AAPM&R is leading the advancement of physiatry’s impact throughout healthcare as aligned with YOUR vision for the specialty. We are focused on BOLDLY advancing the future of PM&R by positioning the specialty, and individual PM&R physicians, to thrive in the evolving healthcare environment. With the help of our dedicated volunteers, we have been hard at work defining, defending and promoting the specialty through various initiatives.
Leading PM&R Reimbursement Advocacy Efforts
- Urged Congress to mitigate the conversion factor payment cuts scheduled to take effect January 1, 2023. Comprehensive Medicare physician payment reform remains a key area of advocacy for AAPM&R in 2023.
- Published AAPM&R’s Principles for Alternative Payment Models, which will be used to help guide essential advocacy and knowledge building for members and as a tool when demonstrating how PM&R can successfully contribute to value-based care initiatives.
Alleviating Administrative Burden
- Advocated for the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (S. 3018/H.R. 3173), which would help protect patients from unnecessary delays in care by streamlining and standardizing prior authorization under the Medicare Advantage program, providing much-needed oversight and transparency of health insurance for America’s seniors.
- Joined the Regulatory Relief Coalition (RRC) in 2022 and made great strides in advancing this prior authorization legislation throughout the year. We will work with the RRC to reintroduce this legislation in 2023.
- Advocated for the Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2022, which would restore physician judgment in inpatient rehabilitation facility care and preserve expanded access to skilled rehabilitation therapies for Medicare patients.
- We are currently participating in a tri-organizational workgroup to help identify and inform the development of interventions to reduce burnout and improve professional fulfillment among Academy members.
Fighting Scope of Practice Concerns
- Published a position statement opposing direct access to physical therapy. For patients to receive the most thorough and appropriately designed treatment plan, a physician’s diagnosis should be required before patients receive physical therapy.
- Worked on developing consensus standards for the qualifications of rehabilitation physicians and medical directors in IRFs.
- Released call to action campaigns for members to oppose state legislation seeking to inappropriately expand the scope of practice for nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
The Annual Assembly is physiatry’s premier educational and networking event, where PM&R physicians come together to improve their clinical and practice skills, participate in hands-on training, present research and reconnect with colleagues old and new! After three years away, we met in-person in Baltimore for 4+ days of education, networking and fun. For those who couldn’t travel, we offered a virtual participation option and many of you joined online!
Together, you united with your PM&R community to connect, learn and grow. Your energy, spirit and collaboration were on full display as we advanced the specialty together throughout October.
Our Inclusion and Engagement Committee is committed to understanding members better and fostering an inclusive environment. Below is a summary offering insights into AAPM&R membership data as of December 2022.
Find additional member insights here, including Primary Practice Setting and Race/Ethnicity.
Review the Academy's Fiscal Health:
Member dues support a variety of strategic priorities and initiatives—all designed to advance the specialty and the patients you serve!
Members, view additional information regarding the fiscal state of the Academy.