In this episode, Dr. Kumar reflects on the value of physical touch in the clinical encounter, a key element of a holistic patient assessment that can reveal important diagnostic information and strengthen connection between doctor and patient.
For the 2023 Image Competition, the ACR sought images representing a diverse range of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) or IIM mimics. Pneumomediastinum & Ulcerative Cutaneous Dermatomyositis These images depict a 22-year-old woman with a recent diagnosis of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) antibody dermatomyositis who sought evaluation of worsening skin rashes and pleuritic…
About 30 years ago, early in his career as a rheumatologist, Dirkjan van Schaardenburg, PhD, says patients with osteoarthritis experienced terrible problems with inflammation. The landscape has improved to the point that “people can live with it now,” he says. But they still need help. For example, osteoarthritis affects 7% of the global population, according…
SAN DIEGO—Older adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) comprise two groups: those who have lived with diagnosed RA since an early age (young-onset RA) and those who have new-onset RA diagnosed at an older age (≥65 years), known as late-onset RA or, formerly, as elderly onset RA.1 Individuals with late-onset RA have more acute and systemic…
During the height of the pandemic four years ago, I took every precaution to avoid, or at the very least, delay contracting COVID-19. I religiously wore a mask in all public settings, I washed my hands so frequently that my skin became dry and cracked, and I studiously maintained a six-foot distance from others. But…
Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP), also known as Touraine-Solente-Golé syndrome or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, is a rare syndrome that can be inherited as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or sporadically. This progressive disease primarily affects males, who tend to have more severe features than females. PDP usually occurs during adolescence, often starting around puberty.1 The main clinical features are…
At this year’s Hill Day, attendees will receive in-depth training on Medicare reimbursement and hear from Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD, (R-Ind.) about his perspective on the issue as a physician in Congress.
On May 7, ACR leaders from the Board of Directors, committees and more will to go to Capitol Hill and ask lawmakers to support legislation that would stabilize Medicare reimbursement for physicians.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 increased the Medicare conversion factor by 1.68% effective March 9, bringing it to $33.2875 for March 9–Dec. 31, 2024.