Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

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

Practice Support

Subcategories:Billing/CodingEMRsFacilityInsuranceQuality Assurance/ImprovementTechnologyWorkforce

REF Fellowship Training Award Expanded

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Workforce training should be at the forefront of every rheumatologist’s mind. The release of the 2006 Rheumatology Workforce Study, commissioned by the ACR, confirms that the current shortage of rheumatologists will continue to increase, affecting current and future patient care.

Consultation or Referral? That Is the Question

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One of the most troublesome coding decisions is determining whether a visit is a consultation or a referral. To avoid the hassle of incorrect coding, one must first understand the difference between a consultation and a referral.

Enhanced Opportunities at the 2007 Meeting

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The AMPC is using more translational components as a way of increasing the basic scientist’s interaction with clinicians, he explains. In keeping with this, the meeting will offer sessions on osteoclasts, implications for the development and treatment of osteoarthritis, T-cell subsets, and a year in review – all of which will be of interest to both the clinician and the basic researcher.

A Day in the Life of Marilee Philips, RN

Eric Butterman  |  

Marilee K. Phillips, RN, is a little out of breath and losing her voice. She’ll excuse herself several times as we talk to clear her throat, but she won’t ask to reschedule. She doesn’t want to say it, but there’s probably no other time to do this interview. In fact, she managed to squeeze it in just before a nursing meeting she’ll have to race to. In the circus of rheumatology, she’s the juggler.

Engage Patients as Partners in Shared Decision-making

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Engaging patients in shared decision-making about their health management is increasingly important to improving health outcomes and quality of life for persons with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. In shared decision-making, the patient and the provider are partners who share information and determine together the best therapeutic interventions to achieve desired health outcomes and patient goals.