AAPM&R Advocacy Update: Advancing Physiatry on Capitol Hill and Beyond (Member Resource)-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session, "AP Manar Advocacy Update: Advancing Physiatry on Capitol Hill and Beyond," featured speakers Prakash Jayabalam, Dr. Matthew Grierson, and Peter Thomas discussing key advocacy issues impacting physiatrists and their practices. They highlighted the importance of engaging with legislative priorities, including Medicare reimbursement, prior authorization reform, and scope creep from non-physician practitioners. The speakers urged attendees to participate in advocacy efforts, such as responding to Academy surveys and contacting legislators to support key bills like the Improving Senior Timely Access to Care Act, which aims to reform prior authorization for Medicare Advantage.<br /><br />Dr. Grierson emphasized the implications of physician payment advocacy, detailing efforts at CPT and RUC levels and highlighting the 2.8% cut in the 2025 Medicare physician fee schedule. He encouraged member involvement in advocacy, particularly in issues such as telemedicine coverage restrictions set by CMS.<br /><br />Peter Thomas offered insights into post-acute care policy, Medicare audit processes, and technology access for individuals with disabilities. He also addressed the potential impact of the recent presidential election on healthcare policy, suggesting that a Republican-held administration might focus on tax policies and deregulation, while possibly not prioritizing long COVID and disability rights as the previous administration did.<br /><br />The session concluded with a strong call for continued engagement in advocacy efforts to ensure physiatrists' voices are heard in shaping healthcare policy and protecting patient access to necessary rehabilitative care.

Keywords

physiatry

advocacy

Medicare reimbursement

prior authorization

scope creep

legislative priorities

physician payment

telemedicine coverage

post-acute care

healthcare policy

disability rights

rehabilitative care