On August 16, pain and neuromuscular physicians gathered during a Virtual Town Hall hosted by the Pain Medicine and Neuromuscular Medicine Member Council Leader, Carol Vandenakker-Albanese, MD. We opened with a discussion on trends, including the aging population and the increase of acute patients in the IRF settings. Additionally, the physicians noted a trend toward increased demand for pain and musculoskeletal treatment and non-interventional care.
When discussing opportunities, several physicians discussed unique partnerships including:
- One example was a physician’s growing partnership with emergency care. With a promise to see a patient within 48 hours, he has added value to the emergency department that has grown this new partnership in the past year.
- Another doctor discussed her partnership with oncologists and the immense opportunities to educate regarding the role of MSK health to improve function through cancer rehabilitation.
- Lastly, participants discussed their connections with primary care, which is a model that was also discussed during the Musculoskeletal Medicine Virtual Town Hall.
Overall, the benefits of collaboration of any kind was emphasized as was the importance of generating awareness with system administrators and insurers.
Pain Medicine and Neuromuscular Medicine physiatrists – did you miss this conversation? Join an upcoming virtual town hall or start a discussion regarding opportunities in the Pain Medicine and Neuromuscular Medicine Member Council Community.
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AAPM&R is hosting Virtual Town Halls as a form of qualitative research supporting the overall goals of the Visioning PM&R Bold initiative. Additional Virtual Town Halls will be announced soon. Make sure to register and Talk PM&R Bold as we discuss big ideas and opportunities for the future of PM&R.