A study recently published in Arthritis Care & Research concluded that there are differences in the outcomes of patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and adult-onset SLE, which provides important prognostic information about long-term SLE disease activity and treatment.
Reading Rheum
Handpicked Reviews of Contemporary Literature
Recognize Your Colleagues with Awards and Masters Nominations
Each year, the ACR recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through an awards program, and individuals are nominated for ACR Awards of Distinction and for a Master designation by their colleagues. This year, nominations will be accepted through May 15, and award recipients are recommended to the ACR board of directors by the Committee on Nominations and Appointments in late summer. Awards will be presented at the ACR Annual Scientific Meeting’s Opening Lecture.
ACR Rheumatology Clinical Registry Coming Soon
The ACR has approved a set of evidence-based quality measures aimed at improving care and drug safety for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and gout.
Identity Theft: Red Flag Rules Take Effect
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has adopted a rule that requires creditors to institute programs to spot suspicious activity (commonly called “red flags”) that may signal identity theft, and the red flag rules take effect May 1, 2009. The FTC defines a creditor as any entity that regularly accepts deferred payment for goods and services.
Five Coding and Billing Myths that Can Hurt Your Practice
When it comes to billing, there are plenty of myths and erroneous sayings used by consultants and payers to keep you guessing and make your head spin. Billing seems endlessly mystical, and it is important that physician practices stay as informed as possible to be effective and efficient. With today’s financial situation, it is even more important that rheumatology practices know the rules of billing—This will save you time and money in the long run.
Lyme Disease
Patient Fact Sheet
Coding Corner Question
April’s Coding Challenge
Coding Corner Answer
April’s Coding Answer
Find and Keep the Right Employees: Part 2
In last month’s “From the College,” we began looking at a management cycle, called the Five Rs of physician leadership, designed to help physician leaders move from being managing-managers to coaching-leaders.
If Joe the Plumber Gets Arthritis
Campaign figure’s connection to personalized medicine
Give Your Time, Count the Gains
Volunteering can help your career, friendships, and specialty at the same time
Drug Risk Versus Benefit
Perceptions from the FDA, physicians, and patients
Know Your Labs, Part 2
A review of testing for rheumatoid arthritis
Sense of Smell
Olfactory defects point to nervous system involvement in lupus