The workforce shortage in rheumatology is a critical issue the Rheumatology Research Foundation is tackling. The number of patients with rheumatic disease is growing exponentially, and that means more health professionals and innovative approaches are needed to ensure rheumatology practices are set up to offer the best care. In 2018, the ARP released a core…
Step therapy reform has been a hot topic and major focus of the ACR’s advocacy activity in states this legislative session. Washington, Oregon, Wisconsin and Florida are all considering step therapy bills that stand good chance of passing this legislative year. Virginia and Georgia have already passed step therapy laws. When these two new laws…
The American Medical Association (AMA) Relative Value Update Committee (RUC) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) meet three times a year to keep the CPT code set up to date and review resource costs for physicians. The two-step meetings of the CPT Editorial Panel and the RUC allow physicians to provide direct input to the Centers…
Like many states in recent years, Georgia has struggled to provide patients with adequate access to rheumatologists and other cognitive specialists, with Georgia averaging 74,713 people per rheumatologist. Of equal concern, 31% of Georgia’s rheumatologists are approaching retirement age. During the current legislative session, the ACR has stepped up with a proposal to alleviate some…
The ACR Committee on Journal Publications announces the search for the position of editor in chief of Arthritis & Rheumatology. The official term of the next Arthritis & Rheumatology editorship is July 1, 2020–June 30, 2025; however, some of the duties of the new editor will begin during a transition period starting April 1, 2020….
The Rheumatology Research Foundation’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned yet another four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the 10th consecutive time the Foundation has earned this top distinction. Only 1% of charities have ever received 10 consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating the Foundation outperforms…
A 60-year-old man returns for a follow-up related to his diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic gout of his right ankle and foot, without tophi. He reports the gout flares have subsided in his ankle. He takes 450 mg of allopurinol daily. He has rheumatoid factor-positive rheumatoid arthritis, which previously affected multiple sites, without organ…
Take the challenge. CPT: 20611-LT, J7325-EJ ICD-10: M17.12, E66.01, Z68.41 CPT: 99213 ICD-10: M1a.0710, M05.79 History—The history of present illness was extended. The review of systems was extended, and two past family social history elements were documented. This makes the history level detailed. Examination—Five systems were examined. This makes the exam level detailed. Medical decision…
Don’t forget: The submission window for the Quality Payment Program Performance Year 2018 closes on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. Submissions must be complete by 8:00 PM EDT. We encourage all MIPS-eligible clinicians to double-check their status and final scores with the CMS by logging into their EIDM account. Not sure how to review your final score?…
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) announced in the March issue of its Provider Network Bulletin that it will discontinue payment for consultation codes (CPT 99241–99255) later this year. Implementation of the policy will occur in two phases. On June 1, 2019, UHC will eliminate the consultation codes for practices with contracted rates based on a stated year 2010 or…