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

From the College

Vasculitis

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Vasculitis is a general term for a group of rare diseases that involve inflammation of blood vessels. There are many types of vasculitis, and the different diseases that fall under this term may vary significantly when it comes to symptoms, severity, and duration. Most forms of vasculitis are rare and affect both men and women of all ages.

Keep Your Money by Giving It Away

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If you read last month’s article, “Why the REF” (p. 13), written by Leslie J. Crofford, MD, president of ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF), announcing the REF’s new planned giving program, you may have asked yourself, “How can I benefit from this program?” The answer: The REF’s planned-giving program is designed to help you plan your legacy while supporting the mission of the REF—to improve patients’ lives through support of research and training that advances the prevention, treatment, and cure of rheumatic diseases. Put simply, you benefit monetarily, but—more importantly—you feel satisfaction because you helped ensure the future of rheumatology by making a charitable gift to the REF.

Incorrect Reimbursements—Is This Your Practice?

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Imagine you have received a remittance for patient John Doe for charge 99214 in the amount of $69.89. Your billing staff reconciles the money and updates the account. Would you consider this a successful reimbursement? If so, it may surprise you to know you have just been underpaid by $20 because the correct fee schedule was $89.89.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

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Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a condition in which an area of jawbone is not covered by the gums that has lasted for more than eight weeks. ONJ occurs when a facial bone begins to starve from a permanent or temporary lack of blood. As the name indicates—with osteo meaning bone and necrosis meaning death—the bone begins to die, causing pain and deterioration.

Study Groups: Where Information and Networking Mix

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ACR study groups provide an excellent forum for networking at the ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting and are among the most highly sought-after sessions each year. Although study groups are not eligible for CME credits, they provide an opportunity for the exchange of new ideas and in-depth presentations of information. These groups give attendees the opportunity to discuss cases and share experiences with colleagues who share a common interest in one disease, a group of related disorders, or a specialized field of study.