AAPM&R Connection E-Newsletter

Learn more about the accomplishments your Academy has made on your behalf this year and what to expect in 2017 by viewing the 2016 Report to Membership.

Last week, Academy staff volunteered their time to serve members of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and their families at their annual holiday luncheon at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, IL. For the fifth year, this volunteer opportunity was chosen for its relevance to PM&R, and it was a great chance for Academy staff members to spread good will with an organization that is served by the Academy’s mission.

When Dr. Joseph Alleva started out in medical school, he wanted to specialize in sports medicine. But he soon grew more interested in non-surgical approaches to musculoskeletal issues. “It’s more than a medical practice,” he says. "Practicing physiatry means developing longer-term patient relationships than doctors in other specialties get to experience." Click on the video below to view Dr. Alleva’s story.

Do you have a story to tell? Complete the sentence and join the conversation at www.pmrismorethan.org. We want to hear your story!

We’re always looking for ways to improve the Annual Assembly, thanks to the insightful feedback we receive from you and your colleagues. If you haven’t already, please take a moment and let us know about your experience in New Orleans. Thanks in advance for your time—your comments are greatly appreciated!

We’re looking for speakers who have expertise in physiatry-focused topics. If that’s you or if you would like to recommend a particular speaker, please complete this survey.

We want to provide you with the best educational experience from the faculty that you want to hear from, so your recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Submit your clinical and basic scientific research findings to be considered for inclusion in the 2017 Annual Assembly, October 12-15 in Denver, CO. All abstracts selected for inclusion in the scientific paper and poster presentations during the Annual Assembly will be published in PM&R—the Academy’s official scientific journal. Submissions are due January 9, 2017. Learn more about submitting your abstract.

Interested in Becoming an Abstract Reviewer?
As a member, you have the opportunity to help choose which abstracts are included in the Annual Assembly. Learn more about becoming a reviewer.

Your Academy encourages you to send us your recommendations for these AAPM&R Board of Governors elected positions. Nominations are due by 11:59 pm (CT) on February 28, 2017.

The Academy's Board of Governors has created the new AAPM&R Graduate Medical Education (GME) Committee to provide the strategic guidance and infrastructure to address GME issues and concerns that are critical to the future advancement of the specialty. Learn more about serving on this committee and send us your application.

Did you know that you receive complimentary resources with your Academy membership? Take advantage of this member offering! Upon your renewal, you receive a complimentary self-assessment exam for practitioners (SAE-P)—worth 8 CME, and free practice improvement projects (PIPs). Plus, you receive complimentary journal CME too.

Renew your membership to help meet your December 31 CME deadline—it’s just around the corner!

If you attended the 2016 Annual Assembly, don’t forget to claim your CME. Visit the My Education tab on mē^® to get started.

February 28, 2017 is the deadline for reporting your 2016 data using the PQRSwizard^®, an online reporting tool. Take advantage of this reporting tool to help you avoid up to an 8-10% penalty in 2018.

The Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) is a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)-mandated quality reporting program that gives eligible professionals (EPs) incentives and negative payment adjustments to promote reporting of quality information. Learn more about PQRS and utilize the PQRSwizard^® for your reporting needs.

Last week, we reported on the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) announced changes to its registration renewal process. This change has been reversed and now, starting January 2017, the DEA will no longer send its second renewal notification by mail. Instead, an electronic reminder to renew will be sent to the email address associated with the DEA registration. Learn more. 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the implementation of the prior authorization program for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) items in two phases and the issuance of the initial Required Prior Authorization List of DMEPOS items that require prior authorization as a condition of payment. Phase one of implementation is effective on March 20, 2017. Phase two of implementation is effective on July 17, 2017. Learn more.