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Supporting the Physiatrist, Strengthening the Specialty

AAPM&R is working to ensure PM&R is positioned to thrive in the future of healthcare and that you’re prepared for wherever your career takes you. Our more than 10,000 Academy members support each other in advancing PM&R’s impact through healthcare. As we move forward, it is more important than ever that every member play an active role in helping one another realize the vision for our specialty.

Newsroom

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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Event Calendar and Webinars

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


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PM&R Aspire

PM&R Aspire is our career-exploration platform purpose-built to help PM&R professionals make better-informed career decisions. We have mapped employer locations across the United States, enabling you to explore, message and apply to the roles that matter most to you.


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PM&R Q&A Video Conversations

AAPM&R is leading the advancement of physiatry’s impact throughout healthcare as aligned with YOUR vision for the specialty. Explore our Q&A video series where members of our Physiatrist in Training (PHiT) Council Board chat with AAPM&R Board leaders.


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Latest News

Advocacy Action Center: BCBS of Michigan: Hyaluronan Injections No Longer Payable (Effective 4/1/18)

Mar 6, 2018, 13:28 by User Not Found

*This message was sent on behalf of your Michigan Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation*

Michigan Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Steven Arbit, M.D., President
8391 Commerce Road
Suite 107
Commerce Twp, MI 48382
mapmr@icloud.com

Hello Michigan Physiatrists,
 
The Michigan Academy of PMR has been revived. There is an issue that has come to the forefront that we need to take action on. 
 
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan recently released their guidelines on the use of Hyaluronan injections in the knee. Based on these guidelines, BCBS of Michigan has determined that "the use of intra-articular injections of Hyaluronans is considered not medically necessary for osteoarthritis of the knee and all other knee conditions. "
 
Effective April 1, 2018, Hyaluronan injections will no longer be payable. These include: J7320, J7321, J7322, J7323, J7324, J7325, J7326, J7327 and J7328. This is based on a medical policy decision to change the status of the procedure code to experimental and no longer payable.
 
Attached is a sample letter you can copy and paste on your letterhead and send to BCBSM to argue their decision. The letters should be mailed or emailed to Dr. Thomas Simmer, Sr. VP and Chief Medical Officer at tsimmer@bcbsm.com.
 
Thomas Simmer MD
Senior VP and Chief Medical Officer
500 Renaissance Dr. Tower 500
11th floor
Detroit, MI 48243
 
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
 
Sincerely,
Steven Arbit, M.D

Attachment

 

Advocacy Action Center: BCBS of Michigan: Hyaluronan Injections No Longer Payable (Effective 4/1/18)

Mar 6, 2018, 13:28 by User Not Found

*This message was sent on behalf of your Michigan Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation*

Michigan Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Steven Arbit, M.D., President
8391 Commerce Road
Suite 107
Commerce Twp, MI 48382
mapmr@icloud.com

Hello Michigan Physiatrists,
 
The Michigan Academy of PMR has been revived. There is an issue that has come to the forefront that we need to take action on. 
 
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan recently released their guidelines on the use of Hyaluronan injections in the knee. Based on these guidelines, BCBS of Michigan has determined that "the use of intra-articular injections of Hyaluronans is considered not medically necessary for osteoarthritis of the knee and all other knee conditions. "
 
Effective April 1, 2018, Hyaluronan injections will no longer be payable. These include: J7320, J7321, J7322, J7323, J7324, J7325, J7326, J7327 and J7328. This is based on a medical policy decision to change the status of the procedure code to experimental and no longer payable.
 
Attached is a sample letter you can copy and paste on your letterhead and send to BCBSM to argue their decision. The letters should be mailed or emailed to Dr. Thomas Simmer, Sr. VP and Chief Medical Officer at tsimmer@bcbsm.com.
 
Thomas Simmer MD
Senior VP and Chief Medical Officer
500 Renaissance Dr. Tower 500
11th floor
Detroit, MI 48243
 
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
 
Sincerely,
Steven Arbit, M.D

Attachment

 

Explore AAPM&R

Register for #AAPMR26

Register for #AAPMR26

Register now and join your PM&R peers at the Annual Assembly in Orlando, Florida November 11-14! Learn More »

Renew Your 2026 Dues

Renew Your 2026 Dues

Play a vital a role in influencing your professional development and the future of the specialty by renewing your 2026 AAPM&R membership. Learn More »

Annual Report

Annual Report

This 2025 Annual Report reflects our shared story. It highlights how we learn together, support one another and elevate patient care. It celebrates progress, collaboration and the ongoing momentum of our Academy community. You are the story of PM&R. Learn More »

