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AAPM&R Explores Role of Telehealth and Technology in Physiatric Care

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Remote patient care has rapidly gained importance in physiatry, prompting discussions on its effective and efficient integration into clinical practice, both in the short and long term. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) recognizes the burgeoning role of telehealth and technology in medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). To address both immediate needs and future opportunities, the Academy convened a Telehealth Innovation Workgroup in 2020, setting in motion a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing patient and provider experiences through technology.

The Telehealth Innovation Workgroup had many key achievements, including a robust interview series featuring member leaders who are pioneering efforts in telehealth, a partnership with the American Medical Association (AMA) through its Future of Health Immersion Program producing PM&R-specific webinars, and a comprehensive white paper titled “Telehealth in PM&R: Past, Present and Future in Clinical Practice and Opportunities for Translational Research.” This publication, published in the PM&R Journal in 2023, underscores the evolving landscape of telehealth, which extends beyond traditional virtual visits, and has prompted exploration of innovative approaches such as hospital-at-home programs, remote therapeutic monitoring, and the integration of artificial intelligence.

As the final project of the workgroup, the Academy was tasked with organizing a Technology Summit that took place on December 6, 2024, at the Academy’s headquarters in Rosemont, IL. This Summit, co-chaired by Drs. Thiru Annaswamy and Robert Rinaldi, brought together experts from AAPM&R and industry to collaborate on identifying digital solutions and consumer tools that address physiatry-facing clinical and administrative burden barriers and present technology solutions and new opportunities for musculoskeletal care and rehabilitation at home.

Technology Summit

The Technology Summit convened healthcare leaders, policy experts, and physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians to address critical challenges and opportunities in leveraging technology, advancing policy reforms, and enhancing patient care delivery. Discussions focused on overcoming administrative barriers, adopting innovative virtual care tools, and advocating for policy changes to improve access and equity in healthcare. Participants emphasized the need for actionable recommendations, including the integration of augmented intelligence (AI), virtual musculoskeletal (MSK) solutions, and data-driven advocacy strategies.

Through collaborative discussions and consensus-building exercises, the summit identified key priorities for advancing PM&R's role in the evolving healthcare landscape. These include promoting evidence-based adoption of technology, strengthening policy advocacy, and positioning PM&R as a leader in value-based care. Action items were outlined, focusing on education initiatives, technology adoption, and strategic engagement to drive meaningful improvements in patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

Challenges in the Current Policy Landscape

  • Persistent issues such as payment parity, administrative burdens, and underutilization of telehealth hinder healthcare reform. Equity and access remain critical barriers, with rural and underserved communities facing significant challenges.
  • Regular reviews of remote physiologic monitoring (RPM)/remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) codes and budget neutrality in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, create both opportunities and constraints.

Leveraging Technology for PM&R

  • Emerging tools like ambient AI and generative AI can significantly reduce documentation burdens, improve workflow efficiency, and alleviate burnout. However, integration into electronic medical records (EMRs) and ethical guardrails for AI use are essential.
  • Virtual MSK solutions, such as app-based and RTM-augmented physical therapy (PT) models, are cost-effective alternatives to in-person care, but gaps in adoption and evidence-based validation hinder progress.
  • Predictive modeling for risk adjustments, outcomes tracking, and physical assessments like range of motion testing offer untapped potential for PM&R leadership in value-based care models.

Positioning PM&R as a Leader

  • PM&R must address branding and visibility challenges to demonstrate its value in injury prevention, chronic disease management, and non-surgical MSK care.
  • Digital outreach via platforms like YouTube and TikTok and leveraging thought leadership opportunities at high-value tech conferences can amplify PM&R’s role in innovative care.
  • Collaborations with technology vendors, health plans, and employers are critical to streamlining workflows and integrating virtual solutions.

“The vision of AAPM&R is to position the specialty as an early intervention across the continuum of care and identify where technology can be integrated to support this goal and enhance interdisciplinary collaborations.”

Tracy Sereiko, MBA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

Top-Priority Actionable Recommendations

From the actionable recommendations identified during the breakout discussions, attendees prioritized the following for the Academy to address as key initiatives moving forward.

  1. Education Initiatives:
    • Develop education on virtual MSK tools as options for care.
    • Create a list of dos and don’ts of AI for documentation.
    • Develop resources for providers on the practical applications of AI in PM&R including prior authorization and patient triage
  2. Technology Solutions:
    • Shortlist vetted AI vendors.
    • Create AI-driven templates, scripts, and predictive modeling for prior authorization including documenting medical necessity, leveraging knowledge of payor policies.
    • Enhance accessibility of digital health tools.
  3. Engagement Strategies:
    • Increase PM&R thought leadership within technology-focused healthcare discussions (conferences, speaking engagements, etc.).

To learn more about the Summit:

Click here to view the full summary document.

Click here to view the agenda.

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