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

From the College

New Annual Scientific Meeting Registration and Syllabi Initiatives

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Each year, the ACR solicits feedback from annual meeting attendees. This feedback isn’t just stored in a file somewhere; it is reviewed and action is taken as a part of the ACR’s commitment to providing a quality educational experience at every annual meeting.

Value-Based Purchasing: The Future of US HealthCare?

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Purchasers of healthcare are beginning to take a more active role in ensuring they receive value for their health care dollars, and these savvy shoppers want to develop programs to increase the quality and efficiency of the care they purchase. This movement has given rise to the concept of value-driven healthcare, commonly called value-based purchasing. Over the next three months, “From the College” will take a look at this type of purchasing and provide rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals with practical advice on how to stand out to these value-based purchasers.

Make a Difference by the End of Summer: Contact Congress

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The more personal your contact with your elected officials, the more effective it will be. Although a personal discussion with a member of Congress is positive, a meeting or telephone conversation with one of his or her staff is just as valuable.

ARHP Angle: We Need a Few Good Leaders!

Pamela Degotardi, PhD  |  

Flying back from Cincinnati, where I’d been attending a meeting of the ARHP Committee on Nominations, it occurred to me that some members might be intrigued by the process of how ARHP officers and committee and subcommittee chairs are selected. While I do realize that some members aren’t interested in the structural organization of ARHP, I know some may ask, “Why was she selected and not me?”

Within Our Reach–Funded Research Finds Highly Specific Markers of RA

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A study recently published in Arthritis & Rheumatism concluded that anti–peptidyl arginine deiminase type 4 (PAD-4) antibodies are highly specific markers of RA and appear to be useful markers of disease severity. The project studied an important and previously unrecognized immune response in RA—anti–PAD-4, which is one of the major proteins that creates other common autoantigens in RA.

Successfully Leave Your Practice

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Educational leave, sabbatical, parental leave, extended illness, and practice closure due to relocation, retirement, or better professional opportunities can all lead to the decision to leave a practice.

ACR Offers Certified Rheumatology Coding Exam

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Rheumatology practices are often looking for a way to get their coding staff certified in rheumatology coding. In response to the inquiries received at the ACR office, the ACR—in conjunction with the American Academy of Professional Coders—has developed the Certified Rheumatology Coding Exam.

Practical Advice for the Rheumatologist on Medicare PQRI

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It is not too late to participate in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PRQI). Participation is voluntary, but providers who participate now will better prepare themselves for probable future reporting requirements while qualifying for an incentive payment from CMS.