Member May 2026: AAPM&R Hill Day: Advancing the Specialty through Advocacy (On-Demand)-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

AAPM&R’s Member May 2026 session highlighted the Academy’s annual Hill Day in Washington, D.C., where members met with nearly 40 congressional offices to advocate for PM&R priorities. Speakers explained that advocacy is guided by member surveys, with top concerns including fair physician reimbursement, scope-of-practice threats, prior authorization reform, recognition of PM&R expertise, and research funding.<br /><br />Panelists Dr. Arora, Dr. Zeldin, and Dr. Patel shared their first-hand experiences meeting with lawmakers and staff. They described Hill Day as surprisingly accessible, collaborative, and effective at helping Congress better understand what physiatrists do and why PM&R matters. Key themes included that reimbursement is not just about physician pay, but about practice sustainability and patient access, especially in rural areas. Prior authorization was identified as the most relatable issue for staff and a major barrier to timely care. Research funding was also emphasized as essential for innovation, improved function, and long-term cost savings.<br /><br />The panel discussed specific legislation related to reimbursement and prior authorization, including bipartisan bills aimed at streamlining approvals and reducing unnecessary delays. The session ended with a Q&A and a review of Academy advocacy resources, including grassroots campaigns, email alerts, social media, PhysForum, and volunteer opportunities.

Keywords

AAPM&R

Hill Day

physiatry advocacy

physician reimbursement

scope of practice

prior authorization reform

PM&R expertise

research funding

congressional meetings