American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R)

06/24/2026

Christopher McMullen, MD, FAAPMR, spoke at a news conference on June 22 and highlighted issues faced by physicians and patients due to the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model, which expanded prior authorization requirements for Medicare fee-for-service patients, resulting in increased denials and delays for necessary procedures like epidural steroid injections.

The event with U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene aimed to raise awareness about issues patients and physicians are currently experiencing with the WISeR Model’s burdensome and unnecessary expansion of prior authorization requirements under the Medicare program: https://www.aapmr.org/quality-practice/quality-reporting/alternative-payment-models/wiser-model

“We’re seeing longer approval times, blanket denials and growing administrative burdens on physicians and staff. Most importantly, we see patients left waiting in pain.” - Christopher McMullen, MD, FAAPMR

06/24/2026

We can’t wait to see everyone at this year’s PM&R Party! Join us at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ and Jurassic Park at Universal Islands of Adventure. Members get first access to tickets.

Secure your spot before we’re sold out!

https://www.aapmr.org/pm-r-party

We are excited to host our PM&R Party in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ and Jurassic Park at Universal Islands of Adventure. Experience exciting rides, attractions and more!

Members receive first-access to tickets through June 24. Tickets are selling fast so don’t delay!

Join the adventure: https://www.aapmr.org/pm-r-party

06/23/2026

Submissions for our Call For PhyzTalks are open for one more week!

Submit your stories and by June 29 for the chance to present at our Annual Assembly this November in Orlando!

Register here: https://ow.ly/uesa50Z2HuN

06/22/2026

AAPM&R recently submitted comments to CMS regarding the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule. Academy comments advocate for improvements to the proposed model expansion, focusing on our concerns about the potential of the model to negatively impact patient outcomes due to inappropriate post-acute care decisions.

Our advocacy also pushes for monitoring of functional outcomes as a mechanism for measuring the success of the model. AAPM&R continues to prioritize value-based care advocacy.

Learn more:

CMS Releases the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility and Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System Proposed Rules for Fiscal Year 2027

06/19/2026

Recently, Academy member Michael Fredericson MD, FAAPMR was mentioned in an article by PEOPLE on "exercise snacks" and how adding short bursts of movement throughout your day can be beneficial.

Read here:
https://people.com/what-are-exercise-snacks-11994126

'Exercise snacks' — quick, intense bouts of cardio throughout the day — are great for people with sedentary work lives and busy schedules. But health experts say they do not replace a traditional workout.

06/19/2026

Register for today to save big!

Don’t miss out on early-bird savings for physiatry’s biggest event of the year, November 11-14 in Orlando, Florida or virtually! Register by September 9 to claim your lowest rate.

Register Here: https://ow.ly/UbBL50Z4VGg

06/18/2026

Academy member Oluseun Olufade MD, FAAPMR was recently featured in an article by Rough Draft Atlanta discussing the preparation and routine of World Cup athletes in his experience as a physician in the World Cup 2026 Tournament Medical Network.

Read here:
https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2026/06/17/atlanta-doctor-oluseun-olufade-keeps-world-cup-players-healthy/

An Atlanta-based physician explains how he helps World Cup players stay game-ready and healthy for the matches

06/18/2026

📰In Case You Missed It📰

AAPM&R has published a clinical guidance on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for knee osteoarthritis to support evidence-informed practice in a rapidly evolving orthobiologics landscape. The guidance addresses patient selection, dosing, technique, informed consent and more.

Check out this quote from Academy member & Co-first Author Joanne Borg-Stein MD, FAAPMR on the importance of this guidance statement, and see the full statement here:
https://ow.ly/Zb8Z50Zcj17

06/17/2026

Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Releases Reports Highlighting the Need for Prior Authorization Reform.

The two reports demonstrate the impact prior authorization barriers to care have on patients under the Medicare Advantage program and showing the necessity of implementing common-sense bipartisan reforms to prior authorization processes.

One report found that among the 19 MAOs in this review, the 3 largest MAOs by enrollment (CVS Health, Humana, and UnitedHealth Group) denied prior authorization requests for care in LTCHs and IRFs at higher rates than most of their peers, raising concerns that overly burdensome and restrictive prior authorization requirements are delaying or preventing patients from accessing medically necessary care. Another found that prior authorization denials for care in the SNF setting were overturned 95% of the time when appealed under Medicare Advantage.

Your Academy is currently working to advance multiple pieces of bipartisan legislation that would implement long-overdue reforms to the prior authorization process.

Read more: https://ow.ly/Ux5S50ZcWcl

Take action: https://ow.ly/15TL50ZcWch

American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 9700 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Ste 200, Rosemont, IL 60018 Phone: (847) 737-6000 © Copyright

06/17/2026

Happening tomorrow!

Join us on Thursday, June 18 from 6-7 pm (CT) for Spasticity in Focus, Expert Conversations in PM&R: Spasticity Assessment and Treatment Optimization.

Learn from Alberto Esquenazi, MD, FAAPMR and Daniel Moon, MD, FAAPMR in this ongoing spasticity-focused series!

Register here: https://ow.ly/Mkyr50Z7CvO

Join us on Thursday, June 18 from 6-7 pm (CT) for Spasticity in Focus, Expert Conversations in PM&R: Spasticity Assessment and Treatment Optimization.

In this ongoing series focusing on spasticity, learn from Alberto Esquenazi, MD, FAAPMR and Daniel Moon, MD, FAAPMR, as they discuss how to optimize assessment and treatment for patients

Register here:
https://ow.ly/Mkyr50Z7CvO