Maksymowych et al. assessed the frequency of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) according to extra-articular presentation and human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) status and sought to identify features that distinguish patients with axSpA from those with non-specific back pain. Their data support recommendations that patients with chronic back pain and extra-articular features related to axSpA be screened for axSpA with MRI and referred to a rheumatologist.
ACR Convergence 2024—In a wide-ranging and engaging discussion, members of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) tracked their progress over the years across clinical practice, research production and representation in the field, while outlining challenges and opportunities to come. The session at ACR Convergence included a panel and an audience full of past presidents of…
WASHINGTON, D.C.—It is no small task to summarize an entire year’s worth of research accomplishments in any field of medicine, let alone one as complex as rheumatology. At ACR Convergence 2024, the Pediatric Year in Review not only provided a thoughtful summary, but also grouped advances along several different themes. Immune Health & More Jessica…
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is often a challenging diagnosis to make, given a lack of serologic biomarkers and often difficulty in accessing tissue for biopsy, especially in cases confined to the retroperitoneum. The topic of retroperitoneal fibrosis was discussed during the CARE to Test Your Knowledge: Retroperitoneal Fibrosis session at ACR Convergence 2024. John Stone,…
The Voice of Rheumatology (VOR) Coalition convened last month at ACR Convergence 2024 in Washington, D.C., to discuss the pressing federal and state legislative priorities that will affect both the practice of rheumatology and patient care in the year ahead. The Coalition, composed of leading rheumatology professional societies and patient advocacy groups, gathered to examine…
Changes to Medicare benefits in 2025 include an annual $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs for covered Part D drugs and a new, voluntary Medicare Prescription Payment Plan intended to help beneficiaries manage drug costs.
A third extension of telemedicine flexibilities will continue to allow prescription of controlled substances via telemedicine without an in-person visit through the end of 2025.
Match Day Results Highlight Continued Interest in Adult Rheumatology & Sharp Declines in Pediatric Rheumatology The ACR applauds another successful recruitment season for rheumatology and welcomes an impressive pool of applicants to the specialty. Ninety-nine percent of adult rheumatology positions were filled for the 2024 appointment year as part of the National Resident Matching Program…