The ACR/CHEST ILD Guidelines in Practice: Watch the Webinar Recording Now!

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

From the College

Rheumatology Coding Corner Answer: Billing for Trigger Point Injection, Office Visit

  |  

Take the challenge. Correct Coding: 99213-25, 20552 Diagnosis: M79.70 There continues to be a lot of confusion on proper coding for trigger-point injections. Two CPT4 codes can be used: 20552—Injection(s); single or multiple trigger point(s), one or two muscle(s); and 20553—Injection(s); single or multiple trigger point(s), three or more muscle(s). The CPT4 codes are based…

Rheumatology Patients Are Essential to the ACR’s Grassroots Advocacy

Kelly Weselman, MD  |  

Over the past several years, the ACR has collectively ramped up its advocacy efforts. Under the leadership of the Government Affairs Committee and with the combined advocacy efforts of many ACR/ARHP members and their patients, we made considerable progress advancing priority issues in 2015. With the ongoing effort of ACR members and patients, we can…

Opinion: Rheumatologists Cautioned Against Wasteful Testing to Find Rare Diseases

  |  

What rheumatologist doesn’t love the good old zebra hunt? You know—the pursuit of diagnosing the extraordinarily rare disease purely through pluck and wits. The zebra hunt is almost a tradition, a perennial topic of polite, but subtly boastful, conversation among peers and the subject of numerous career-building case reports. The hunt also happens to be…

The ACR Announces Research Agenda for 2016–2020

  |  

Future rheumatology-specific research should focus on the definition of new therapeutic targets, improving the understanding of existing therapies, engaging patients in their care and more, according to a recent assessment by the ACR’s Committee on Research…

Federal Compliance Mandates for Medical Practices

  |  

Approximately 10 years ago, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued its first guidance on compliance as it relates to federal mandates for physician practices. Although taking the necessary steps can be a daunting task in an era of complex rules and heightened regulations, there are key areas of government-mandated compliance requirements that practices should…

Important Changes to the Meaningful Use Hardship Exception

From the College  |  

As a result of recent Medicare legislation, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched important changes to the Meaningful Use hardship exception process, featuring a more streamlined application process. These changes will reduce the burden on eligible professionals (EPs) by condensing the application process and decreasing the amount of information that must…

Patients Are Essential to Grassroots Advocacy

Kelly Weselman, MD  |  

In 2015, ACR members were powerful advocates on important issues affecting public health and rheumatology. But we should not forget about an important resource—patients, each of whom can bring unique perspectives to legislators in Washington, D.C. Working together, our voices are stronger. Here’s how your patients can work with the ACR to advocate for their health and rheumatology…