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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.

Stay Up-to-Date

2021 Annual Assembly is Now Fully Virtual

Sep 08, 2021

After careful consideration of the ongoing spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, AAPM&R has decided to host the 2021 Annual Assembly exclusively virtually. We are confident #AAPMR21 will bring you all the top-notch education, cutting-edge research and valuable networking and career advancement opportunities that you’ve come to expect from the Academy.

Throughout the planning process, AAPM&R has been mindful of COVID-19’s potential impact on travel and public gatherings. For that reason, we had planned to provide the 2021 Annual Assembly both in person and virtually. However, the ongoing health concerns related to COVID-19, and compliance with public health guidelines and other restrictions, prevents or otherwise renders it impracticable for the Assembly to proceed in person. We hope you will join us virtually November 11-14.

Since our plans have always included a focus on an exceptional virtual experience, we are prepared for this transition and excited to welcome the entire PM&R community to physiatry’s biggest event of the year! The virtual Assembly will be held on the same dates (November 11-14) with essentially the same schedule as currently planned. All virtual pre-Assembly events will continue as scheduled. As originally planned, all content will be recorded and available on-demand for all registrants–more than 100 CME!

We have a new early-bird date! Register by September 30 for the best rate.

For those previously registered for “in-person + virtual”, learn about transferring your registration, travel and hotel updates and more. Additional details will be added once confirmed.

If you have further questions, please email info@aapmr.org. Please note that there may be a high volume of questions, and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.