How to Manage Chronic Pain and Opioids in an Outpatient Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Originally recorded April 15, 2020

Physiatrists are at the forefront of treatment of acute and chronic pain conditions and are frequently asked to manage pain as a method of improving function in inpatient and outpatient settings. Given the current environment and the inability to see patients, listen to this webinar discussion to hear how a few experts are managing their patients with chronic pain and those that need opioids.  

Panelists included:

• Andrew S. Friedman, MD, FAAPMR – from Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, WA
• Ameet Nagpal, MD, MD, MEd, FAAPMR – from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX
• Saloni Sharma, MD, FAAPMR – from Rothman Orthopaedics in Bryn Mawr, PA 
• Steven P. Stanos, Jr., DO, FAAPMR – from Swedish Medical Group in Seattle, WA

Spasticity Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Originally recorded April 22, 2020

Physiatrists are at the forefront of spasticity management and need to have an in-depth understanding of spasticity and its impact on patients. Given the current environment and the inability to see patients, listen to this webinar discussion to hear how a few experts are managing their patients and assessing the advantages and disadvantages of all treatment options during this crisis.

Panelists included:

• Reza Farid, MD, FAAPMR – from the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO
• Michael C. Munin, MD, FAAPMR – from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh, PA
• Michael F. Saulino, MD, FAAPMR –  from MossRehab Physical Medicine Associates in Elkins Park, PA
• Andrea P. Toomer, MD, FAAPMR –  from Culicchia Neurological Clinic in Marrero, LA

Concussion and Mild TBI Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Originally recorded April 30, 2020

Physiatrists are at the forefront of concussion and mild TBI management and need to have an in-depth understanding of these clinical areas and its impact on patients. Given the current environment and the inability to see patients, listen to this webinar discussion to hear how a few experts are managing their patients and assessing the advantages and disadvantages of all treatment options during this crisis. 

Panelists included:

• Kathleen R. Bell, MD, FAAPMR – from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School PM&R Program in Dallas, TX
• Jason De Luigi, DO, FAAPMR – from Mayo Clinic Arizona in Scottsdale, AZ
• Aaron M. Karlin, MD, FAAPMR – from Ochsner Clinic – Ochsner Children's Health Center in New Orleans, LA
• Ross D. Zafonte, DO, FAAPMR – from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital/Harvard Medical School PM&R Program in Charlestown, MA

Outpatient Rehabilitation Requirements for Patients with COVID-19: The Role of the Physiatrist in Transitioning Patients from Inpatient Care to Outpatient Rehab

Originally recorded May 20, 2020

Listen to this webinar to learn about the role of physiatrists in transitioning patients surviving COVID-19 to outpatient rehabilitation services. The panel will discuss their experiences and share practical strategies to enhance the outpatient care of COVID-19 patients. Novel approaches to outpatient care delivery including transitional care management, telehealth physiatrist consultation, and telehealth therapy services will be discussed. The specific needs of patients surviving COVID-19 will be reviewed including: pulmonary rehab, neuro-rehab, and neuromuscular rehab. Strategies to re-open outpatient physiatry and therapy clinics will be addressed.

Panelists included:

• Alex Moroz, MD, FAAPMR, Vice Chair Education, Rusk Rehab Dept.
• Greg J. Sweeny, DPT, Director of Outpatient Pulmonary Rehab, Rusk Rehab Dept.
• Monica Tietsworth, MBA, CMPE, Department Administrator, Rusk Rehab Dept.
• Lyn D. Weiss, MD, FAAPMR, Chair, Rehab Rusk NYU Winthrop
• Jonathan H. Whiteson MD, FAAPMR, Vice Chair of Clinical Operations, Rusk Rehab Dept.

From the AAPM&R Board of Governors

"Our country is in the midst of a medical pandemic. The AAPM&R (Academy), including its volunteer leaders and staff, have enormous empathy for our members, their patients, and families as COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of our personal and professional lives. Together, we need to find the resilience to persevere for our personal and our patients’ health and well-being. Together, we need to find the resilience to persevere for our personal and our patients’ health and well-being.”  Read the full statement here.

• Read the full COVID-19 statement from the AAPM&R Board of Governors from March 20.
• Read AAPM&R's Position Statement on the Necessity and Preservation of Personal Protective Equipment from March 30

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