Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

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

From the College

2024 Election Summary, Outlook for the Lame Duck Session & the New Congress

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With a likely Republican majority in the House and Senate and a Republican president, there may be a sense that the party has a mandate to lead initiatives and enact significant policy changes. Any end-of-year legislative package will be narrower than initially expected, but the ACR’s top priority remains addressing cuts to physician reimbursements.

Insight into the ACR’s Commitment to an Inclusive Committee Composition

Kanika Monga, MD, FACR  |  

“While our group carefully considered your application, I regret to inform you that you were not selected this year to serve as a committee volunteer.” When the email arrived, gently delivering the news that my application to volunteer with the ACR on a committee had not been accepted, my initial reaction was to dismiss it…

ACR Comments on 2025 Physician Fee Schedule

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The ACR’s response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addresses the likely harm of the proposed conversion factor on the solvency and stability of rheumatology practices. The comments also include recommendations on complex drug administration coding, inflation-adjusted drug rebates and extending telehealth flexibilities.

ACR Applauds Legislation to Reform Prior Authorization Policies

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A new bill, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, aims to streamline the prior authorization process. “The prior authorization process has become unmanageable for both doctors and patients. Insurer red tape imposes a significant burden on clinicians, leading to unnecessary and unclear delays, or even outright denials of patient care,” says ACR President…

ACR Hill Day Participants Urge Congress to Reform Medicare Reimbursement

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On May 6–7, nearly 100 rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals converged in Washington, D.C., for the ACR’s annual Advocacy Leadership Conference and 137 meetings on Capitol Hill. You can help extend the efforts of these advocates and amplify their impact by contacting your lawmakers via the Legislative Action Center.