Webinar: ACR/CHEST ILD Guidelines in Practice| Video: All the Lonely People

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

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Figure 2: High-resolution computed tomography showed evidence of interstitial lung disease.

High-resolution computed tomography shows evidence of ILD.

The ACR/CHEST ILD Guidelines in Practice, a video
In collaboration with the American College of Chest Physicians, the ACR released two new comprehensive guidelines aimed at improving the screening, monitoring, and treatment of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) secondary to systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). Recently, Sindhu R. Johnson, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, Canada, director of the Toronto Scleroderma Program and principal investigator for the guideline, and Elana J. Bernstein, MD, MSc, Florence Irving associate professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at Columbia University, New York City, and co-first author, presented a webinar to talk about how the guidelines were developed and present some of the recommendations and their rationale: Watch the recording now!

 

State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium Sessions Available Through SessionSelect

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Did a busy practice prevent you from getting to Chicago in April for the ACR’s 2010 State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium? Still want the latest news and education in rheumatology? Or, did you attend the meeting and want to revisit some of your favorite sessions? Nineteen general-session presentations from the symposium are now available on ACR’s SessionSelect, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your educational needs without leaving your home or office, saving time and money.

Health Professional Careers in Rheumatology Research

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Robert McLean, DSc, MPH, is an assistant research scientist at the Hebrew SeniorLife Institute for Aging Research in Boston, and his primary research interests lie in the epidemiology of osteoporosis and related fractures. After working in epidemiology for over 10 years, Dr. McLean recently established himself as an independent investigator without significant prior research experience, thanks to the help of an REF research award designed specifically for early career investigators.

Integrating Immunology and Biologics into Clinical Practice

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With the rapid expansion of new classes of medications, clinical practice has changed dramatically, and rheumatology health professionals must have a fundamental knowledge of immunology and the mechanisms of action of the biologic agents that have emerged with this expansion. Familiarity with the predrug screening recommended for biologic agents and the appropriate safety and disease monitoring necessary when a person uses these products is essential for the best patient outcomes. Additionally, being able to obtain drug plan authorization for use of biologics and being able to educate patients and their families or support team members about the financial considerations of these drugs helps to ensure best rheumatology practice.

Within Our Reach–Funded Study Finds Increased Depression Risk Among Some RA Patients

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A study recently published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that a cohort of patients from multiethnic backgrounds who all had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had nearly double the rate of depressive symptoms compared with middle-class white patients with RA.1 The study also examined predictors of depression, and concluded that physical disability—not acute disease activity—is the principal predictor of depression in patients with RA.

2010 Annual Scientific Meeting Ramping Up

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Building on the success of last year’s attendance-breaking ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting, the ACR and ARHP planning committees are offering an annual meeting program that that will exceed expectations. Plan to join your colleagues in Atlanta November 6–11 to benefit from both high-quality rheumatology education and a unique blend of cosmopolitan experiences and cultural charm—all of which will quench an array of intellectual, cultural, and culinary appetites.

HHS Enforces Stricter Rules on HIPAA

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As of February 17, 2010, entities covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), such as group health plans and their business associates, will have to take certain actions to ensure continued compliance with the privacy and security provisions of the act.