CO Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CO facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does the term 'assignment' mean in Medicare orthotic billing? → The provider agrees to accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment
2. Which Medicare benefit category covers most custom orthotic devices for outpatients? → Part B (Medical Insurance)
3. What is the approximate normal cadence for a healthy adult during comfortable walking? → 100–120 steps/min
4. What is the importance of continuing education for CO professionals in Infection Control & Prevention? → Maintaining current knowledge and adapting to industry changes
5. What does residual risk mean in CO practice? → Risk remaining after all controls are implemented
6. Which property of carbon fiber makes it advantageous over polypropylene for energy-storing AFOs? → High stiffness-to-weight ratio with elastic energy return
7. Approximately what percentage of the gait cycle is occupied by the stance phase in normal walking? → 60%
8. Why is accurate documentation critical in orthotic care? → To track clinical outcomes and compliance
9. Why is accurate documentation important in CO? → It supports decision-making, compliance, and legal defensibility
10. In orthotic fabrication, 'posting' refers to: → Wedging the heel or forefoot of an orthosis to alter rearfoot or forefoot alignment
11. What is a key objective during the orthotic fitting appointment? → Ensure proper fit and function
12. Which rivet or fastener type is most appropriate for attaching metal uprights to a leather orthotic foundation to allow articulation? → Chicago screw (sex bolt)
13. Which federal anti-kickback regulation prohibits offering or receiving remuneration to induce referrals for services covered by federal healthcare programs? → Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS)
14. What does the term 'trim lines' refer to in orthotic fabrication? → The cut edges that define the extent and flexibility of a plastic orthosis
15. Under Medicare policy, which documentation is required from the referring physician before a custom orthosis is considered medically necessary and reimbursable? → A written order or prescription specifying the orthotic need
16. When must a claim for a custom orthosis be submitted to Medicare under timely filing requirements? → Within 1 year of the date of service
17. What is evidence-based practice in CO Infection Control & Prevention? → Integrating research evidence with expertise and client needs
18. What is peer review in CO Pharmacology & Medication Management? → Quality evaluation by qualified colleagues for improvement
19. What is the first step in CO risk assessment? → Identifying potential hazards and threats
20. What is a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) in the context of Medicare billing for orthotic devices? → A physician-signed document that establishes medical need for the ordered device
21. Upcoding in orthotic billing — billing for a higher-level device than was actually provided — is prohibited under which federal statute? → The False Claims Act (FCA)
22. What should a CO professional do upon discovering a colleague's unethical conduct? → Report through appropriate channels with proper documentation
23. What is the first step in CO risk assessment? → Identifying potential hazards and threats
24. What is the hierarchy of controls in CO risk management? → Elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, then PPE
25. What is the approximate normal comfortable walking speed for a healthy adult? → 1.0–1.5 m/s
26. Which type of orthotic practice ownership structure offers the most personal liability protection for the owner? → Limited Liability Company (LLC)
27. What is peer review in CO Patient Assessment & Evaluation? → Quality evaluation by qualified colleagues for improvement
28. What is scope creep in CO project management? → Uncontrolled scope expansion without adjusting time, cost, or resources
29. What is the main function of ligaments? → Connect bone to bone
30. What is evidence-based practice in CO Pharmacology & Medication Management? → Integrating research evidence with expertise and client needs