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AAPM&R is where physiatrists come together. Our community has more than 10,000 members who are focused on shaping the future of physiatry. We are a special community of leaders, advocates, innovators and volunteers devoted to the advancement of PM&R across all clinical areas and practice settings. AAPM&R is leading the way in bringing the specialty together and advancing our vision and your future. Have a role in the future of the specialty by joining us in 2023.

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Looking for AAPM&R members in the news? Press releases? Our Academy Action Center? Or looking to submit your members in the news content? You'll find it all in our Newsroom. You will also be able to explore PM&R and Academy news as well as learn how to contact us if you would like to submit your member content, or if you are a reporter who is interested in speaking with a PM&R physician.

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Stay up-to-date on all Academy events and learning opportunities and view recordings of past webinars. 

Long COVID Efforts

We have undertaken comprehensive efforts to support our call for a national plan to address Long COVID. We have created a multidisciplinary collaborative, published six guidance statements (more to come!) and released a Long COVID Dashboard. The Academy and our members have also been featured in 70+ media outlets discussing the value of PM&R physicians in healthcare.

Be PM&R BOLD

Together, the specialty of PM&R boldly discussed its future. Together, we envisioned new practice models and areas of opportunity to expand the impact of our care. Now, it is time to advance; to transition from conversation to action and make the vision for physiatry a reality.

Latest News

Congress Passes COVID-19 Relief Bill and Omnibus Spending Bill

Dec 22, 2020, 12:18 PM by User Not Found

On December 21, Congressional leaders released the text of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, a massive “omnibus” package containing government funding legislation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, a bipartisan agreement on additional COVID-19 response and relief provisions and a broad sampling of other policies. This package has been under consideration for months and is one of the final acts of the 116th Congress, encompassing nearly $2.5 trillion in federal spending.

The House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate voted into the evening and passed the bill by wide bipartisan majorities on December 21. Another continuing resolution was included in the bill to avoid a government shutdown as Congress prepares the final bill for Presidential signature. President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act on December 27, 2020. There were no substantive changes to the bill from the version that was passed by Congress on December 21 and contains government funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2021, a bipartisan agreement on additional COVID-19 response and relief provisions, and a broad sampling of other policies. 

AAPM&R staff and our Washington counsel are reviewing the details of the nearly 5,600-page bill and will provide more information as it becomes available. The full text of the omnibus is available here, and links to summaries and one-page fact sheets regarding the legislation can be found here. Below, please find a brief overview of key provisions impacting physiatrists.

Physician Fee Schedule

  • The omnibus includes a partial “fix” to the provider reimbursement cuts previously scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2021.
    • The bill injects approximately $3 billion into the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for 2021, resulting in an approximate 3.75% increase to all services to mitigate the scheduled cuts. These additional payments will apply only for 2021 and will not result in additional adjustments due to budget neutrality.
    • The bill also delays the implementation of the new “complex patient add-on” code (G2211) for three years (until January 1, 2024). The removal of this code will further reduce the impact of the downward budget neutrality adjustments outlined in the PFS final rule.
  • The bill also includes a temporary delay of Medicare sequestration cuts scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2021. These have been delayed until March 31, 2021.

Paycheck Protection Program/Provider Relief Fund

  • The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), instituted under the CARES Act to provide loans to small businesses, will receive an additional $284 billion in funding. The PPP was also extended through March 31, 2021.
    • The bill provides a “second draw” loan program within the PPP, allowing qualifying small businesses who previously received a PPP loan to receive a second loan with a maximum amount of $2 million. The application process for forgiveness of loans under $150,000 is also significantly simplified.
    • The omnibus also includes language clarifying that recipients do not need to consider forgiven PPP loans as gross taxable income, and that qualifying expenses paid for with PPP funds are, in fact, tax-deductible.
  • The Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program will receive $20 billion in additional funding, specifically targeted for eligible entities in low-income communities. The covered period for these loans was extended through December 31, 2021.
  • The bill also includes an additional $3 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services’ Provider Relief Fund, as well as modifications to the program’s reporting guidelines.

