Search results for: health insurance

The Ins & Outs of Patient Assistance Programs

Samantha C. Shapiro, MD | March 3, 2022

Although effective against rheumatic disease, biologic therapies come with hefty price tags. Patient assistance programs can be a useful resource to help under- and uninsured patients get the drugs they need.

Lessons from Caring for the Underinsured & Uninsured

Samantha C. Shapiro, MD | February 17, 2022

As the first rheumatologist at a federally qualified health center in Austin, Texas, Samantha Shapiro, MD, learned several practical tips for the care of uninsured and underinsured patients with rheumatic diseases.

Electronic Consultations Could Improve Access to Rheumatologic Care

Samantha C. Shapiro, MD | January 20, 2022

Patients shouldn’t need to exercise patience when it comes to getting needed rheumatologic care. E-consults are an evolving telehealth modality with the potential to improve access to rheumatologic care in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

The 2021 ACR Awards of Distinction & Distinguished Fellows

Patrice Fusillo | December 16, 2021

During ACR Convergence 2021 in early November, the ACR honored a group of individuals who have made significant contributions to rheumatology research, education and patient care, announcing the recipients of the ACR’s 2021 Awards of Distinction, as well as the group of Distinguished Fellows. recognized for their contributions. Three pediatric rheumatologists and one pediatric fellow…

Passive Exposure to Smoking May Increase Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk

Katie Robinson | November 14, 2021

EULAR—Passive exposure to smoking during childhood or adulthood increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a large prospective cohort study of healthy French women presented during EULAR’s 2021 virtual European Congress of Rheumatology. Moreover, the association was mainly observed among women who had themselves never smoked.1 “In this study, we found an…

What’s in the New Biden Plan to Reduce U.S. Drug Prices?

Ahmed Aboulenein | November 4, 2021

WASHINGTON (Reuters)—U.S. President Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats promised voters sweeping drug price reform in their signature social spending bill but agreed to move ahead with a far less ambitious proposal after facing opposition in Congress. The plan could still fail as hurdles remain to approving the broader spending package, known as “Build Back…

Tips for Transitioning Patients from Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology Care

Sarah D. Bayefsky, MD, Kimberly DeQuattro, MD, & Rebecca E. Sadun, MD, PhD | October 14, 2021

Approximately 50% of young adult patients with childhood-onset rheumatic diseases become lost to follow-up within the first year of transferring to adult rheumatology care, mirroring the statistics of other subspecialties.1,2 One of the challenges cited most consistently by young adult patients and their families relates to differences between rheumatology care delivery in the pediatric and…

What’s in the New COVID-19 Relief Package?

From the College | March 10, 2021

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) on March 10, 2021, after Senate passage on March 6. President Biden signed the bill into law on March 11. Following is the ACR’s summary of the most impactful provisions of this third COVID-19 relief package. Fighting COVID-19 $160 billion…

What Happens When Patients Have Access to Their Clinician’s Notes?

Ruth Jessen Hickman, MD | February 18, 2021

Navigating the healthcare system and its processes can seem overwhelming to patients. If patients understand why their clinician recommended something, know how and when to take medications, and why they shouldn’t skip a dose—or 10—they may not feel so out of control. Sharing examination notes with patients can be helpful to many patients who struggle…