25,126
Physiatrists (PM&R)
100%
Accepting patients
53%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 25,126 physiatrists (pm&r) nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (53%). 54% accept Medicare.
Physiatrists (physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, or PM&R doctors) specialize in restoring function and quality of life for people with physical disabilities, injuries, and chronic conditions. They treat the whole person, focusing on what patients can do rather than what they cannot. Their scope includes stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, amputations, musculoskeletal pain, and chronic disability.
After medical school, physiatrists complete a four-year residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Some pursue additional fellowships in sports medicine, spinal cord injury, brain injury, pain management, or pediatric rehabilitation. Their training bridges the gap between surgery and primary care, emphasizing non-surgical restoration of function.
Physiatrists coordinate rehabilitation teams that include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and social workers. They serve as the "quarterback" of recovery, creating comprehensive plans to maximize independence after injury or illness.
See a physiatrist for rehabilitation after stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain injury, for chronic musculoskeletal pain (back, neck, joint), for disability evaluation and management, for post-amputation care and prosthetic optimization, for nerve and muscle conditions (carpal tunnel, neuropathy), and for return-to-work or return-to-activity planning after any significant injury or surgery.
The first visit lasts 45 to 60 minutes. The physiatrist will assess your physical function, strength, flexibility, neurological status, and daily activity limitations. They take a comprehensive history including your injury, prior treatments, and functional goals. The evaluation often includes hands-on testing of specific movements and reflexes. The treatment plan is goal-oriented: what do you want to be able to do? From there, they coordinate therapies, prescribe medications, and may perform diagnostic or therapeutic injections.
Office visit copay: $30-75 · EMG/nerve conduction study: $500-1,500 · Joint injection: $100-500 · Inpatient rehab: $1,500-3,000/day
Physiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, order imaging, and perform injections. Physical therapists are rehabilitation professionals who carry out hands-on treatment and exercise programs. Physiatrists create the overall rehabilitation plan; physical therapists execute the exercise and manual therapy components. They work closely together but have different roles and training.
No. Physiatrists are non-surgical specialists. They focus on maximizing function through medication, injections, therapy, assistive devices, and rehabilitation programs. If surgery is needed, they will refer you to the appropriate surgeon (orthopedic, neurosurgeon) and often manage your post-surgical rehabilitation.
Yes. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see physiatrists. They can diagnose the source of pain using physical exam and imaging, prescribe targeted treatments (therapy, injections, medications), and create a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Their approach is non-surgical and focused on returning you to your normal activities.
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Physiatry visits are covered as specialist visits under medical insurance. Rehabilitation services (physical therapy, occupational therapy) are covered with standard copays and visit limits. EMG/nerve conduction studies ordered by a physiatrist are covered when medically indicated. Inpatient rehabilitation for stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury is covered under medical and Medicare benefits.