Direct Payments/Unemployment Insurance

  • The omnibus provides for additional direct stimulus checks to most Americans, following largely the same criteria as the checks distributed earlier this year following the CARES Act. Individuals making less than $75,000 will receive $600, with gradual phase-outs for those with higher incomes.
  • The federal enhancement to state and local unemployment insurance (UI) benefits will also return, with the federal government providing an additional $300/week to those qualifying for unemployment. The UI boost will last through March 14, 2021.

Surprise Billing Reform

  • The omnibus includes a long-awaited compromise addressing “surprise” medical billing. Patients will only be required to pay their in-network rate for out-of-network emergency care, ancillary services provided by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and out-of-network care at in-network facilities provided without the patient’s informed consent.
  • Health plans and providers will have a 30-day period to negotiate payments to make up the difference between the in-network rate paid by the patient and the “balance” of the out-of-network bill.
    • After the 30-day period, the plan or provider may elect to move to a binding Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process if an agreement has not been reached.
  • These patient protections also apply to air ambulance services.
  • The surprise billing language also includes new requirements for transparency in rates and network status of providers for scheduled services.

Several provisions that were being eyed for end-of-year action were not included in the FY 2021 omnibus, including legislation to reform the use of prior authorization in Medicare Advantage (H.R. 3107/S. 5044), legislation to reset the timeline for implementing the IMPACT Act of 2014 (H.R. 8826), and legislation to provide broad liability protections against COVID-related lawsuits for businesses, including health care providers.

AAPM&R will continue to monitor further developments regarding these and other key priorities in the next Congress.

Congress Passes COVID-19 Relief Bill and Omnibus Spending Bill

Dec 22, 2020, 12:18 PM by User Not Found

On December 21, Congressional leaders released the text of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, a massive “omnibus” package containing government funding legislation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, a bipartisan agreement on additional COVID-19 response and relief provisions and a broad sampling of other policies. This package has been under consideration for months and is one of the final acts of the 116th Congress, encompassing nearly $2.5 trillion in federal spending.

The House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate voted into the evening and passed the bill by wide bipartisan majorities on December 21. Another continuing resolution was included in the bill to avoid a government shutdown as Congress prepares the final bill for Presidential signature. President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act on December 27, 2020. There were no substantive changes to the bill from the version that was passed by Congress on December 21 and contains government funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2021, a bipartisan agreement on additional COVID-19 response and relief provisions, and a broad sampling of other policies. 

AAPM&R staff and our Washington counsel are reviewing the details of the nearly 5,600-page bill and will provide more information as it becomes available. The full text of the omnibus is available here, and links to summaries and one-page fact sheets regarding the legislation can be found here. Below, please find a brief overview of key provisions impacting physiatrists.

Physician Fee Schedule

  • The omnibus includes a partial “fix” to the provider reimbursement cuts previously scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2021.
    • The bill injects approximately $3 billion into the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for 2021, resulting in an approximate 3.75% increase to all services to mitigate the scheduled cuts. These additional payments will apply only for 2021 and will not result in additional adjustments due to budget neutrality.
    • The bill also delays the implementation of the new “complex patient add-on” code (G2211) for three years (until January 1, 2024). The removal of this code will further reduce the impact of the downward budget neutrality adjustments outlined in the PFS final rule.
  • The bill also includes a temporary delay of Medicare sequestration cuts scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2021. These have been delayed until March 31, 2021.

Paycheck Protection Program/Provider Relief Fund

  • The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), instituted under the CARES Act to provide loans to small businesses, will receive an additional $284 billion in funding. The PPP was also extended through March 31, 2021.
    • The bill provides a “second draw” loan program within the PPP, allowing qualifying small businesses who previously received a PPP loan to receive a second loan with a maximum amount of $2 million. The application process for forgiveness of loans under $150,000 is also significantly simplified.
    • The omnibus also includes language clarifying that recipients do not need to consider forgiven PPP loans as gross taxable income, and that qualifying expenses paid for with PPP funds are, in fact, tax-deductible.
  • The Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program will receive $20 billion in additional funding, specifically targeted for eligible entities in low-income communities. The covered period for these loans was extended through December 31, 2021.
  • The bill also includes an additional $3 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services’ Provider Relief Fund, as well as modifications to the program’s reporting guidelines.

