructure, driven platform scalability, and championed system resilience to support long-term growth in complex, regulated environments. "I've spent my career building technology that healthcare teams can count on," said Davidson. "Nymbl is solving real problems for providers, and I'm excited to help scale a platform that's built to support both growth and reliability." As CTO, Davidson will drive technology strategy, lead engineering and product teams, and strengthen Nymbl's roadmap for integrations, data analytics, and interoperability. His leadership will help modernize workflows and enable smarter, faster billing processes for customers. "Nymbl is entering its next growth phase, and I couldn't be more excited to welcome our new CTO," said Josh Lau, CEO and Founder. "His experience scaling SaaS platforms in regulated environments and focus on quality and performance is exactly what we need to deepen our impact in orthotics, prosthetics, and DMEPOS care." Nymbl Systems delivers better business outcomes for those who enable better health and mobility through an agile, purpose-built software platform that automates workflows and accelerates time to revenue. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the Nymbl team works with hundreds of O&P, CRT, and HME providers. To learn more about Nymbl, visit www.nymblsystems.com .

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Nymbl Systems Appoints Former IBM Security and Protenus CFO Brian Holtmeier as Chief Financial Officer

By Katie Lachey • June 19, 2025

Nymbl Systems, a leading provider of cloud-based practice management software for orthotics and prosthetics (O&P), complex rehabilitation technology (CRT), and home medical equipment (HME) providers, today announced the appointment of Brian Holtmeier as Chief Financial Officer. Holtmeier brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience across enterprise and emerging growth companies, including his recent role as CFO of Protenus, a healthcare compliance analytics company. While at Protenus, he led the company through its Series C and D fundraising rounds and a successful acquisition by Bluesight in early 2024. Prior to that, he spent over 15 years at IBM, where he served as CFO of the Security Systems business unit and the acquired marketing automation firm, Silverpop. “Brian’s experience driving financial strategy and scaling infrastructure at the intersection of healthcare and technology makes him an ideal fit for Nymbl,” said Josh Lau, founder and CEO of Nymbl Systems. “Beyond finance and accounting, Brian brings deep operational expertise spanning legal, compliance, IT, and people operations—critical areas as we continue to grow and serve more providers nationwide.” The announcement comes on the heels of Nymbl’s recent strategic investment from Frontier Growth and Tamarind Hill, positioning the company to accelerate innovation, scale operations, and expand its leadership in the O&P, CRT, and HME markets. Nymbl’s cloud-based software leverages modern technology—including AI—to automate key workflows like clinical documentation, patient intake, purchase ordering, and revenue cycle management. Trusted by hundreds of providers across the U.S., Nymbl helps practices streamline operations, increase efficiency, and improve patient care. "Joining Nymbl at this stage is an exciting opportunity to help scale a company that’s truly changing how specialized healthcare practices operate," said Holtmeier. "The team has built something impressive — modern technology, a strong customer base, and a clear sense of purpose. I’m eager to support its continued growth and help deepen our financial and operational foundation as we move into the next chapter."