AAPM&R News

Earlier today on November 4, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule, which takes effect January 1, 2027. The rule finalizes a Medicare conversion factor of $32.63 for most physicians, a decrease of 2.31%. The rule also finalizes a modification to the proposed payment reduction for evaluation and management (E/M) services billed with a procedure on the same day (modifier 25). In place of the proposed 50% reduction for these services, Medicare has finalized a 20% reduction. This outcome is the direct result of the advocacy efforts of AAPM&R and our partners. Your Academy is currently reviewing the rule and will update this story with additional details on finalized policies in the coming days. For more information on our MPFS advocacy resources, visit: ow.ly/8Ppq5103Xbz Also, we are aware that CMS has released the 2027 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) final rule, which takes effect January 1, 2027. The rule finalizes a proposal to expand the hospital outpatient department prior authorization program to include botulinum toxin injection codes. Your Academy advocated against this proposal in our comments to CMS submitted in late August. We will continue to update members as we assess the rule and possible next steps for advocacy.

⏰ ONE WEEK TO GO! #AAPMR26 is almost here! 🎉 We can’t wait to welcome the #PMR community for an unforgettable week of learning, connecting and celebrating #physiatry. Who’s ready? 🙌 Register here: ow.ly/CYaH5103UiL

From the page to the plenary! Hear directly from #AAPMR26 plenary speaker Robert Wachter, MD (@Bob_Wachter), as he previews his opening plenary, “A Bold Vision for Healthcare’s AI Revolution.” Watch his message and get ready for an inspiring start to this year's Assembly! Learn More: ow.ly/qRTX5103aYF

Join us tomorrow for the next installment in our Spasticity in Focus, Expert Conversations in PM&R series on the The intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump! In this case-based session, faculty will present real-world patient scenarios, and the audience will work through each one to build confidence in troubleshooting this vulnerable patient population. Learn More & Register: onlinelearning.aapmr.org/URL…

ICYMI Add to your #AAPMR26 experience with one of our Skills Labs! Led by experts in the specialty, Skills Labs are hands-on sessions designed to help you sharpen techniques and build confidence. Tailor your Assembly schedule around some skills labs like: Saturday, November 14: -Ultrasound Guidance for Lower Limb Chemodenervation Procedures -Pump Whisperer Workshop: Managing and Troubleshooting Intrathecal Baclofen Like a Pro Check out the full schedule here: aapmr26.eventscribe.net/agen…

Our supplies are bound for Orlando! Can't wait to see everyone at #AAPMR26 🥳😎☀️

The Advancing PM&R Podcast is back! In this episode, join our expert panel as they explore how artificial intelligence, digital health and remote care technologies are transforming rehabilitation medicine. Check out the full interview here: buzzsprout.com/2273978/episo… #Physiatry #PMR

Nine years strong! Thank you to our next group of Institution Partners Council (IPC) participants for their continued years of support! See the full list of participants and how your institution can get involved here: ow.ly/jpwb50ZYBtf

Connect With Your Fellow Academy Liaisons at #AAPMR26! Stop by the Career Corner in the Exhibit Hall to connect with fellow Academy Liaisons during the 2026 Annual Assembly. Leveraging the Liaison Experience November 13, 2026 | 12:30-1 pm (ET) Learn more: ow.ly/QyUH50ZXOWl

Lead with confidence. Build the skills to drive change. Through AAPM&R's Catalyst Leaders Program, #PMR physicians will receive an introduction to practical business and leadership strategies, receive personalized mentorship and develop a real-world project they can apply directly to their practice or institution. Learn More: aapmr.org/clp

In this week’s edition of our Content Creator Corner series, join Heidi Gabr, MD as she sits down with Suzanne Abou-Diab, MD to discuss collaboration across the specialty, locally and internationally, to develop rehabilitation solutions for children and adults affected by traumatic amputation, especially in resource-limited settings. Check out the full interview & more here: aapmr.org/contentcreatorcorn… #Physiatry #PMR

We can’t wait to see everyone at this year’s PM&R Party! Join us at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ and Jurassic Park at Universal Islands of Adventure. Members get first access to tickets. Secure your spot before we’re sold out! (LINK) aapmr.org/pm-r-party

ICYMI Our call for 2027 Innovators & Influencers Honoree Nominations is open! We are accepting nominations and self-nominations for AAPM&R members from PGY3 through 15 years in practice. All nominations are due by November 20. Learn more: ow.ly/cvjh50ZXbKu

A peek inside our pain management and spine rehabilitation think tank that took place over the weekend! Thank you to our physician leaders who contributed to a productive meeting and thoughtful dialogue about the future of #physiatry!

Academy member and Past President Michelle Gittler, MD, FAAPMR (Medical Director at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital), was recently featured in a segment on WGN's Spotlight Chicago highlighting the hospital’s innovative rehabilitation services! Check out the full segment here: wgntv.com/spotlight-chicago-… #PMR #Physiatry