Direct Payments/Unemployment Insurance

  • The omnibus provides for additional direct stimulus checks to most Americans, following largely the same criteria as the checks distributed earlier this year following the CARES Act. Individuals making less than $75,000 will receive $600, with gradual phase-outs for those with higher incomes.
  • The federal enhancement to state and local unemployment insurance (UI) benefits will also return, with the federal government providing an additional $300/week to those qualifying for unemployment. The UI boost will last through March 14, 2021.

Surprise Billing Reform

  • The omnibus includes a long-awaited compromise addressing “surprise” medical billing. Patients will only be required to pay their in-network rate for out-of-network emergency care, ancillary services provided by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and out-of-network care at in-network facilities provided without the patient’s informed consent.
  • Health plans and providers will have a 30-day period to negotiate payments to make up the difference between the in-network rate paid by the patient and the “balance” of the out-of-network bill.
    • After the 30-day period, the plan or provider may elect to move to a binding Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process if an agreement has not been reached.
  • These patient protections also apply to air ambulance services.
  • The surprise billing language also includes new requirements for transparency in rates and network status of providers for scheduled services.

Several provisions that were being eyed for end-of-year action were not included in the FY 2021 omnibus, including legislation to reform the use of prior authorization in Medicare Advantage (H.R. 3107/S. 5044), legislation to reset the timeline for implementing the IMPACT Act of 2014 (H.R. 8826), and legislation to provide broad liability protections against COVID-related lawsuits for businesses, including health care providers.

AAPM&R will continue to monitor further developments regarding these and other key priorities in the next Congress.

Explore AAPM&R

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AAPM&R's 2023 Annual Assembly 

We can’t wait to welcome you back to the “Big Easy” for physiatry’s annual meeting—the 2023 Annual Assembly, November 15-19 in New Orleans, LA and online! 

Online Learning Portal

Education is a fundamental offering that affects PM&R physicians across clinical focuses, practice areas, career stages and levels of expertise. As part of Academy membership, we provide top-notch education and other innovative learning resources across a variety of delivery mechanisms.

Access AAPM&R’s popular Online Learning Portal, which features educational resources, including case studies, instructional videos and more on a variety of clinical and practice topics.



Online Learning Portal

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Online Education Subscription

24/7 access to our online educational resources through the end of your annual membership cycle. Check out what's included below!

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STEP Certificate Programs

AAPM&R’s highly-regarded STEP Certificate Programs are designed by physiatrists for physiatrists and teach and assess important physiatric skills using a progressive, competency- based curriculum.

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PhyzForum

PhyzForum is an online physiatry community that allows you to engage with peers, ask advice, and share experiences. Participate in discussions to network, collaborate, and exchange best practices with your peers.

Annual Assembly
November 12-15

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The 2020 Annual Assembly is virtual! Join us from November 12-15 as we meet online to share best practices and support each other as we navigate a “new normal."

Critical Conversation Series

Thursday, October 1 at 6 pm (CT)

You're invited to participate in a series of discussions on racial equity, access and inclusion in today’s world. Join us for our next conversation on October 1 for AAPM&R's Diversity and Inclusion Journey. We will review efforts that led to the creation of the D&I strategic plan, unveil our new Principles of Inclusion and Engagement and share new initiatives on the horizon.

AAPM&R News

Congress Passes COVID-19 Relief Bill and Omnibus Spending Bill

Dec 22, 2020

On December 21, Congressional leaders released the text of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, a massive “omnibus” package containing government funding legislation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, a bipartisan agreement on additional COVID-19 response and relief provisions and a broad sampling of other policies. This package has been under consideration for months and is one of the final acts of the 116th Congress, encompassing nearly $2.5 trillion in federal spending.

The House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate voted into the evening and passed the bill by wide bipartisan majorities on December 21. Another continuing resolution was included in the bill to avoid a government shutdown as Congress prepares the final bill for Presidential signature. President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act on December 27, 2020. There were no substantive changes to the bill from the version that was passed by Congress on December 21 and contains government funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2021, a bipartisan agreement on additional COVID-19 response and relief provisions, and a broad sampling of other policies. 

