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An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

The Mystery of IVIg

Eveline Wu, MD, Michael M. Frank, MD  |  

Although initially given as replacement therapy for patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiency states, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has proven to be effective in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. This success has led to a dramatic increase in the use of IVIg, with its use as an antiinflammatory agent now vastly surpassing its use in the treatment of immunodeficiencies. Even so, the basis for the antiinflammatory activity of IVIg remains unclear.

Biosimilar Drugs Face Challenges to Reach the U.S. Market

Kathleen Louden  |  

To date, the FDA has not approved a biosimilar product. In its own discussion of the merits and obstacles to biosimilar drugs, the ACR sponsored a panel session titled, “Biosimilar Products in the U.S. Market: Fact or Fiction?” at the 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting here in November.

Maintenance of Certification Is Not Just for the Young

James R. O’Dell, MD  |  

I certainly am relieved to know that I will never need to recertify with the American Board of Internal Medicine Maintenance of Certification, but this feeling is shadowed by a deep sense of shame. I decided to step up and take advantage of all the wonderful recertification programs the ACR has to offer.

Pain is a Tricky Thing to Treat, or Even Evaluate

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Rheumatology is such a gratifying and emotionally rewarding medical specialty. There is no better feeling than helping patients with conditions whose proper diagnosis and management have eluded other practitioners. A patient with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) presents with pain, and a major clinical tenet of DISH has been its lack of association with pain.

Gout – Rheumatology’s Royal Pain

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Gout is a common rheumatic disease often characterized by swelling, redness, and intense pain in the big toe. Once thought to be an exclusive disease of the wealthy who overindulged in food and spirits, gout has become a royal pain for millions of Americans.

Patient Fact Sheet – Gout

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Gout is a painful and potentially disabling form of arthritis that has been recognized since ancient times. Treatments are available to control most cases of gout, but diagnosing this disorder can be difficult, and treatment plans often have to be tailored for each person.

New Patient vs. Established Patient Office Visits

Melesia Tillman, CPC-I, CRHC, CHA  |  

Office visits are considered evaluation and management codes (E/M) in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) manual and are a fundamental part of a rheumatologist’s day. There are two types of office visits: new patient and established patient.

A Journey Begins with the First Step

David I. Daikh, MD, PhD  |  

The ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) has launched the Action Alliance network, a program that calls on rheumatologists, investigators, and health professionals to join the REF in asking patients and families to be a part of the conversation. The Action Alliance consists of two programs working together: From the Field Speakers Bureau and Patients and Families for Progress.

Coding Corner – New Patient vs. Established Patient Quiz

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New Patient vs. Established Patient Quiz 1. A 65-year-old female patient comes to see Dr. Raven at her new practice. The last time this patient saw Dr. Raven was eight weeks ago at her old practice. What type of patient visit is this? Established New 2. Dr. Smith joins a new practice and many of…