Description
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. This session will review proposed policy changes that had the potential to significantly restrict access to medically necessary chemodenervation services—and outline how AAPM&R engaged in coordinated advocacy efforts to protect patient access and appropriate reimbursement. We will highlight key advocacy wins, clarify what ultimately changed (and what didn't), and explain how member engagement influenced the final policies. In addition to policy updates, this session will provide actionable guidance to help physiatrists remain compliant under the finalized LCDs and optimize reimbursement. Topics will include documentation requirements, diagnosis coding considerations, medical necessity language, and common pitfalls that may trigger denials. The format will include a concise policy overview followed by practical implementation pearls and time for live Q&A. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate evolving Medicare regulations while continuing to deliver high-quality, patient-centered spasticity care.
Learning Objectives
After completing this live activity, the participant should be able to:
- Analyze the recent Medicare policy updates regarding botulinum toxin injections to identify specific changes in coverage criteria.
- Translate new advocacy "wins" into clinical practice by updating documentation templates.
- Identify opportunities for grassroots advocacy within the Spasticity Member Community to influence future Medicare policies and protect patient access to essential neuro-rehabilitation therapies.
Accreditation Statement
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CME Credit Designation
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) designates this live activityfor a maximum of 0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclosure Statement
In accordance with ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, AAPM&R requires all individuals who are in a position to affect the strategic direction of AAPM&R and/or control the content of an educational activity to disclose all financial relationships with any ineligible company within the last 24 months. The ACCME defines an “ineligible company” as any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Disclosures are made in written form prior to the start of the educational activity, and any potential conflicts of interest that exist are mitigated prior to the start of the activity through AAPM&R’s Conflict of Interest Disclosure and Resolution Policy Process. Individuals in a position to affect the strategic direction of AAPM&R and/or control content and their disclosed financial relationships are listed below.
No other planners, faculty, or individuals in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships.
Principle Faculty
Name, Credential(s): Company Name, Nature of financial relationship;
Zachary Bohart MD, FAAPMR - Nothing to disclose
Kimberly Heckert MD, FAAPMR - Nothing to disclose
Mary Beth Russel DO, MS, FAAPMR - Nothing to disclose
Lauren Shapiro MD, MPH, FAAPMR - Nothing to disclose
Christina Kwasnica MD, FAAPMR - Nothing to disclose
AAPM&R Medical Education Committee
Name, Credential(s): Company Name, Nature of financial relationship
Rachel Brakke Holman, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Sarah M. Eickmeyer, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Chelsea D. Frost, MD, MS - Nothing to Disclose
David J. Haustein, MBA,MD,MBA - Relationships to Disclose
Sarah K. Hwang, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Ravi E. Kasi, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Caroline Pupke, DO - Nothing to Disclose
Monica E. Rho, MD - Nothing to Disclose
McCasey R. Smith, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Jennifer A. Soo Hoo, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Brionn K. Tonkin, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Stephanie Tow, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Justin L. Weppner, DO - Nothing to Disclose
Alexandra G. Wolfe, DO - Nothing to Disclose
FDA Disclosures
All faculty members for this activity have disclosed they do not intend to discuss or demonstrate any pharmaceutical or medical device for which FDA clearance has not been approved.