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.

Event Calendar and Webinars

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

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.

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.

Latest News

AAPM&R Urges MACs to Revise Botulinum Toxin Coverage Policy for Spasticity

May 18, 2026, 16:01 by Joy Thissen

On May 13, AAPM&R submitted comments to several Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) in response to Local Coverage Determination (LCD) policies addressing botulinum toxin injections. The Academy’s comments build on prior discussions with these MACs and emphasize the need to ensure Medicare beneficiaries maintain access to medically necessary treatment for spasticity and dystonia.

AAPM&R raised concerns that current dosing limitations may lead to undertreatment of patients with severe spasticity. The letter requests reconsideration of the policy to allow coverage consistent with clinical practice and available evidence. The individualized letters linked below were sent to each MAC with a policy on this issue. 

CGS is accepting comments on its draft policy through June 6. Thank you to all members who have submitted comments to date. As AAPM&R continues to advance PM&R’s value in treating individuals with spasticity, explore the resources below to support your clinical practice, education, and engagement.

Guidance & Publications

  • Spasticity Patient Journey – A Simple Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Getting Better
  • Understanding Post-Stroke Spasticity: Education for Advancing Provider Awareness
  • Key takeaways from the 2024 Spasticity Summit
  • Spasticity Guidance (PM&R Journal) - provides a condensed review of evidence for the assessment and management of spasticity.
  • Consensus statement (PM&R Journal) - published as an outcome from the 2022 Spasticity Summit, focuses on the barriers and solutions to care access, patient and caregiver support, and clinical capacity and capability for patients with spasticity.

Learning & Continuing Education

  • Expert Conversations in PM&R Practice: Spasticity in Focus - This year, the Academy is hosting a webinar series on spasticity exploring clinical, operational, and business strategies—covering everything from assessing and treating spasticity to building an interventional practice, navigating Medicare compliance, integrating multidisciplinary care, optimizing coding and billing, and expanding services through community partnerships and advanced practice providers.
  • Spasticity Member May Session Recording - Spasticity Under Scrutiny: Medicare Updates, Advocacy Wins, and Compliance Pearls? - Join the AAPM&R Spasticity Member Community this May for a timely and practical discussion on recent Medicare Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for botulinum toxin injections and what they mean for physiatrists who care for patients with spasticity.
  • STEP Interventional Spasticity Certificate Program – taking place November 10-11, 2026, as a preconference course to Annual Assembly this year!

AAPM&R members can join our Spasticity Member Community on phyzforum.aapmr.orgMembers with questions may contact Academy staff at healthpolicy@aapmr.org

AAPM&R Urges MACs to Revise Botulinum Toxin Coverage Policy for Spasticity

May 18, 2026, 16:01 by Joy Thissen

On May 13, AAPM&R submitted comments to several Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) in response to Local Coverage Determination (LCD) policies addressing botulinum toxin injections. The Academy’s comments build on prior discussions with these MACs and emphasize the need to ensure Medicare beneficiaries maintain access to medically necessary treatment for spasticity and dystonia.

AAPM&R raised concerns that current dosing limitations may lead to undertreatment of patients with severe spasticity. The letter requests reconsideration of the policy to allow coverage consistent with clinical practice and available evidence. The individualized letters linked below were sent to each MAC with a policy on this issue. 

CGS is accepting comments on its draft policy through June 6. Thank you to all members who have submitted comments to date. As AAPM&R continues to advance PM&R’s value in treating individuals with spasticity, explore the resources below to support your clinical practice, education, and engagement.

Guidance & Publications

  • Spasticity Patient Journey – A Simple Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Getting Better
  • Understanding Post-Stroke Spasticity: Education for Advancing Provider Awareness
  • Key takeaways from the 2024 Spasticity Summit
  • Spasticity Guidance (PM&R Journal) - provides a condensed review of evidence for the assessment and management of spasticity.
  • Consensus statement (PM&R Journal) - published as an outcome from the 2022 Spasticity Summit, focuses on the barriers and solutions to care access, patient and caregiver support, and clinical capacity and capability for patients with spasticity.

Learning & Continuing Education

  • Expert Conversations in PM&R Practice: Spasticity in Focus - This year, the Academy is hosting a webinar series on spasticity exploring clinical, operational, and business strategies—covering everything from assessing and treating spasticity to building an interventional practice, navigating Medicare compliance, integrating multidisciplinary care, optimizing coding and billing, and expanding services through community partnerships and advanced practice providers.
  • Spasticity Member May Session Recording - Spasticity Under Scrutiny: Medicare Updates, Advocacy Wins, and Compliance Pearls? - Join the AAPM&R Spasticity Member Community this May for a timely and practical discussion on recent Medicare Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for botulinum toxin injections and what they mean for physiatrists who care for patients with spasticity.
  • STEP Interventional Spasticity Certificate Program – taking place November 10-11, 2026, as a preconference course to Annual Assembly this year!

AAPM&R members can join our Spasticity Member Community on phyzforum.aapmr.orgMembers with questions may contact Academy staff at healthpolicy@aapmr.org

Explore AAPM&R

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.



