1. What are the current priorities for the QPPR Committee in 2023?
Some of the top priorities for QPPR in 2023 are:
- Fighting to Reduce Physiatrist Burden by Removing Prior Authorization Struggles
- Fighting Against PM&R Physician Fee Cuts and For Improved Payment
- Defending the Role of Physiatrists Against Encroachment from Non-PM&R Physicians and Non-Physicians
- Working to Preserve Physiatrists’ Expertise in Determining Medical Necessity in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Admissions
- Advocating for Expanded Telehealth Innovations and Enhanced Ways for Physiatrists to Advance Patient Care
- Advancing Long COVID Advocacy to Position PM&R Physicians as Leaders in Multi-Disciplinary Care
- Preparing Physiatrists to Navigate Through the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
2. You’ve been involved with the QPPR Committee for many years now. What do you enjoy most about the work you do with these volunteers?
I enjoy getting to meet and know new volunteers. They all bring their own unique background and skills to the table, but are all exceedingly passionate about volunteering their thoughts, time and energy to QPPR deliberations and activities. I feel honored and privileged to being a part of such a group. I also have enjoyed putting out enduring material (papers, presentations, etc.) with those volunteers, so the work we do in QPPR has a bigger and more enduring impact. Of course, a big shout-out to QPPR and Academy staff in ensuring that we engage the volunteers consistently and in meaningful ways, and to make sure that their participation and input is valued.
3. What is your advice on how a resident or trainee can start to become involved in advocacy?
We (QPPR) are planning to hold an Advocacy 101 training session at the 2023 Annual Assembly in New Orleans. I would encourage any PHiT member or trainee interested in being more involved in advocacy to attend this training session. PHiT members have been very active in being involved in QPPR activities many of which are in the advocacy space. So, any trainee wanting to be more involved in advocacy can apply to be a PHiT Liaison on QPPR by working with the PHiT Council.