Recent research around genes and environmental stresses suggests outside influences can make lasting changes to the genome via epigenetic mechanisms
ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting 2012: Genes Not the Only Factor in Susceptibility to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Epigenetics, innate immunity, and environmental stresses such as smoking could have more influence than scientists once believed
Letter: Should We Monitor Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia?
Why have physicians stopped routine screening for hyperuricemia and is there any value to this screening?
Letter: There’s No Reason Now to Screen for Uric Acid
Screening was common in the 1970s and before, but new studies demonstrate that most hyperuricemia patients never developed gout or kidney stones, so enthusiasm for screening waned
In Memoriam: Rheumatology Loses Dedicated Pediatric Rheumatologist
Suzanne L. Bowyer, MD served as chief of the division of rheumatology at the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and director of the fellowship program from 2003 until 2012
Why Universal Access to Healthcare Isn’t a Constitutional Right, It’s Just Plain Fair
One rheumatologist forms his opinion on the topic while fly fishing on rivers in Missouri
Blue Ribbon Panel on Academic Rheumatology Publishes Final Report
Report offers recommendations to address critical issues with training, practice, and research
The ACR’s Simple Tasks Campaign Expands its Reach, Launches a Blog, and Earns its Fourth Award
Simple Tasks exhibited at the annual meetings of two physician groups, and recently hand-delivered ACR materials to lawmakers on Capitol Hill
What You Need to Know About a Proposed Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy Program for Opioid Analgesics
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration favors enacting a mandatory opioid-prescribing training program for dispensers of the extended-release and long-acting analgesics
ACR Adopts Strategic Plan to Advance Rheumatology
Recommendations in the areas of healthcare economics, rheumatology practice, and research are included in the ACR’s strategic plan for 2013 – 2016
Research into Methotrexate Could Lead to Improved Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
With a grant from the ACR’s Rheumatology Research Foundation, Nancy J. Olsen, MD, hopes to discover how methotrexate interacts with immune system cells and ultimately helps to control the system’s attack on joints
ACR Advances Legislation to Increase Patients’ Access to Biologic Drugs to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Conditions
The Patients’ Access to Treatments Act of 2013 would prevent insurance companies from tacking on an additional cost-sharing fee for the specialty medications
Five Quick Ways To Make a Difference in Rheumatology Through Advocacy
The ACR’s online advocacy page has position statements and work plans on issues affecting rheumatology, and offers ways to get involved
Coding Corner Answer: March Coding Challenge
Coding for a patient with two established problems, and elements needed to code an extended history of present illness, and a comprehensive history level for a new patient
Coding Corner Question: March
Test your coding knowledge of evaluation and management components
Practice Page: Education and Training in Medical Coding, Billing, and Audit Regulations Is Essential for Healthcare Providers
The ACR provides a one-day educational coding course to help rheumatology services stay up to date with rules and guidelines
ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting 2012: Federal Act Aims to Make New Biologic Drugs Available to Rheumatology Patients at a Lower Cost
The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 would spur the development of products intended to be biosimilar to approved therapies
ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting 2012: Fatigue for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis Rooted in Physiological and Psychological Factors
Researchers find that genes, gender, and cognition all contribute to fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting 2012: Physicians Search for Ways to Improve Clinical Outcomes for Total Knee Replacements (TKR)
Widely variable results for people post-TKR procedures have prompted doctors to develop a standardized approach to rehabilitation care
ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting 2012: Risk of Immunosuppression from Rheumatic Disease Therapies Poses Challenge for Rheumatologists
Therapies can raise patients’ risk of contracting tuberculosis or other infectious diseases, complicating treatment
ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting 2012: Physicians Find Treatment Options Limited for Scleroderma Bowel Disease
With few proven medical treatments for scleroderma bowel disease, physicians often recommend a lifestyle change for patients as a first treatment option
ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting 2012: What Rheumatologists Need to Know about the New Oral Anticoagulants
A hematologist outlines how the new drugs can help treat coagulation triggered by rheumatological diseases
ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting 2012: Electronic Portals Appeal to Patients
A recent survey found that 75% of patients would use a secure electronic portal to access their medical information
ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting 2012: Children Experience Pain Differently from Adults
Experts say children in pain from rheumatic diseases or other causes may have more discomfort because they can’t downregulate the pain as effectively as adults
Rheumatology Drug Updates
Information on new approvals and medication safety that rheumatologists need to know
Legal Updates: As Opioids for Pain Treatment Come Under Greater Scrutiny, Controlled Substance Agreements Matter More
These contracts can communicate a physician’s expectations for a pain treatment plan and guidelines for safe use by their patients
Two Inflammatory Conditions—Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis—Share Clinical Connection
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) have common clinical and epidemiologic links, but they need not occur synchronously