AAPM&R staff and our Washington counsel are reviewing the details of the nearly 5,600-page bill and will provide more information as it becomes available. The full text of the omnibus is available here, and links to summaries and one-page fact sheets regarding the legislation can be found here. Below, please find a brief overview of key provisions impacting physiatrists.

Physician Fee Schedule

  • The omnibus includes a partial “fix” to the provider reimbursement cuts previously scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2021.
    • The bill injects approximately $3 billion into the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for 2021, resulting in an approximate 3.75% increase to all services to mitigate the scheduled cuts. These additional payments will apply only for 2021 and will not result in additional adjustments due to budget neutrality.
    • The bill also delays the implementation of the new “complex patient add-on” code (G2211) for three years (until January 1, 2024). The removal of this code will further reduce the impact of the downward budget neutrality adjustments outlined in the PFS final rule.
  • The bill also includes a temporary delay of Medicare sequestration cuts scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2021. These have been delayed until March 31, 2021.

Paycheck Protection Program/Provider Relief Fund

  • The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), instituted under the CARES Act to provide loans to small businesses, will receive an additional $284 billion in funding. The PPP was also extended through March 31, 2021.
    • The bill provides a “second draw” loan program within the PPP, allowing qualifying small businesses who previously received a PPP loan to receive a second loan with a maximum amount of $2 million. The application process for forgiveness of loans under $150,000 is also significantly simplified.
    • The omnibus also includes language clarifying that recipients do not need to consider forgiven PPP loans as gross taxable income, and that qualifying expenses paid for with PPP funds are, in fact, tax-deductible.
  • The Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program will receive $20 billion in additional funding, specifically targeted for eligible entities in low-income communities. The covered period for these loans was extended through December 31, 2021.
  • The bill also includes an additional $3 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services’ Provider Relief Fund, as well as modifications to the program’s reporting guidelines.

Direct Payments/Unemployment Insurance

  • The omnibus provides for additional direct stimulus checks to most Americans, following largely the same criteria as the checks distributed earlier this year following the CARES Act. Individuals making less than $75,000 will receive $600, with gradual phase-outs for those with higher incomes.
  • The federal enhancement to state and local unemployment insurance (UI) benefits will also return, with the federal government providing an additional $300/week to those qualifying for unemployment. The UI boost will last through March 14, 2021.

Surprise Billing Reform

  • The omnibus includes a long-awaited compromise addressing “surprise” medical billing. Patients will only be required to pay their in-network rate for out-of-network emergency care, ancillary services provided by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and out-of-network care at in-network facilities provided without the patient’s informed consent.
  • Health plans and providers will have a 30-day period to negotiate payments to make up the difference between the in-network rate paid by the patient and the “balance” of the out-of-network bill.
    • After the 30-day period, the plan or provider may elect to move to a binding Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process if an agreement has not been reached.
  • These patient protections also apply to air ambulance services.
  • The surprise billing language also includes new requirements for transparency in rates and network status of providers for scheduled services.

Several provisions that were being eyed for end-of-year action were not included in the FY 2021 omnibus, including legislation to reform the use of prior authorization in Medicare Advantage (H.R. 3107/S. 5044), legislation to reset the timeline for implementing the IMPACT Act of 2014 (H.R. 8826), and legislation to provide broad liability protections against COVID-related lawsuits for businesses, including health care providers.

AAPM&R will continue to monitor further developments regarding these and other key priorities in the next Congress.

Physiatry News

Congress Passes COVID-19 Relief Bill and Omnibus Spending Bill

Dec 22, 2020

On December 21, Congressional leaders released the text of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, a massive “omnibus” package containing government funding legislation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, a bipartisan agreement on additional COVID-19 response and relief provisions and a broad sampling of other policies. This package has been under consideration for months and is one of the final acts of the 116th Congress, encompassing nearly $2.5 trillion in federal spending.

