For young patients especially, this can delay knee replacement and provide better outcomes.
New Osteoarthritis Recommendations and Classification Criteria for Sjögren’s Syndrome and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
The ACR has published three documents intended to provide clarity and consensus on management of osteoarthritis, classification criteria for Sjögren’s syndrome, and classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica. The documents, which represent the most current clinical evidence, research, and expert panel input and review, can help inform clinical practice and provide clearer target populations for future research.
Role of the Physician and Healthcare Professional in Helping a Patient Obtain Disability Benefits
A review of the two most common disability insurance programs for people who can no longer work, and the healthcare worker’s role in assisting patients with their disability claims.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) can Help Combat Insurance Frustrations
When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, the rules seem to change frequently and always in an arbitrary and capricious way. The ACR is trying its best to protect rheumatologists, but we need your help!
Reflections on Living with Lupus, and on Treating It
There are some people whose purpose in life is to entertain. Some of us are fortunate to have them as our patients.
The Three-Fold Cord of Rheumatology
How the proverbial three-fold cord applies to rheumatology.
Five Ways to Get Involved in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Simple Tasks Campaign
Last September, the ACR launched its first public relations campaign, called Simple Tasks. Here are five ways you can become a part of this important campaign.
American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Advocates for Improved Access to Critical Treatments
The ACR is promoting federal legislation to eliminate high cost sharing for specialty tier medications in all states.
Coding Corner: Evaluation and Management
Coding and cloned notes.
Coding Corner Answer: Evaluation and Management
Coding and cloned notes.
American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Research and Education Foundation Brings Researchers Together in Santa Fe
Two recent meetings supported by the ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) provided investigators in disease-targeted research initiatives the opportunity to present on their progress and build collaborations.
Pediatric Researcher Turns American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Award into a Learning Experience
Yukiko Kimura, MD, has been interested in medical education for a long time, so when the ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) awarded her the ACR REF Clinician Scholar Educator Award in 2008, she knew what she wanted to do.
The Good and Bad of Cloned Notes
Having an electronic heath record (EHR) system in your practice has many benefits, such as Medicare incentives, quality improvement, and increased office efficiencies. Falling in the “office efficiencies” category is the ability to clone notes, which allows you to cut and paste notes from one visit to another. This documentation option for physicians using EHRs puts them at risk for audits.
Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP) Recognizes 2011 Graduate Student Award Recipients
The ARHP Graduate Student Award, established in 2006, is given annually to outstanding students in recognition of their research and clinical practice projects in the field of rheumatology. The ARHP is honored to recognize its 2011 Graduate Student Award recipients: Jennifer Mei Ping Woo and Andrew Galica.
Enhance Your Rheumatology Career by Volunteering
Are you passionate about advancing rheumatology? As a volunteer, you can help the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) achieve its mission and grow as an organization.
Liability of Sharing Physician Office Space
Physicians are sharing office space in an effort to reduce costs associated with owning a practice. If you plan to sublease part of your office space, you need to know the legalities associated with this business model.
Dos and Don’ts of Sharing Medical Practice Office Space
Sharing office space can lead to blending office supplies and staff to reduce expenses. If sharing is not done correctly, you might increase your costs and liability. Here are a few dos and don’ts to avoid cobranding your practice.
Dermatology Case: History of ANCA–Associated Vasculitis, Fever, Rash
A 66-year-old woman with a history of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis presents with two days of fever and rash.
Dermatology Case Answer: History of ANCA–Associated Vasculitis, Fever, Rash
A 66-year-old woman with a history of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis presents with two days of fever and rash.
ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting Plenary Highlights Targets and Treatments for Several Diseases
Promising therapeutic targets for rheumatic diseases were the focus of a plenary session here at the ACR/ARHP 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting in November. Presenters discussed discoveries and treatments for systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and Behçet’s disease.
Treatment Patterns and Trends for Spondylarthropathies
Methotrexate is a commonly used disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for treating patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, is it truly as effective as many think it is? That’s the question raised during the session “Spondylarthropathies: Recent Insights,” which took place at the 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting in November.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs May Cut Cardiovascular Risk
Other studies at the ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting in November examined arthritis treatment, scleroderma screening.
Pinpoint Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Lupus
More than 80% of SLE patients experience some type of neurologic manifestation during their disease course. The challenge for rheumatologists and other clinicians lies in appropriately diagnosing any cognitive dysfunctions that accompany lupus and better understanding the causes and risk factors of those dysfunctions. “Cognitive Function in SLE” was the focus of a talk at the 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting in November.
Ethics Forum: The Ethical Pitfalls of Clinical Trials
Your patient is deciding whether to enroll in a clinical trial at your institution and wants your advice about whether to participate.
Ethics Forum: Letters from Our Readers—Accepting Gifts
We received a few letters in response to the December 2011 Ethics Forum, which asked the question: What is your personal policy about accepting gifts?
Terminate Staff with Caution
Key principles that will help facilitate terminations that bring cost-effective finality to the employment relationship.
Letter: Another Thinking Discipline
I read today the article “How a Rheumatologist Thinks” and I want to say that is one of the most interesting articles I’ve read about clinical medicine.
Letter: Thanks and Farewell
Dr. Pisetsky, I want to personally thank you for the time spent by you as editor of The Rheumatologist.
ACR Coding Specialist Responds to Letter: Of Coding and Perception
Thank you for forwarding this concern; feedback on the “Coding Corners” is greatly appreciated. I would like to discuss each issue line by line.
Letter: Of Coding and Perception
Regarding the February “Coding Corner,” although I know that the upcoding was legitimized by the time spent (30 minutes), I have some philosophical concerns, especially because our business manager stresses that coding based on time can be a delicate issue.