Science From Arthritis & Rheumatism
PAC Progress and Challenges
After three years, RheumPAC has a solid start, and more work ahead of it
Drug Updates
Information on News Approvals and Medication Safety
Pearls for Denials Management and Appeals
Denials management and appeals are two of the most underestimated processes in rheumatology offices. Most practices lose thousands of dollars each year because of not following up on or incorrectly writing off denied claims. It is crucial for physicians and their staff members to stay on top of denials to boost the revenue cycle.
Digital Footprints: Managing Your Online Professional Presence
Just over a year ago, WellPoint first made headlines when it announced a joint initiative with Zagat (known for their robust restaurant reviews) to poll healthcare consumers through an online survey to assess patients’ satisfaction with their healthcare providers. Since that time, the online community of health consumers has exploded with user-generated healthcare delivery reviews and comments collected in structured surveys and unstructured social media, such as blogs, Twitter, and Facebook.
Coding Corner Question
November’s Coding Challenge
Coding Corner Answer
November’s Coding Answer
Members, Submitters Share Thoughts on ACR Journals
In an online survey conducted in the spring of 2009, the ACR collected information on journal readership patterns, satisfaction, and content interests. The survey was sent to a sample of ACR and ARHP members who had not submitted manuscripts to Arthritis & Rheumatism (A&R) or Arthritis Care & Research (AC&R) within a recent 12-month period. It was also sent, with additional questions regarding submission and review, to all members and nonmembers who had submitted at least one manuscript to either journal during the 12-month period. Because of the international scope and reputation of the ACR journals, along with the fact that most members are in clinical practice and do not generally conduct and publish research, 63% of the submitters to the journals are not members of the ACR or ARHP. The ACR journals have long been viewed as the place where both members and nonmembers seek to publish their high-quality work.
RheumPAC Supports Two Candidates Who Support Rheumatology
RheumPAC, the ACR’s political action committee (PAC), ensures that the ACR is involved in healthcare reform discussions. RheumPAC representatives have been busy attending fundraisers and educating key congressional members on the ACR’s legislative priorities.
Your Patients Can Make a Difference—Get Them Involved with Advocacy!
Personal stories are the most effective way to communicate an issue to Congress. No one can better illustrate the complex nature of healthcare policy decisions and how they affect medical care than those involved daily in the medical profession.
Experiencing EULAR: An ARHP Perspective
I’m writing this column in my hotel room in rainy, somewhat chilly, Copenhagen. So much for the summer dresses that I packed in preparation for attending this European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) meeting. Instead it’s been all about layering and trying to stay dry, dodging puddles, and struggling with blown-out umbrellas. The rain has impeded any desire to explore Tivoli gardens, but it hasn’t dampened the friendliness and welcome of our European counterparts in EULAR’s Allied Health Professionals (AHP) standing committee.
Within Our Reach–Funded Research May Hold Key to Unlocking the CNS and Suppressing RA
Studies recently published in Arthritis & Rheumatism show that a key chemical produced by the central nervous system (CNS) decreases inflammation and suppresses production of proteins known to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This opens the way for developing a novel class of drugs that mimic this effect of the CNS on RA.
Pharmaceutical Tourism
Could trade agreements and not bulky legislation be the key to cheaper drugs?
The Canes of York
What can a walking stick tell us about U.S. healthcare?
The Health Buzz
What is the ACR doing with healthcare reform?
A New Home for the ACR
The Atlanta headquarters are moving to a building purchased by the College
H1N1 Influenza A Virus Brings Many Questions, Few Answers
Rheumatologists grapple with vaccine concerns and the impact of medications on response
Neurological Piece of the Fibromyalgia Puzzle
Exploring the peripheral and central elements of pain in FM