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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: March 16, 2022

Mar 16, 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.

AAPM&R Influences Letter from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley

In our March 4 announcement regarding the White House National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, we also announced that there was newly introduced legislation and attention on Capitol Hill that we endorsed in line with our Long COVID call to action. Specifically, that we are a key stakeholder informing Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley's Long COVID efforts, including a Dear Colleague letter to support funding in the next COVID-19 relief package for Long COVID education, treatment and data collection.

On March 8, that letter was released with 24 signatures in support of this funding. We worked with Congresswoman Pressley's office on this letter and encouraged members of Congress to sign on. We are continuing to work with Congresswoman Pressley as she works to bring further attention to this dire issue in Congress. Learn more.

Long-Term Health Effects Stemming from COVID-19 and Implications for the SSA: A Workshop Next Week

Several members of our PASC Collaborative will be speaking during the "Long-Term Health Effects Stemming from COVID-19 and Implications for the SSA: A Workshop" webinar being held on March 21 and 22 by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This two-day virtual workshop will examine long-term and potentially disabling health effects stemming from COVID-19 and how they might impact survivors' ability to work. Learn more and register.