Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

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

Articles by Staff

PAC Progress and Challenges

David Holzman  |  

After three years, RheumPAC has a solid start, and more work ahead of it

Pearls for Denials Management and Appeals

  |  

Denials management and appeals are two of the most underestimated processes in rheumatology offices. Most practices lose thousands of dollars each year because of not following up on or incorrectly writing off denied claims. It is crucial for physicians and their staff members to stay on top of denials to boost the revenue cycle.

Digital Footprints: Managing Your Online Professional Presence

  |  

Just over a year ago, WellPoint first made headlines when it announced a joint initiative with Zagat (known for their robust restaurant reviews) to poll healthcare consumers through an online survey to assess patients’ satisfaction with their healthcare providers. Since that time, the online community of health consumers has exploded with user-generated healthcare delivery reviews and comments collected in structured surveys and unstructured social media, such as blogs, Twitter, and Facebook.

Members, Submitters Share Thoughts on ACR Journals

Robert I. Fox, MD, PhD, and Carla M. Fox, RN  |  

In an online survey conducted in the spring of 2009, the ACR collected information on journal readership patterns, satisfaction, and content interests. The survey was sent to a sample of ACR and ARHP members who had not submitted manuscripts to Arthritis & Rheumatism (A&R) or Arthritis Care & Research (AC&R) within a recent 12-month period. It was also sent, with additional questions regarding submission and review, to all members and nonmembers who had submitted at least one manuscript to either journal during the 12-month period. Because of the international scope and reputation of the ACR journals, along with the fact that most members are in clinical practice and do not generally conduct and publish research, 63% of the submitters to the journals are not members of the ACR or ARHP. The ACR journals have long been viewed as the place where both members and nonmembers seek to publish their high-quality work.

RheumPAC Supports Two Candidates Who Support Rheumatology

  |  

RheumPAC, the ACR’s political action committee (PAC), ensures that the ACR is involved in healthcare reform discussions. RheumPAC representatives have been busy attending fundraisers and educating key congressional members on the ACR’s legislative priorities.

Experiencing EULAR: An ARHP Perspective

Pamela J. Degotardi, PhD  |  

I’m writing this column in my hotel room in rainy, somewhat chilly, Copenhagen. So much for the summer dresses that I packed in preparation for attending this European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) meeting. Instead it’s been all about layering and trying to stay dry, dodging puddles, and struggling with blown-out umbrellas. The rain has impeded any desire to explore Tivoli gardens, but it hasn’t dampened the friendliness and welcome of our European counterparts in EULAR’s Allied Health Professionals (AHP) standing committee.