A Win for Physicians - Courtesy the AAPM&R

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Members do not see this ad.

Many practicing physiatrists and residents ask, "why should I join the AAPM&R? What do they really do for me?". Well, read below for a perfect example of why we should all be members of our Academy.

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has fighting to protect the scope of practice of physiatrists for many many years. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physical therapists have all been slowly encroaching upon the treatment of our patients. In some cases, this is fine; quality patient care is still given as some patients have clear-cut diagnoses. But it is knowledge of those "zebras" that makes physician care so important.

The latest example involves physician assistants (PAs) performing EMGs. In New Jersey, a PA was working under the "supervision" of a physician and performing EMGs. After losing the fight in a trial court, the AAPM&R stepped in (sparing the details in between), and on July 13th the Superior Court of New Jersey ruled that needle EMG was to be performed only by licensed physicians.

Thanks you AAPM&R!!!

If you're not currently a member, I suggest you consider joining the organization fighting to protect your scope of practice. And for the residents out there, the actions of the Academy today, are protecting your livelihood for tomorrow.

http://www.aapmr.org/academy/join.htm

 

[carlosc1dbz]

Nice!!

 

[lobelsteve]

I've reviewed charts where chiropractors were doing EMG/NCV.

Also, lots of quacks doing Neurometrx tests.

 

[PMR 4 MSK]

AANEM is much more involved in this issue and should have been made aware of it also. Anyone who does EMG should join AANEM.

I'm in AAPM&R and see it as a marketing agent, if it would get off it's lazy butt and do some marketing. I don't go to the annual assembly as it is mostlyreviews of what I know, literature reviews I can do myself, esoteric keynote speeches and "Gee look what I can do that you can't!" -style lectures.

 

[drusso]

I'm in AAPM&R and see it as a marketing agent, if it would get off it's lazy butt and do some marketing. I don't go to the annual assembly as it is mostlyreviews of what I know, literature reviews I can do myself, esoteric keynote speeches and "Gee look what I can do that you can't!" -style lectures.

It might also be effective if The Academy had a PAC, but they'd have to change their tax status...