AAPM&R Releases Principles of Alternative Payment Models (APMs)

Members & Publications

October 14, 2022

The AAPM&R Board of Governors have recently approved the AAPM&R’s Principles of Alternative Payment Models (APMs) at their early October Board meeting. 

The U.S. healthcare market continues its shift away from fee-for-service (FFS) reimbursement and towards APMs that focus on value-based care. While the traditional fee-for-service structure remains the leading model for healthcare payment, and the primary model our members are currently operating under, there is a drive to progress towards an extensive deployment of value-based care delivery models that seeks to support outcomes of highest priority to patients, families, and caregivers.

The Academy understands its important role in defending physiatry in APM discussions and recognizes how critical it is for models to promote health equity, collaborative care, cost-effective clinical approaches, and long-term function of health to be successful. AAPM&R has released a set of 10 principles that outline the key elements necessary to achieving such goal. The principles will be used to help guide essential advocacy and knowledge building for our members and as a tool when demonstrating how PM&R can successfully contribute to value-based care initiatives.

Click here to view AAPM&R’s Principles of Alternative Payment Models. To learn more about the principles, please join Dr. Richard Zorowitz and Dr. Stuart Glassman at the Annual Assembly symposia session in Baltimore titled Academy Efforts in Physiatry-led Alternative Payment Models on Saturday, October 22 at 8:00-9:15am ET in Room 345-346 of the Convention Center.  

Legislation Introduced to Alleviate Impact of Conversion Factor Cut for 2021

Nov 09, 2020

Last month, two bills were introduced in the House proposing solutions to the estimated 10.6% Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor cut expected to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The bills offer some relief to the cut, but do not reflect a comprehensive or long-term solution.  AAPM&R has therefore chosen to remain neutral regarding these bills. 

Your Academy continues to advocate for a permanent solution to the conversion factor cut while maintaining the important payment increases to office and outpatient evaluation and management services.