PM&R physicians help patients restore and preserve function, maintain independence, and remain active in their communities. However, Medicare physician payments have failed to keep pace with the rising costs of staffing, technology, regulatory compliance, and other essential practice expenses. These pressures threaten the long-term viability of physician practices and Medicare beneficiaries’ access to timely, high-quality care.

The Patients First Act would provide inflation-based annual payment updates, improve Medicare’s budget-neutrality policies, and establish a more streamlined, physician-driven approach to quality measurement. Together, these reforms would strengthen physician practices and help preserve patients’ access to care.

To support member participation, AAPM&R has developed a template message asking representatives to cosponsor the legislation. Physicians are encouraged to customize the message by describing their practice setting, patient population, and experiences with Medicare payment challenges. Personal examples can help your representative understand why these reforms matter to patients in your community. Please avoid including identifying patient information.

Please take a few minutes to send your message and urge your representative to cosponsor H.R. 9693.