what does a physiatrist really get paid to do? They do an initial evaluation of a patient, and then physical and occupational therapists do all the actual day-to-day work with the patient. I have no idea what PM&R MDs get paid for. what do you think? is that why they have one of the lowest starting salaries of doctors?

They get paid to manage patients medically. PT's, OT's, psychologists, etc are essential for good rehab, but these professional lack the requisite medical knowledge to "steer the ship."

On the outpatient side, physiatrists get paid to do disability evals, sports med, pain management, manage chronic diseases, as well as a number of EMG/NCS and diagnostic/therapeutic injections.

spreesbeers,
I think alot of your questions regarding physiatry and PM&R can be answered by going to The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at http://www.aapmr.org/