Recommended reading from A&R
Reading Rheum
Handpicked Reviews of Contemporary Literature
EUnited to Cure
AutoCure brings together researchers across Europe to combat RA
Readers Answer ‘Twenty Questions’
The March Rheuminations column, “Twenty Questions, Part 1” inspired many letters from TR readers. Here are just a few of those responses.
Audioconference Offers Advice on Adolescent’s Low Back Pain
Hepatitis-C virus (HCV)-associated arthritis is highlighted this month in our ongoing series on patient education materials.
Coding Corner Answer
March’s Coding Answer
Coding Corner Question
April’s Coding Challenge
ARHP Needs You!
I would like to personally invite every ARHP member to consider volunteering for an ARHP committee, task force, or other volunteer opportunity. Volunteer opportunities are available to all ARHP members, including international and associate members. Volunteering in ARHP is stimulating, rewarding, and a lot of fun!
ARHP Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Robert Richardson Reflects on Career
We all bring to the table our skills to form a comprehensive treatment plan, and that’s essential for meeting the patient’s total needs. It’s an excellent model to deliver quality care. —Robert Richardson, PT, MEd Robert Richardson, PT, MEd, has a lively voice that conveys his deep enthusiasm for a profession he’s had a hand…
ACR REF Award Provides Big Research Career Break
With many professions, getting that initial experience in an area of expertise is the hardest part of building a career. Kelli Dominick Allen, PhD, can testify that this holds true for new research scientists, or junior investigators.
Honoring Our Winners
The ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) maintains an extensive award and grant program with research, training, and education opportunities for medical students, fellows, clinicians, researchers, health professionals, and academic institutions. This month, the REF continues to recognize its latest group of award recipients, who will begin their award terms in July.
Hepatitis-C Virus–Associated Arthritis
Hepatitis-C virus (HCV)-associated arthritis is highlighted this month in our ongoing series on patient education materials.
New Tools for Job Seekers on Career/Connection
Career/Connection, the official online job bank of the ACR, has launched several exciting new features for job seekers that will improve job-search efficiency and quality with state-of-the-art tools and technology. All features are free to job seekers and easy to use, with simple instructions and templates.
Now’s Your Chance to Join an ACR Committee
Volunteers who serve on the ACR’s committees and subcommittees are a vital component of the organization’s ability to respond to the rheumatology landscape for the benefit of members. There are many complex issues facing the subspecialty of rheumatology; it is those dedicated members who choose to become involved who drive the organization’s achievements in advocacy, training, recruitment, education, practice support, and the development of professional standards.
Medicare Switch to ASP Pricing Reduces Part B Spending
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) reported to Congress in January that Medicare’s switch to a payment method known as ASP, or Average Sale Price, has reduced spending on drugs in the Medicare Part B program. This system reflects actual market spending, rather than wholesale prices.
National Provider Identifier System Becomes Mandatory Next Month
On May 23 it will be mandatory to use your National Provider Identifier (NPI) number when billing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Currently, you can use your PIN alone, your PIN and the new NPI, or the NPI alone—but as of May 23, only the NPI number will be accepted.
Rheum’s Role in the New National Health Service
What the United States can learn from the U.K. system
Sniff 101 and Other Lessons
Sometimes doctors don’t speak the same language
A Renewed Sense of Purpose
ACR’s success depends on its members
Go Digital
Rheumatologists’ recommendations for choosing an electronic medical record
Clinician Call to Action
Use teamwork, screening, and scheduling to improve efficiency—and patient care
Put Hughes Syndrome on Your Radar
Diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome is increasing. Here’s how to recognize and treat it