Occupational therapist Cheryl Crow, who lives with rheumatoid arthritis, shares the ins and outs of what OT is and how it can help those with rheumatic conditions.
Unless Congress Acts, Medicare Reimbursement Will Remain Flat or Drop in 2025
The 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule, released Nov. 1, includes a conversion factor of $32.3465, a 2.83% drop from 2024. In response to advocacy efforts from the ACR and other medical societies, Congress recently introduced the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2024, which would eliminate the 2.83% payment cut and provide an inflationary update for 2025 equal to 50% of the Medicare Economic Index.
Updates from the ACR Insurance Subcommittee
The ACR Insurance Subcommittee (ISC) of the Committee on Rheumatologic Care has been hard at work, advocating to payers on behalf of the ACR and its members. Following is an update on some of the work this group has been doing to help address concerns about reimbursement and administrative burden, while ensuring continued access to…
2024 Election Summary, Outlook for the Lame Duck Session & the New Congress
With a likely Republican majority in the House and Senate and a Republican president, there may be a sense that the party has a mandate to lead initiatives and enact significant policy changes. Any end-of-year legislative package will be narrower than initially expected, but the ACR’s top priority remains addressing cuts to physician reimbursements.
Rheum After 5: Dr. Elizabeth Hazel, Olympian
Dr. Elizabeth Hazel reflects on her experience as a Canadian swimming competitor in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Rheumatic Manifestations of Diabetes (Mimics, Common Culprits & More)
Understanding the intersection of diabetes mellitus & rheumatic diseases, including lesser known rheumatic entities of diabetes, such as diabetic cheiroarthropathy, scleredema & diabetic myonecrosis, is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Lupus & Nightmares
Dr. David D’Cruz’s research attempts to help patients make sense of chronic nightmares, an understudied symptom of lupus.
In Memoriam: Remembering Dr. Arthur Grayzel
Dr. Arthur Grayzel leaves behind a legacy of care as a parent, teacher, researcher & clinician.
In Memoriam: Remembering Dr. David Templin
“He cared when no one else did. He not only took the time to figure out what was wrong but listened to what I had to say no matter how crazy I may have sounded. Dr. Templin is a rare type of doctor—he’s the type that clearly loves his career and patients to the core,”…
Can Primary Care Physicians Help Rheumatology’s Workforce Shortages?
In an effort to ameliorate serious rheumatology provider shortages, the ACR Workforce Solutions Committee has developed a new resource for primary care providers who treat patients with rheumatic conditions.