Unable to connect with rheumatology fellows and patients in person, Anisha Dua, MD, MPH, and a team of rheumatologists have worked quickly to find new ways to communicate and share resources. Dr. Dua directs rheumatology medical education and the fellowship training program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH), Chicago. She spoke with The Rheumatologist about how…
The COVID-19 global pandemic is forcing telemedicine-only connections with patients and bringing existing rheumatology research to a standstill. However, these challenges are spurring opportunity and innovation, according to Vaneet K. Sandhu, MD, FACR, RhMSUS, director of rheumatology clinical operations at Riverside University Health System and associate fellowship program director in rheumatology at Loma Linda University…
As the cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in South Florida, Reshma Khan, MD, a rheumatologist at the Palm Beach Rheumatology and Wellness Center, Jupiter, Fla., is being careful to emphasize social distancing, but not social isolation. Dr. Khan believes that, during this pandemic, it’s more important than ever for rheumatologists to share support and…
How are rheumatology professionals affected by the physical distancing and other challenges presented by COVID-19? The Rheumatologist interviewed Adena Batterman, MSW, LCSW, senior manager of inflammatory arthritis support and education programs at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, to discuss how the pandemic has changed the way she and her staff maintain continuity of…
Singer Jimmy Dean reportedly once said, “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” The COVID-19 pandemic has required us as rheumatologists to adjust our sails multiple times. We have had to rethink many of the ways in which we interact with our worried…
Take the challenge. D. When an infusion is ordered by the provider, there should be a signed order from the provider. If a prior authorization is needed, it should be obtained, with the number of infusions, along with the start and end dates of the authorization. Also, a prior authorization does not guarantee reimbursement; an…
A 65-year-old male patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at multiple sites without rheumatoid factor has been ordered to have infliximab infusions. What should support staff do to ensure this procedure can be given to the patient? Make sure there is a signed order from the provider Make sure a prior authorization is obtained Make sure…
The Medicare statute states that items and services provided to beneficiaries must be “reasonable and necessary” to qualify for reimbursement. Although the Medicare program determines in specific cases whether an item or service is reasonable and necessary, it also issues policies, called coverage determinations, to instruct Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) what to reimburse providers for….
In conjunction with the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting, the ACR piloted two new programs to provide learners with deeper, more diverse educational experiences outside of attending medical conferences. Education Partners The ACR Education Partner Program allows rheumatology professionals to consume research from the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting via multimedia video and audio platforms. A call…
Investing in rheumatology training is essential to building a strong and capable workforce. Clinician educators are responsible for developing educational programs, instructing rheumatologists to meet accreditation standards and promoting an atmosphere of quality care for patients. Although clinician educators play a critical role in attracting the next generation of rheumatology professionals, faculty pursuing careers as…