William Robinson, MD, PhD, first became interested in rheumatology in medical school when he started working with a rheumatologist, as well as several other rheumatology mentors. After completing his residency, he joined the rheumatology fellowship program at Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, Calif., where he earned support for his research from the Rheumatology Research…
About a year ago, I stuffed all my earthly belongings into my black Volkswagen Jetta and set out on a 10-hour interstate journey. I had just graduated from residency at the University of Kentucky and was headed westward, to Iowa City, for a fresh start as a rheumatology fellow. During the 10 hours I spent…
Follow-up Visit with Time A 62-year-old male patient returns to the office for a follow-up visit for chronic idiopathic gout without tophi. The patient’s present uric acid level is 4.0, and he is now taking allopurinol 450 mg per day. Previously, he was taken off indapamide due to an increase in his uric acid. He…
Full implementation of ICD-10 will go live on Oct. 1, 2015, and congressional leaders have confirmed there will be no further delays. The transition to ICD-10 is not just a simple update; it is a major revamping of diagnosis coding. With the complexity of coding using the ICD-10 system and the high risk of disruptions…
In terms of getting our message heard in Washington, D.C., rheumatology faces a David vs. Goliath battle on several levels. Many industries have far greater resources, use multiple lobbying firms, and have advertising and lobbying budgets that eclipse ours by several hundred-fold. Rheumatology is far smaller than most other medical specialties; our membership is a…
Coding for SI Injections with Office Visit A female patient previously diagnosed with sacroiliitis and ankylosing spondylitis returns to the office for a follow-up visit. The patient reports her lower back has been stiff and swollen for the past couple of weeks. She is currently on celecoxib and ranitidine, and mentions that she had some…
CPT codes: 99214-25, 27096, J3301 x1 ICD-9: 720.2, 720.0, 787.02 ICD-10: M46.1*, M45.9*, R11.0 This encounter is coded as 99214 because it includes: Detailed history; Comprehensive examination—eight systems counted; and Medical decision making—moderate complexity (established problem, new problem with no additional workup; new prescription drug ordered). Keep in mind, the CT guidance is an inclusive…
The annual ACR State-of-the-Art (SOTA) Clinical Symposium came highly endorsed by previous fellows; therefore, upon receiving the invitation for the Fellows-in-Training (FIT) scholarship, I did not hesitate to apply. Further, the meeting was going to be held in the spring in Chi Town! Meticulously, I made arrangements with six hundred scholarship dollars at my disposal….
There are many reasons why 15,000-plus attendees come to the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting. For some, it’s the more than 450 educational sessions designed to boost knowledge and provide the latest information in the field of rheumatology. For others, it’s the opportunities to build connections and network with colleagues from around the world. This year’s six-day…
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP) invite you to submit an abstract and take advantage of the opportunity to have your work peer reviewed by experts in rheumatology. Reasons to Submit Opportunity for Publication—The Annual Meeting draws thousands of abstracts submitted by rheumatology professionals from around the…