WASHINGTON, D.C.—As of November 2024, there are 16 biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) that are FDA approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Incredible news, right? But as my fellowship program director used to say, “There’s no free lunch.” This buffet of options is excellent for our patients, but poses challenges to the practicing…
The 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule, released Nov. 1, includes a conversion factor of $32.3465, a 2.83% drop from 2024. In response to advocacy efforts from the ACR and other medical societies, Congress recently introduced the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2024, which would eliminate the 2.83% payment cut and provide an inflationary update for 2025 equal to 50% of the Medicare Economic Index.
With a likely Republican majority in the House and Senate and a Republican president, there may be a sense that the party has a mandate to lead initiatives and enact significant policy changes. Any end-of-year legislative package will be narrower than initially expected, but the ACR’s top priority remains addressing cuts to physician reimbursements.
Why was this study done? Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common type of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in childhood, and most patients have a chronic disease course requiring prolonged administration of systemic glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents. The initial management for patients with moderately severe JDM is relatively standardized, typically including methotrexate and systemic glucocorticoids with…
It’s an exciting time for ultrasound in rheumatology, & it’s never too late to learn. Whether you’re just starting fellowship or have been practicing for decades, there’s a place for ultrasound in your practice.
Background/Purpose Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are closely linked inflammatory conditions that can affect both children and adults. In children, these diseases are associated with traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis. In older adults, systemic inflammation from psoriasis and PsA accelerates atherosclerosis, and these conditions are independent risk factors for severe cardiovascular disease…
The Alliance for Transparent and Affordable Prescriptions’ board members for the 2024–25 cycle include Marcus Snow, MD, and Howard Blumstein, MD, who both have a strong history of volunteer leadership in the ACR.
At the November meeting, the ACR will advance a resolution that addresses increasing access to telemedicine services for Medicare beneficiaries.
Burmester et al. characterized the long-term safety profile of upadacitinib treatment across multiple rheumatic diseases.
The most recent ACR/APLAR Research Exchange Program gave participants an opportunity to visit Singapore, learn from international research presentations and create connections with colleagues they may never otherwise have met.