The ACR’s Affiliate Society Council (ASC) membership has grown from 34 states to 40 since 2015. The growth of the Council is mainly attributed to newly formed state societies, as well as existing state societies focusing on orienting themselves for advocacy on behalf of rheumatologists and their patients. Increased participation by state societies helps support…
A 38-year-old female patient returns to the practice for the second of three hyaluronate sodium injections of the left knee. The patient states the pain is somewhat better after her last injection. Her weight is 165 lbs., her height is 5 feet 6 inches, and her blood pressure is 120/81. After discussing the risks of…
“Burnout? In rheumatology fellowship? You’re kidding me, right?” That was the response of one of my very good friends from residency who is now a cardiology fellow, when I told him that I was concerned that one of my co-fellows, at another institution, was on the verge of burning out. Stepping back, I could understand…
On Nov. 12, nearly 150 supporters of the Rheumatology Research Foundation gathered at the St. Regis Washington, D.C., for the Donors of Merit recognition dinner. This annual event honors those who contributed to the Foundation throughout the year. Foundation President Eric Matteson, MD, MPH, applauded leaders who have played an essential role in the Foundation’s success….
It’s an honor and a thrill to be the next chair of the Government Affairs Committee. Boy, do we have a big year ahead.
As the year draws to a close, it is vital to pay close attention to your practice’s revenue cycle to maintain an operational and financially healthy business. Operational aspects should be a top priority, with careful monitoring as they relate to efficiency in receivables and denials management. Healthcare revenue cycle management is the strategy that…
Although the FDA has not yet awarded the title of interchangeable to any biosimilar, legislation that governs their substitution will continue to be a dominant state issue in 2017. Since 2013, 24 states and Puerto Rico have passed legislation regarding interchangeable biologics. As many as 15 states will have biosimilar-related legislation introduced by coalitions in…
Take the challenge. CPT: 20611-RT, J1040, 89060 ICD-10: M17.11 Coding Rationale Keep in mind, no evaluation and management services are billed because there wasn’t a separate and/or significant reason, other than the knee injection, addressed during the visit. Note: Although the injection was performed via ultrasound guidance, CPT code 76942 should not be billed with…
A 66-year-old male patient presents to the office with right knee pain. He was in the office two weeks prior for a follow-up visit of his primary osteoarthritis. He received an injection of hyaluronate sodium in his right knee four months before and states that his knee felt like new. He states that everything was…
In 1969, Martha Lovato passed away from renal failure due to complications of lupus. Martha was 18 years old and survived only two years following her diagnosis. At the time, Martha’s disease was still a mystery to many physicians and researchers. Her treatment options were limited. In fall 2004, after an unprecedented battle with shingles…