Focus Rheums| ACR Convergence 2024 Previews

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

Reading Rhuem

Robyn T. Domsic, MD; Gail C. Davis, RN, EdD; Mary Corr,MD  |  

Handpicked Reviews of Contemporary Literature

The Value of Mentoring in ARHP

Karen L. Kerr, MSN, NP, CPNP, APRN-BC  |  

In today’s unpredictable healthcare environment, mentoring new healthcare professionals is more important than ever. Most of us have benefited from mentors: Individuals who provided us with the guidance, encouragement, and challenges to help us grow personally and professionally.

Time to Get Involved with ARHP

Catherine Backman, PhD, OT(C), FCAOT  |  

In June, the ARHP Nominations Committee will develop a slate of officers and identify volunteers to serve on committees and taskforces for the 2007-2008 leadership year. Volunteering is rewarding, offers a great education, and is an opportunity to meet colleagues across disciplines and geographical regions.

Combine With Medicare Part D to Help Patients Afford Prescriptions

Kent W. Blakely, MD and Melesia R. Collins, CPC  |  

According to the 2003 U.S. Census, 29 million people in the United States make less than 200% of the federal poverty level and have no health insurance. Many persons have difficulty affording prescribed medications. In addition to Medicare Part D, there are more than 350 public and private patient assistance programs, including programs by pharmaceutical companies, that help patients pay for prescriptions.

What Has the ACR Done for You Lately?

Dan Fohrman, MD  |  

The world in which we currently practice is not the same one we knew five to 10 years ago. Insurers second-guess our decisions and create numerous hurdles for us to overcome before our patients can be treated. Government agencies are seeking ways to reduce healthcare expenditures and improve what they perceive as a lack of quality and consistency in healthcare delivery. These groups, as well as Congress and employers (who purchase benefits for their employees), have begun a concerted effort to grade rheumatologists on the basis of what they perceive to be quality and efficiency and then pay us according to those criteria.

Neck Pain Patient Fact Sheet

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This month we focus on neck pain, a common ailment that affects 10% of the population each year. In some cases the ailment is due to systemic illnesses such as polymyalgia rheumatica or osteoarthritis, but the majority of cases are caused by mechanical disorders such as overuse of the neck or arms.

Audioconference: Management of Fibromyalgia

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Tremendous progress is being made in the area of fibromyalgia,” says Dan Clauw, MD, professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and moderator of the March 14 audioconference on the current management of fibromyalgia. “However,” he continues, “as in many fields of medicine, those who are not directly involved in fibromyalgia research and treatment are not aware of the progress that has been made.”

Legislative Priorities in 2007

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In 2007, the ACR Government Affairs Committee will focus on correcting the Medicare reimbursement formula, countering increased cuts to diagnostic imaging, and the enactment of the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act. Increasing advocacy among ACR members will also be a top priority.