Insights from the Musculoskeletal Virtual Town Hall

Members & Publications

August 12, 2016

On Thursday, August 11, musculoskeletal physicians gathered during a Virtual Town Hall hosted by the Musculoskeletal Member Council Leader, Rosalyn Nguyen, MD, to discuss the future of PM&R. While talking about trends, common themes decreasing reimbursement, increased competition for referrals and challenges with awareness emerged. This is something our members are experiencing during this time of intense change in the health care landscape.

When focusing on the future, your colleagues discussed how to take a broader approach and leverage the significant impact physiatrists can make. There was a focus on opportunities to get involved earlier in the patient care process whether in in-patient or out-patient settings. This includes looking at opportunities created by alternative payment models focused on streamlined care.

One member physiatrist discussed his partnership with an internal medicine group to contract on a regular basis and support his patients. Being co-located in this setting has helped educate the physicians in internal medicine regarding how they can leverage the physiatrist's unique strengths. It has led to morePM&R referrals earlier in the spectrum of care.

Musculoskeletal physiatrists – did you miss this conversation? Join an upcoming virtual town hall or start a discussion regarding opportunities in the Musculoskeletal Member Council Community.

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AAPM&R is hosting Virtual Town Halls as a form of qualitative research supporting the overall goals of the Visioning PM&R Bold initiative. Additional Virtual Town Halls will be announced soon. Make sure to register and Talk PM&R Bold as we discuss big ideas and opportunities for the future of PM&R.

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.