How The ACR Lupus Initiative is advancing rheumatology
EULAR Magic
Colorful characters and old friends meet in London
Letters
Feedback from Our Readers
Stage 2 of the EHR Incentive Program
Although reporting for Stage 1 of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program began just this year, the rules, objectives, and measures for Stage 2 are already being established. Last June, the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology (IT) presented CMS with its recommendations for Stage 2 of the CMS EHR Incentive Program which builds on the Stage 1 objectives supporting EHR utilization for data capture and sharing.
Chicago My Way: Anne-Marie Malfait, MD, PhD, Provides Insider Info
Chicago is a city with remarkable shopping opportunities, upscale and trendy neighborhood boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops. Chicago’s great magic lies in its mix: sophisticated-yet-friendly, bustling city streets adjacent to long stretches of green parks and sparkling blue Lake Michigan.
Empower Rheumatology Patients
Patient empowerment and education are important parts of rheumatology care.
REF: Looking at Recent Achievements and FInding Inspiration for the Future
As the term of my presidency at the ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) comes to an end, it’s a good time to reflect on the past two years. While it’s important to recognize the REF’s milestones and major achievements—and I will do that in a moment—great work is being done every day by rheumatologists, healthcare professionals, and investigators. It is their goal to improve the treatment and care of people impacted by rheumatic disease, and it’s our mission to provide them with the resources to support their efforts.
Researcher Looks at Link between Arthritis and Eye Disease
Holly Rosenzweig, PhD, has developed a novel investigative model that may better inform treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who also develop uveitis.
REF Volunteer Brings Passion for Communicating to New Program
When the ACR REF recently sent out a call for volunteers for the newly created From the Field speakers’ bureau, Alan W. Friedman, MD, responded right away. “It’s exactly what I’ve been doing all along,” he says. “I want to bring my enthusiasm for the cause to other people.”
Coding Corner Question
October’s Coding Challenge Medically Unlikely Edits (MUE)
Coding Corner Answer
October’s Coding Answer
MUEs and Muscular Ultrasound Guidance: An Unlikely Story
Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs) were launched on January 1, 2007 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reduce the paid claims error rate for Medicare Part B claims. The function of MUEs is to detect and deny unlikely CMS claims for a Medicare patient on a single, 24-hour date of service on a prepayment basis. This is achieved by limiting the frequency of services provided by a physician or medical supply company.
Practice Pearls
Evaluating Your Practice Space
Practice Page
The importance of coding certification
Learn How the ACR is Advancing Rheumatology on Capitol Hill
While you are at the 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting learning about the latest advancements in rheumatologic care, stop by the Advocacy kiosk at the ACR Resource Center to discuss the latest developments in health policy. Currently, medicine is on the verge of great change with Congress discussing everything from physician payment reform to cuts to biomedical research and medical liability reform. The ACR advocates on behalf of the rheumatology profession and our patients and is actively pursuing the following issues:
Back Pain and the Role of the Physical Therapist
Back pain is a common occurrence, so much so that most adults will have at least one episode of back pain at some point in their lives. Fortunately, most of these episodes last only a few days and resolve if patients maintain normal activity levels, avoid the detrimental effects of too much bed rest, use over-the-counter pain relievers with caution, and seek the attention of a health professional if the pain or other symptoms persist or worsen over time.
Rheum With a View
Panush’s perspectives on selections from the literature
It’s All About the Patient
Trailblazer Evelyn V. Hess combines science and patient care
A&R and AC&R Abstracts: Pain in RA
For further reading
Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Out from the shadow of inflammation
Patients Add Power to Research Initiatives
A look at how OMERACT involves people with rheumatic disease in its studies
Practices Plan for Coding Changes
Will you be ready for October 1, 2013?
Chaos Control
Plan ahead to ensure your practice survives a disaster
Space Traveling Mice Provide Insight into Osteoporosis
Researchers are using the unique, zero-gravity environment to develop therapies for the earthbound
Rheumatologists Struggle with Drug Shortages
While not yet at a ‘catastrophic’ level, shortages are becoming more common
A Window into Health Disparities
Systemic lupus erythematosus offers a touchstone for the U.S. healthcare system–and how we care for vulnerable patients