Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

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

From the College

ACR Recertification Resources

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With the time constraints, stress, and lack of resources rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals face everyday, it can be challenging to find educational programs that not only provide measurable effects on the quality of patient care, but also offer resources to equip you for the ever-changing world of healthcare.

Urge Congress to Support the Arthritis Act

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The ACR strongly urges Congress to enact the “Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2007” (S. 626/H.R.1283), introduced by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Christopher Bond (R-Mo.) and Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Chip Pickering (R-Miss.).

Consultation or Referral? That Is the Question

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One of the most troublesome coding decisions is determining whether a visit is a consultation or a referral. To avoid the hassle of incorrect coding, one must first understand the difference between a consultation and a referral.

Enhanced Opportunities at the 2007 Meeting

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The AMPC is using more translational components as a way of increasing the basic scientist’s interaction with clinicians, he explains. In keeping with this, the meeting will offer sessions on osteoclasts, implications for the development and treatment of osteoarthritis, T-cell subsets, and a year in review – all of which will be of interest to both the clinician and the basic researcher.

Annual REF 5K Run/Walk to Take Place in Boston

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The REF 5K Run/Walk is the ACR REF’s premier event to raise funds to ensure the future of rheumatology. Since 2001, more than 1,700 walkers and supporters have gathered at the ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting and have raised more than $300,000 to help fund the REF’s awards and grants program. But it’s more than just an event; it celebrates the amazing progress we’re making together to fund rheumatology fellowship training and encourage highly trained people to enter the specialty.

Sex and Arthritis

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Sexuality is an integral part of being human. It is linked to our quality of life and self-identity. Yet living with the pain, stiffness, fatigue, limited movement, decreased strength, and depression associated with arthritis can reduce a patient’s capacity for sexual expression and enjoyment.

Make the Most of ACR’s Job Bank

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More and more members are making the ACR’s Career Connection job bank their first choice for job searches and recruitment. The recently updated site offers tools for both job seekers and employers. Visit the career center online at www.rheumatology.org/practice/careers. The new job seeker section offers these free tools:

Engage Patients as Partners in Shared Decision-making

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Engaging patients in shared decision-making about their health management is increasingly important to improving health outcomes and quality of life for persons with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. In shared decision-making, the patient and the provider are partners who share information and determine together the best therapeutic interventions to achieve desired health outcomes and patient goals.

Grassroots: Take Action

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Wondering what can you do to effectively promote rheumatology issues in Washington? Here are some ways you can get involved…

ACR Attends AMA House of Delegates

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On Saturday, June 23, 2007, the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates convened in Chicago; the meeting’s theme was advocacy. The ACR was represented by its delegate Melvin Britton, MD, and alternate delegate Gary Bryant, MD.