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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

Dr. Whiteson: AAPM&R Members Push Long COVID Call to Action Forward

Mar 04, 2022

Last March, we officially called on President Biden and Congress to prepare and implement a comprehensive national plan focused on the needs of millions of individuals suffering from the long-term symptoms of COVID-19, also known as Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).

Our efforts are focused on ensuring patients receive the care they need while also communicating the value of PM&R in rehabilitation care aligned with the Academy’s mission and vision. To that end, we have pushed several efforts forward and are working to ensure our member leaders have been consistently featured in front of key decision makers in various news outlets. Take a look at some arenas where your peers are spotlighted:

Jonathan Whiteson, MD, FAAPMR, vice chair of clinical operations and medical director of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation at NYU Langone Health, Rusk Rehabilitation; member of AAPM&R's Multidisciplinary PASC Collaborative

  • He was interviewed by Serena Marshall for her “Track the Vax: The New Normal” podcast. He specifically talked about how Long COVID is being detected and treated and the AAPM&R guidance statements for physicians.
  • He was interviewed by Dr. Josh Sharfstein for the Johns Hopkins’ podcast, Public Health on Call, discussing Long COVID. He specifically talked about how physiatrists are well positioned to treat these patients, what AAPM&R is doing and what we’re continuing to learn about treating patients with Long COVID symptoms.