Supporting the Physiatrist, Strengthening the Specialty

Read on for critical updates related to the reopening of the federal government, including our advocacy related to telehealth waivers and reimbursement. 

Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Through Jan. 30 

Medicare telehealth coverage has been reestablished through January 30, 2026, with the passage of legislation to reopen the federal government yesterday. In addition to providing a temporary extension for these important telehealth flexibilities, this legislation also allows for retroactive reimbursement for virtual care provided during the shutdown, since October 1. As outlined in our earlier communication, the lapse of telehealth waivers during the shutdown disrupted access to care for many patients who rely on PM&R physicians for their care. AAPM&R welcomes the reinstatement of these vital flexibilities, even for this short period of time. 

At the same time, AAPM&R continues strongly advocating for Congress to make telehealth access permanent, building on the short-term extension achieved in the reopening legislation. The Academy has consistently worked in partnership with the Alliance for Connected Care and other stakeholders to ensure continued access to telehealth services, providing certainty for both Medicare providers and the patients who depend on them.  

Physician Payment Reform 

AAPM&R remains focused on another important issue facing PM&R physicians: the urgent need for broader physician payment reform. Your Academy remains committed to pursuing fair reimbursement for physician-led care, particularly given ongoing threats from annual decreases to Medicare payment. While CMS recently finalized the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, AAPM&R continues to urge Congress and CMS to prioritize long-term, sustainable payment reform that ensures fair reimbursement for physicians and ongoing access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. Learn more about the Academy’s advocacy efforts on these critical issues. 

Take Action Now! 

We remain committed to advocating for fair, stable Medicare reimbursement and for continued access to telehealth services for all. We encourage all PM&R physicians to: 

• Stay informed on legislative developments impacting our specialty. 

• Engage with lawmakers and urge them to protect patient access to PM&R care. 

Please contact Academy staff at healthpolicy@aapmr.org with any questions. 

Read on for critical updates related to the reopening of the federal government, including our advocacy related to telehealth waivers and reimbursement. 

Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Through Jan. 30 

Medicare telehealth coverage has been reestablished through January 30, 2026, with the passage of legislation to reopen the federal government yesterday. In addition to providing a temporary extension for these important telehealth flexibilities, this legislation also allows for retroactive reimbursement for virtual care provided during the shutdown, since October 1. As outlined in our earlier communication, the lapse of telehealth waivers during the shutdown disrupted access to care for many patients who rely on PM&R physicians for their care. AAPM&R welcomes the reinstatement of these vital flexibilities, even for this short period of time. 

At the same time, AAPM&R continues strongly advocating for Congress to make telehealth access permanent, building on the short-term extension achieved in the reopening legislation. The Academy has consistently worked in partnership with the Alliance for Connected Care and other stakeholders to ensure continued access to telehealth services, providing certainty for both Medicare providers and the patients who depend on them.  

Physician Payment Reform 

AAPM&R remains focused on another important issue facing PM&R physicians: the urgent need for broader physician payment reform. Your Academy remains committed to pursuing fair reimbursement for physician-led care, particularly given ongoing threats from annual decreases to Medicare payment. While CMS recently finalized the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, AAPM&R continues to urge Congress and CMS to prioritize long-term, sustainable payment reform that ensures fair reimbursement for physicians and ongoing access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. Learn more about the Academy’s advocacy efforts on these critical issues. 

Take Action Now! 

We remain committed to advocating for fair, stable Medicare reimbursement and for continued access to telehealth services for all. We encourage all PM&R physicians to: 

• Stay informed on legislative developments impacting our specialty. 

• Engage with lawmakers and urge them to protect patient access to PM&R care. 

Please contact Academy staff at healthpolicy@aapmr.org with any questions.