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

From the College

PQRI Now Includes RA Measures Group

Salahuddin Kazi, MD, Melesia Tillman, CPC, CCP, and Amy S. Miller  |  

In 2008, the only Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) measure that applied to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy. For 2009, five new RA measures were included, for a total of six measures in the new RA Measures Group. The five new measures were developed in 2008 by the National Committee for Quality Assurance in collaboration with the ACR and the American Medical Association’s Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement and were subsequently adopted by Medicare.

The Dos and Don’ts of Documentation

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In order for a physician to be reimbursed for his or her services, those services must be documented. Your documentation should be able to stand on its own; it is your story of the visit. Just imagine if the news reported, “two people found dead” and nothing else. You would want to know who, when, where, and possibly why. A good news story gives all pertinent information, and your documentation should do the same.

Use Communication Style Clues to Manage Your Employees

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Over the last two months, “From the College” provided insight on the Five Rs of physician leadership: recruitment, realization, recognition, redirection, and retention. The Five Rs give great guidance in managing the leadership process, yet they will be far less effective if you lack the ability—or willingness—to successfully communicate with your employees.

Recognize Your Colleagues with Awards and Masters Nominations

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Each year, the ACR recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through an awards program, and individuals are nominated for ACR Awards of Distinction and for a Master designation by their colleagues. This year, nominations will be accepted through May 15, and award recipients are recommended to the ACR board of directors by the Committee on Nominations and Appointments in late summer. Awards will be presented at the ACR Annual Scientific Meeting’s Opening Lecture.

Identity Theft: Red Flag Rules Take Effect

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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has adopted a rule that requires creditors to institute programs to spot suspicious activity (commonly called “red flags”) that may signal identity theft, and the red flag rules take effect May 1, 2009. The FTC defines a creditor as any entity that regularly accepts deferred payment for goods and services.

Five Coding and Billing Myths that Can Hurt Your Practice

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When it comes to billing, there are plenty of myths and erroneous sayings used by consultants and payers to keep you guessing and make your head spin. Billing seems endlessly mystical, and it is important that physician practices stay as informed as possible to be effective and efficient. With today’s financial situation, it is even more important that rheumatology practices know the rules of billing—This will save you time and money in the long run.