Editor’s note: This is the first installment of a two-part series showing how a busy office-based practice can incorporate patient advocacy into its standard workflow. Part 1 outlines the reasons for advocacy and the benefits to both patients and doctors, then gives a quick-start outline to get you started. Part 2 will amplify the concepts…
The classic American social studies lesson is How a Bill Becomes a Law, but a more pertinent lesson for U.S. rheumatologists today may be How a Dollar Bill Becomes a PAC. This article is a nuts-and-bolts primer on how exactly RheumPAC works. The purpose is to inform readers about how and why to participate. Money…
Maintain compliance with updated federal rules governing privacy protection for patient health information
Key leaders, committee members who can influence federal issues relevant to rheumatology
Howard Blumstein, MD, urges rheumatologists to recruit patient advocates, visit legislators, attend state society meetings
The cost for therapeautic gout treatment may soon go down, thanks to a recent court ruling
Ways to connect with Congressional leaders in their home districts
Rheumatologists must be adequately compensated for managing patients with complex drug therapies and Medicare beneficiaries need access to biologic treatments
Why dispensing pharmacies should provide color chart of generic drugs they substitute each month
A breakdown of the political makeup of Congress as the ACR, RheumPAC gear up to meet, educate newly elected lawmakers