The House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate voted into the evening and passed the bill by wide bipartisan majorities on December 21. Another continuing resolution was included in the bill to avoid a government shutdown as Congress prepares the final bill for Presidential signature. President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act on December 27, 2020. There were no substantive changes to the bill from the version that was passed by Congress on December 21 and contains government funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2021, a bipartisan agreement on additional COVID-19 response and relief provisions, and a broad sampling of other policies. 

AAPM&R staff and our Washington counsel are reviewing the details of the nearly 5,600-page bill and will provide more information as it becomes available. The full text of the omnibus is available here, and links to summaries and one-page fact sheets regarding the legislation can be found here. Below, please find a brief overview of key provisions impacting physiatrists.

Physician Fee Schedule

  • The omnibus includes a partial “fix” to the provider reimbursement cuts previously scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2021.
    • The bill injects approximately $3 billion into the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for 2021, resulting in an approximate 3.75% increase to all services to mitigate the scheduled cuts. These additional payments will apply only for 2021 and will not result in additional adjustments due to budget neutrality.
    • The bill also delays the implementation of the new “complex patient add-on” code (G2211) for three years (until January 1, 2024). The removal of this code will further reduce the impact of the downward budget neutrality adjustments outlined in the PFS final rule.
  • The bill also includes a temporary delay of Medicare sequestration cuts scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2021. These have been delayed until March 31, 2021.

Paycheck Protection Program/Provider Relief Fund

  • The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), instituted under the CARES Act to provide loans to small businesses, will receive an additional $284 billion in funding. The PPP was also extended through March 31, 2021.
    • The bill provides a “second draw” loan program within the PPP, allowing qualifying small businesses who previously received a PPP loan to receive a second loan with a maximum amount of $2 million. The application process for forgiveness of loans under $150,000 is also significantly simplified.
    • The omnibus also includes language clarifying that recipients do not need to consider forgiven PPP loans as gross taxable income, and that qualifying expenses paid for with PPP funds are, in fact, tax-deductible.
  • The Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program will receive $20 billion in additional funding, specifically targeted for eligible entities in low-income communities. The covered period for these loans was extended through December 31, 2021.
  • The bill also includes an additional $3 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services’ Provider Relief Fund, as well as modifications to the program’s reporting guidelines.

Direct Payments/Unemployment Insurance

  • The omnibus provides for additional direct stimulus checks to most Americans, following largely the same criteria as the checks distributed earlier this year following the CARES Act. Individuals making less than $75,000 will receive $600, with gradual phase-outs for those with higher incomes.
  • The federal enhancement to state and local unemployment insurance (UI) benefits will also return, with the federal government providing an additional $300/week to those qualifying for unemployment. The UI boost will last through March 14, 2021.

Surprise Billing Reform

  • The omnibus includes a long-awaited compromise addressing “surprise” medical billing. Patients will only be required to pay their in-network rate for out-of-network emergency care, ancillary services provided by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and out-of-network care at in-network facilities provided without the patient’s informed consent.
  • Health plans and providers will have a 30-day period to negotiate payments to make up the difference between the in-network rate paid by the patient and the “balance” of the out-of-network bill.
    • After the 30-day period, the plan or provider may elect to move to a binding Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process if an agreement has not been reached.
  • These patient protections also apply to air ambulance services.
  • The surprise billing language also includes new requirements for transparency in rates and network status of providers for scheduled services.

Several provisions that were being eyed for end-of-year action were not included in the FY 2021 omnibus, including legislation to reform the use of prior authorization in Medicare Advantage (H.R. 3107/S. 5044), legislation to reset the timeline for implementing the IMPACT Act of 2014 (H.R. 8826), and legislation to provide broad liability protections against COVID-related lawsuits for businesses, including health care providers.

AAPM&R will continue to monitor further developments regarding these and other key priorities in the next Congress.

Take the Next STEP in Your Ultrasound Education

step

AAPM&R's STEP Ultrasound Certificate Program is the premiere ultrasound training program—designed by physiatrists, for physiatrists. 

As the only formal, standardized training pathway available for honing and validating your ultrasound skill set, successful completion of the STEP Ultrasound Program will clearly demonstrate to your patients, fellow health care professionals, employers, and the medical facilities you work with that you are a competent professional, expertly trained in ultrasound. 

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