Join AAPM&R

Join AAPM&R

AAPM&R is your community of 10,000+ physiatrists who are helping advance the specialty forward. Learn More »

AAPM&R Newsroom

AAPM&R Newsroom

Explore Academy members in the news, press releases, submit your content and more in our Newsroom! Learn More »

PM&R Aspire

PM&R Aspire

PM&R Aspire is a career-exploration platform purpose-built to help PM&R professionals make better-informed career decisions. Learn More »

Stroke Rehabilitation and Spine Care Toolkits

Stroke Rehabilitation and Spine Care Toolkits

Intended to serve as guides for Academy members who are seeking to implement PM&R-led stroke rehabilitation and spine care APMs in their practice or payment system. Learn More »

Online Learning Portal

Online Learning Portal

Explore our Online Learning Portal, AAPM&R’s home for the essential clinical and practice resources physiatrists need. Learn More »

Event Calendar

Event Calendar

AAPM&R offers a variety of workshops and educational opportunities on PM&R-specific topics. Check out our current offerings and register for what interests you! Learn More »

Get Your Tickets for the PM&R Party

Get Your Tickets for the PM&R Party

Join the Adventure at PM&R’s Biggest Party of the Year! Learn More »

Member Recognition

Member Recognition

Learn about the many ways we are acknowledging our members who are making a difference for the specialty. Learn More »

Volunteer With Us

Volunteer With Us

Get involved with AAPM&R and help shape the future of physiatry! Learn More »

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.


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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.

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Annual Assembly
November 12-15

12310A-1936

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."

Learn More

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.

Learn More

AAPM&R News

Advocacy Action Center: BCBS of Michigan: Hyaluronan Injections No Longer Payable (Effective 4/1/18)

Mar 06, 2018

*This message was sent on behalf of your Michigan Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation*

Michigan Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Steven Arbit, M.D., President
8391 Commerce Road
Suite 107
Commerce Twp, MI 48382
mapmr@icloud.com

Hello Michigan Physiatrists,
 
The Michigan Academy of PMR has been revived. There is an issue that has come to the forefront that we need to take action on. 
 
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan recently released their guidelines on the use of Hyaluronan injections in the knee. Based on these guidelines, BCBS of Michigan has determined that "the use of intra-articular injections of Hyaluronans is considered not medically necessary for osteoarthritis of the knee and all other knee conditions. "
 
Effective April 1, 2018, Hyaluronan injections will no longer be payable. These include: J7320, J7321, J7322, J7323, J7324, J7325, J7326, J7327 and J7328. This is based on a medical policy decision to change the status of the procedure code to experimental and no longer payable.
 
Attached is a sample letter you can copy and paste on your letterhead and send to BCBSM to argue their decision. The letters should be mailed or emailed to Dr. Thomas Simmer, Sr. VP and Chief Medical Officer at tsimmer@bcbsm.com.
 
Thomas Simmer MD
Senior VP and Chief Medical Officer
500 Renaissance Dr. Tower 500
11th floor
Detroit, MI 48243
 
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
 
Sincerely,
Steven Arbit, M.D

Attachment

 

Physiatry News

Advocacy Action Center: BCBS of Michigan: Hyaluronan Injections No Longer Payable (Effective 4/1/18)

Mar 06, 2018

*This message was sent on behalf of your Michigan Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation*

Michigan Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Steven Arbit, M.D., President
8391 Commerce Road
Suite 107
Commerce Twp, MI 48382
mapmr@icloud.com

Hello Michigan Physiatrists,
 
The Michigan Academy of PMR has been revived. There is an issue that has come to the forefront that we need to take action on. 
 
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan recently released their guidelines on the use of Hyaluronan injections in the knee. Based on these guidelines, BCBS of Michigan has determined that "the use of intra-articular injections of Hyaluronans is considered not medically necessary for osteoarthritis of the knee and all other knee conditions. "
 
Effective April 1, 2018, Hyaluronan injections will no longer be payable. These include: J7320, J7321, J7322, J7323, J7324, J7325, J7326, J7327 and J7328. This is based on a medical policy decision to change the status of the procedure code to experimental and no longer payable.
 
Attached is a sample letter you can copy and paste on your letterhead and send to BCBSM to argue their decision. The letters should be mailed or emailed to Dr. Thomas Simmer, Sr. VP and Chief Medical Officer at tsimmer@bcbsm.com.
 
Thomas Simmer MD
Senior VP and Chief Medical Officer
500 Renaissance Dr. Tower 500
11th floor
Detroit, MI 48243
 
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
 
Sincerely,
Steven Arbit, M.D

Attachment

 

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. 

PhyzForum AAPM&R's Online Member Community