Online Learning Portal

home-page_subscription_logo

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!

step-lockup

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.

phyzforum-omc-fnl

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.

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."

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.

AAPM&R News

AAPM&R Urges MACs to Revise Botulinum Toxin Coverage Policy for Spasticity

May 18, 2026

On May 13, AAPM&R submitted comments to several Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) in response to Local Coverage Determination (LCD) policies addressing botulinum toxin injections. The Academy’s comments build on prior discussions with these MACs and emphasize the need to ensure Medicare beneficiaries maintain access to medically necessary treatment for spasticity and dystonia.

AAPM&R raised concerns that current dosing limitations may lead to undertreatment of patients with severe spasticity. The letter requests reconsideration of the policy to allow coverage consistent with clinical practice and available evidence. The individualized letters linked below were sent to each MAC with a policy on this issue. 

CGS is accepting comments on its draft policy through June 6. Thank you to all members who have submitted comments to date. As AAPM&R continues to advance PM&R’s value in treating individuals with spasticity, explore the resources below to support your clinical practice, education, and engagement.

Guidance & Publications

  • Spasticity Patient Journey – A Simple Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Getting Better
  • Understanding Post-Stroke Spasticity: Education for Advancing Provider Awareness
  • Key takeaways from the 2024 Spasticity Summit
  • Spasticity Guidance (PM&R Journal) - provides a condensed review of evidence for the assessment and management of spasticity.
  • Consensus statement (PM&R Journal) - published as an outcome from the 2022 Spasticity Summit, focuses on the barriers and solutions to care access, patient and caregiver support, and clinical capacity and capability for patients with spasticity.

Learning & Continuing Education

  • Expert Conversations in PM&R Practice: Spasticity in Focus - This year, the Academy is hosting a webinar series on spasticity exploring clinical, operational, and business strategies—covering everything from assessing and treating spasticity to building an interventional practice, navigating Medicare compliance, integrating multidisciplinary care, optimizing coding and billing, and expanding services through community partnerships and advanced practice providers.
  • Spasticity Member May Session Recording - Spasticity Under Scrutiny: Medicare Updates, Advocacy Wins, and Compliance Pearls? - Join the AAPM&R Spasticity Member Community this May for a timely and practical discussion on recent Medicare Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for botulinum toxin injections and what they mean for physiatrists who care for patients with spasticity.
  • STEP Interventional Spasticity Certificate Program – taking place November 10-11, 2026, as a preconference course to Annual Assembly this year!

AAPM&R members can join our Spasticity Member Community on phyzforum.aapmr.orgMembers with questions may contact Academy staff at healthpolicy@aapmr.org

Physiatry News

AAPM&R Urges MACs to Revise Botulinum Toxin Coverage Policy for Spasticity

May 18, 2026

On May 13, AAPM&R submitted comments to several Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) in response to Local Coverage Determination (LCD) policies addressing botulinum toxin injections. The Academy’s comments build on prior discussions with these MACs and emphasize the need to ensure Medicare beneficiaries maintain access to medically necessary treatment for spasticity and dystonia.

AAPM&R raised concerns that current dosing limitations may lead to undertreatment of patients with severe spasticity. The letter requests reconsideration of the policy to allow coverage consistent with clinical practice and available evidence. The individualized letters linked below were sent to each MAC with a policy on this issue. 

CGS is accepting comments on its draft policy through June 6. Thank you to all members who have submitted comments to date. As AAPM&R continues to advance PM&R’s value in treating individuals with spasticity, explore the resources below to support your clinical practice, education, and engagement.

Guidance & Publications

  • Spasticity Patient Journey – A Simple Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Getting Better
  • Understanding Post-Stroke Spasticity: Education for Advancing Provider Awareness
  • Key takeaways from the 2024 Spasticity Summit
  • Spasticity Guidance (PM&R Journal) - provides a condensed review of evidence for the assessment and management of spasticity.
  • Consensus statement (PM&R Journal) - published as an outcome from the 2022 Spasticity Summit, focuses on the barriers and solutions to care access, patient and caregiver support, and clinical capacity and capability for patients with spasticity.

Learning & Continuing Education

  • Expert Conversations in PM&R Practice: Spasticity in Focus - This year, the Academy is hosting a webinar series on spasticity exploring clinical, operational, and business strategies—covering everything from assessing and treating spasticity to building an interventional practice, navigating Medicare compliance, integrating multidisciplinary care, optimizing coding and billing, and expanding services through community partnerships and advanced practice providers.
  • Spasticity Member May Session Recording - Spasticity Under Scrutiny: Medicare Updates, Advocacy Wins, and Compliance Pearls? - Join the AAPM&R Spasticity Member Community this May for a timely and practical discussion on recent Medicare Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for botulinum toxin injections and what they mean for physiatrists who care for patients with spasticity.
  • STEP Interventional Spasticity Certificate Program – taking place November 10-11, 2026, as a preconference course to Annual Assembly this year!

AAPM&R members can join our Spasticity Member Community on phyzforum.aapmr.orgMembers with questions may contact Academy staff at healthpolicy@aapmr.org

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