Pain Awareness Month - September 2018

Members & Publications

September 1, 2018

Pain Awareness MonthPain Awareness Month was first acknowledged in 2001 to increase awareness about the effects of pain, educate citizens about the advanced treatment options available to help alleviate pain, and provide resources for individuals and families who are struggling with pain management.

That’s why the American Chronic Pain Association established Pain Awareness Month, recognized each September, to raise awareness and open the lines of communication between health care professionals and individuals so that pain management issues can be better understood and addressed.

Pain Fast Facts:

  • Nearly 100 million Americans experience chronic pain—more than those who have diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined.1
  • 83 million Americans indicate that pain affects basic functioning in their everyday lives.1
  • Workers lose an average of 4.6 hours per week of productive time due to a pain condition.1
  • It is estimated that 80% of Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.5

Take this opportunity to learn more about pain management by utilizing your Academy’s resources. We have a special pain and spine theme at the 2018 Annual Assembly, an SAE-P focused on pain management, articles on PM&R Knowledge NOW®, and more!

Pain Activities on mē®:

References:

  1. https://www.cpspain.com/pain-awareness-month/
  2. http://www.unitedspinal.org/
  3. http://www.spinalcord.org/
  4. http://www.pva.org/
  5. http://www.painphysicians.com/

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.