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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

Six AAPM&R PASC Collaborative Participants Awarded Grants to Expand Access to Care for Individuals with Long COVID

Sep 11, 2023

 

In April we announced that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was releasing its Notice of Funding Opportunity on “Implementing and Evaluating New Models for Delivering Comprehensive, Coordinated, Person-Centered Care to People with Long COVID.” This funding is designed to expand access and care, develop, and implement new or improved care delivery models, foster best practices for Long COVID management, and support the primary care community in Long COVID education.  

On September 20, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the AHRQ, announced the grant awards and we are thrilled to share that six of the nine Long COVID clinics to receive this funding are part of our Multi-Disciplinary PASC Collaborative. Each awardee will receive $1 million for up to five years and this grant goes directly to clinics to use at the point of care.

Congratulations to the following awardees who have been so valuable in our Long COVID efforts:

  • Abby Cheng, MD, FAAPMR – Washington University
  • Janna Friedly, MD, MPH, FAAPMR – University of Washington
  • Joseph Herrera, DO, FAAPMR – Mount Sinai
  • Amanda Morrow, MD, FAAPMR – Kennedy Krieger Institute
  • William Niehaus, MD, FAAPMR – University of Colorado
  • Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD, FAAPMR – UT Health San Antonio