Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

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

From the College

Pearls for Medical Record Standards

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A medical record contains documentation of a patient’s medical history and care. These records include a patient’s entire history with personal and confidential information. Every medical record should have accurate and precise documentation to support diagnoses, justify treatment, and make sure that there is a connection for continuous care among healthcare providers.

ICD-10 from a Coder’s Perspective

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For the past 30 years, coders have used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) to identify and report diseases, signs, and symptoms as well as to measure morbidity and mortality in the United States. In general, coders identify ICD-9 as the heartbeat of reimbursement for medical procedures because this is what drives medical necessity.

Congress Spending More Time at Home: Good News for Advocates

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Members of Congress will spend more time in their respective districts this year. This is great news for both experienced and new advocates, because members of Congress are often more accessible when they are home. If you are apprehensive about meeting with your members of Congress in Washington, D.C., these district work periods provide the perfect opportunity to begin building a valuable relationship with your legislators. Here are a few ways for you to reach out to your legislators while they are at home.

ACR Member to Chair Rheumatology Department at Cleveland Clinic

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Abby Abelson, MD, has been named chair of the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases at the Cleveland Clinic. She had served as interim chair of the department since May 2008. She also chairs the Medical and Scientific Committee of the Arthritis Foundation.

Measuring Up for Meaningful Use

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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program—Meaningful Use—requires that eligible providers participating in the incentive program successfully demonstrate meaningful use of the EHR system by reporting on a set of core and menu functional objectives to qualify for incentive payments of up to $44,000.