American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Advocacy

Advocacy

AAPM&R monitors federal legislative and regulatory health policy and private sector market trends affecting both the health care and insurance industries. The Academy also seeks to position the specialty strategically in the quality environment; advocates for increased responsiveness of research to the rehabilitation needs of people with physical disabilities and the professionals who provide services to them; works to expand practice management services for members; and advocates on behalf of members’ professional interests. The Academy works in collaboration with other physicians’ specialty organizations on a range of professional practice issues including practice management and administrative simplification. The Academy has taken a lead role in advocating for the rehabilitation of wounded service men and women and disabled veterans returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Many returning veterans have severe disabilities such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Academy advocates for these individuals through alliances with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, participation in congressional symposiums, and meetings with staff.

The Academy advocates for the needs of patients and physiatrists’ ability to deliver the care they need. For example, the Academy works toward the long-term goal of passing legislation that will remove admissions quotas and return the physiatrist to the position of freely determining what type of rehabilitation is medically necessary for any given patient. In addition to its efforts as a national society, the Academy places a priority on assisting physiatrists at the state level through grassroots advocacy on critical practice issues. The Academy encourages members to get involved with their state PM&R societies to organize and develop a strong lobbying infrastructure. In addition, the Academy coordinates member “Calls to Action” through its Advocacy Action Center.