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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

Long COVID Initiative Updates: February 9, 2022

Feb 09, 2022

AAPM&R will provide consistent updates on our advocacy outreach efforts, the Multi-Disciplinary PASC Collaborative and other relevant information on our Long COVID initiative.

Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez Testifies on the Impact of Long COVID

On Thursday, February 3, Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD, FAAPMR, professor and chair of the PM&R department at the University of Texas Health San Antonio and director of the COVID Recovery Clinic at University Health, AAPM&R's PASC Collaborative member and Inclusion and Engagement Committee member, testified before the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee in the hearing on Bridging Health Equity Gaps for People with Disabilities and Chronic Conditions.

Her testimony focused on the impact of Long COVID on people with disabilities and how it is creating a new population of disabilities. She talked about the devastating impact of this condition and the further damage caused by the lack of access to care, particularly multi-disciplinary rehabilitation care. She emphasized AAPM&R's call to action and the important work our PASC Collaborative is doing. Read or watch her full testimony.

Dr. Verduzco-Gutierrez was also featured in an article published by Axios discussing Long COVID symptoms and the debilitating impact it is causing on the workforce. Read more.

AAPM&R Submits Comments on the PREVENT Pandemics Act

On February 4, we submitted this letter to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee's Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats and Pandemics Act (PREVENT Pandemics Act) discussion draft. Our comments focused on the need to prepare for post-viral illness associated with any future pandemic acute illness. If we address Long COVID now, we'll be better prepared to address any future post-viral, long-term illness.

AAPM&R Members Speak at ProjectECHO

Benjamin Abramoff, MD, FAAPMR, Co-Chair of AAPM&R's Multidisciplinary PASC Collaborative, presented an overview of PASC as well as the Academy's work during this "Long COVID & Fatigue Illness Recovery Program ECHO" webinar. Alba Azola, MD and John Baratta, MD, MBA, FAAPMR also participated in the Q&A. Listen in.