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

From the College

Osteonecrosis

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Osteonecrosis, also called avascular necrosis or aseptic necrosis, is a condition in which the death of bone cells (due to decreased blood flow) can lead to pain and collapse of areas of bone. This collapse of bone, in turn, can lead to degenerative arthritis of nearby joints, most commonly the hips and knees. Less frequently affected are the shoulders, hands, and feet. In rare instances, osteonecrosis can occur in the jaw— resulting in pain and mouth ulceration. Osteonecrosis is not fatal, but can lead to pain, arthritis, problems with physical activity, and even the need for joint replacement. Most of the 10,000 to 20,000 Americans developing osteonecrosis annually are between age 20 and 50. These individuals usually have a history of serious trauma, corticosteroid use, excess alcohol intake, or other conditions including systemic lupus erythematosus, dysbarism (“the bends” that occur with scuba diving), blood disorders, HIV infection, and radiation therapy.

2008 ARHP Graduate Student Award

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If you work in the field of rheumatology, you know the importance of mentoring students who show interest in the field. With the many specialty options presented to healthcare students, it is of vital importance to open the door to rheumatology.

State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium

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The 2008 ACR State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium will present current, cutting-edge information on a broad array of topics in rheumatology.

Rheumatology the Winner of 2007 REF 5K Run

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On November 9, during the 2007 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston, more than 200 attendees and community friends took steps to ensuring the future of rheumatology by competing in the annual REF 5K Run/Walk. Through the generous donations of those who participated and corporate support from UCB, Inc., the event raised over $67,500 for REF award and grant programs.

Marc C. Hochberg, MD, MPH, Named PI for Upcoming OA Guidelines

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The ACR has named Marc C. Hochberg, MD, MPH, as the principal investigator (PI) for the upcoming, “Guidelines for the Management of Osteoarthritis [OA] of the Hip, Knee, and Hand.” Dr. Hochberg is professor of medicine and epidemiology and preventive medicine and head of the division of rheumatology and clinical immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.

How Medically Unlikely Edits Affect a Practice

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Medically unlikely edits (MUEs), formally known as medically unbelievable edits, took effect with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on January 2, 2007. The function of MUEs is to detect and deny unlikely CMS claims on a pre-payment basis with the intention of improving Medicare’s payment process.

Mind Your Accounts Receivable

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Over time, one would expect financial management of a medical practice to become more streamlined and simple. With the abundance of electronic tools, software programs, and the Internet, you can find assistance and problem-solving strategies for economic efficiency. In the rush to take advantage of these support tools, basic facets of financial management, such as billing and collection, have fallen by the wayside.

Then and Now, Health Professionals Vital to Rheumatic Disease Treatment

Kimberly Kimpton, PT  |  

With every decade of life, I am increasingly grateful for the advances that research has produced. These advances go much further than microwave ovens and cell phones. We have seen major strides in treatment of patients with rheumatic diseases.