Long COVID/PASC

Advocacy

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AAPM&R is Calling for a Comprehensive National Plan to Address the Needs of Millions Suffering from Long COVID

According to two publications from the Journal of the American Medical Association, ten to thirty percent of individuals who had COVID-19 reported at least one persistent symptom up to six months after the virus left their bodies. That means 3 to 10 million Americans are experiencing symptoms of Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), which are varied and ongoing, including neurological challenges, cognitive problems such as brain fog, shortness of breath, fatigue, pain, and mobility issues.

In 2021, AAPM&R called on President Joe Biden and Congress to gear up for the next coronavirus crisis by preparing and implementing a comprehensive national plan focused on meeting the needs of millions of individuals suffering from the long-term symptoms of COVID-19, and help them regain quality of life and return to being active members of their communities. The plan must include a commitment to three major components:

Resources to build necessary infrastructure to meet this crisis
Equitable access to care for patients
Research to advance medical understanding of Long COVID

PM&R physicians are uniquely qualified to help guide the multidisciplinary effort needed to develop a plan for this crisis. As a specialty, physiatrists are investigators, team leaders and problem solvers. PM&R physicians see the whole patient AND the whole picture of the rehabilitation ecosystem. Physiatrists are exactly what this crisis needs. Learn more about our Multidisciplinary PASC Collaborative, launched in March 2021, which is working on quality improvement initiatives.

AAPM&R Advocacy, Healthcare Collaborations and Partnerships, and Customized Resources to Support PM&R During This Crisis

AAPM&R is working to ensure PM&R is part of the national conversation about healthcare amidst COVID-19 and advocating for the federal support, legislation, regulation relief and resources that physiatrists need now. One way we are doing this is through our partnerships and collaborations with other specialty societies. The Academy continuously works to represent PM&R through these collaborations, and it is through these partnerships that we are able to discuss and share a variety of resources with you that you critically need.

AAPM&R PASC Commission Sign-On Letter

AAPM&R PASC Call to Action One-Pager

Stay Up-to-Date

COVID-19 Recently-Added Resources

Mar 23, 2020

We fully understand that you may have questions about the rapidly-changing environment and we are committed to sharing clear, up-to-date information so when you need to, you can make the most informed decisions.

To that end, we have been researching and collecting resources from physiatrist members and are continuing to add them in our COVID-19 Member Support and Resource Center. We have also partnered and are collaborating with other medical societies to share resources and continue discussions to bring you the information you need on the frontlines. Here are a few recently-added resources:

Member-to-Member Guidance:
- March 19: From David W. Lee, MD, FAAPMR, How Coronavirus (COVID-19) Effects Your Interventional Procedure – a document he is handing out to his patients.
- March 16: From Lennox McNeary, MD, FAAPMR; Susan Maltser, DO, FAAPMR; and Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD, FAAPMR, Navigating Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Physiatry: A CAN Report for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

Telemedicine:
- March 16: Many of you are looking for options to care for your patients remotely through telemedicine or telehealth services. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions related to reimbursement, equipment, licensure, and coverage changes here.
- March 19: AAOS shares their telemedicine startup checklist and information on choosing a vendor
- March 19: AMA shares their quick guide to telemedicine in practice
- March 19: ACP shares their Telemedicine: A Practical Guide for Incorporation Into Your Practice
From AAPM&R:
- March 18: AAPM&R sent a letter to CMS seeking additional waivers on regulations relevant to the IRF, SNF, and other PAC settings as well as guidance pertaining to outpatient care including telemedicine provisions.
From Other Organizations:
- March 19: Access the Society of Critical Care Medicine's (SCCM) complimentary online training, Critical Care for Non-ICU Clinicians, for health care professionals who could benefit from critical care training.
- March 18: Federal relief packages have been approved (and one in progress) to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Find key information regarding the status, summary of key provisions, and other relevant information here.
- March 18: Insurance companies are responding to COVID-19 by adjusting coverage including changes to prior authorization, copays, telemedicine coverage, and beyond. AHIP is tracking these changes on a payer-by-payer basis on their website.
- March 16: COVID-19 Preparedness Checklist for Nursing Homes and Other Long-Term Care Settings
- March 13: CMS announced 1,135 waivers, including waivers to the SNF 3-day rule and IRF 60% rule. View them here.
- March 13: The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) Editorial Panel has created a new CPT code for COVID-19 diagnostic testing. The code is effective March 13, 2020 and further information can be found here.

The COVID-19 Member Support and Resource Center is updated at least daily (if not more often) to assist you with patient care. If you can't find what you need or would like additional support, we're here to help. Contact us at (847) 737-6000 or email covidresponse@aapmr.org. And, please continue sharing your resources in the Care in the Time of COVID-19 Member Forum on PhyzForum!