The ACR is continually updating and increasing its collection of patient education materials, or fact sheets. One of the newest fact sheets, “Pregnancy and Rheumatic Disease,” discusses the complex interactions of pregnancy and rheumatic diseases, acceptable medications to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding and helps to define what constitutes a high-risk pregnancy. The fact sheet offers links to additional resources and educational materials.
Zero Stars for Star-based Physician Ranking
Several insurance companies have tried to share quality information with enrollees by developing “star” systems to rank physicians. While star rankings may be a good way to pick a movie or restaurant, the ACR feels this system may be too simple to serve as a tool for identifying quality healthcare. Consumers need quality information, and need to know the true costs of medical services so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare. This idea is reflected in an executive order President Bush signed in August 2006 requiring government agencies to work with the private sector to gather and share data on the quality and cost of healthcare.
Coding Corner Answer
November’s Coding Answer
In the Car with ACR
A former ARHP president reminisces about her roadtrip in the organization
Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty Audioconference
Want to learn more about total hip arthroplasty? Register for the January 17 ARHP Rheumatology Audioconference, Minimally Invasive and Percutaneous Total Hip Arthroplasties, where Alberto Bolanos, MD, will describe the latest advances in these procedures.
2007 Recertification Opportunities from ACR
The ACR has several opportunities for rheumatologists who must recertify through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
Innovative Therapies in Autoimmune Diseases
The Innovative Therapies in Autoimmune Diseases Conference will be held at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, Va. March 2–4, 2007. The conference brings together researchers, Food and Drug Administration representatives, and pharmaceutical representatives in a unique forum to discuss new therapies in rheumatology.
2007 Winter Rheumatology Symposium
Each January, rheumatologists from across the country gather in Snowmass, Colo., for a 30-year-old tradition of learning, networking, and skiing at the Winter Rheumatology Symposium. This year attendees can go to more than 20 sessions on topics including treatment dilemmas in systemic vasculitis, eicosinoids, targeting tumor necrosis factor, systemic sclerosis-like diseases, and new RA treatments.
Consumers Add Perspective to Arthritis Research
It has been my distinct pleasure to work with consumer collaborators—people living with arthritis—on research projects, advisory boards, and review panels, in consensus meetings to establish research agendas, and as co-educators in health professional programs. Those I work with have chosen the term “consumer collaborator” to reflect their contribution to and eventual use of our partnerships, although others might call them patients or clients.
ARHP Announces Grad Student Award Winners
The ARHP is pleased to announce the first recipients of its new Graduate Student Recognition Award: Rahul Kanna and Denise Power. By supporting the efforts of non-medical graduate students interested in rheumatology, this new award program recognizes creative research projects that merge the theory and clinical practice of rheumatologic care in an effort to improve the lives of patients with rheumatic diseases.