WASHINGTON, D.C.—The importance of biomedical research to advancing clinical care with the ultimate goal of improving patients’ lives was on display during an ACR Discovery 2016 plenary session at the 2016 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting. The session offered new ways to think about and treat select rheumatologic diseases, including research showing for the first time the…
The FDA has released guidance for the development of biosimilars, and Medicare will cover Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb) in 2017…
For they’re some very good fellows … no, seriously. They are this year’s recipients of the ACR Distinguished Fellows Awards. The Rheumatologist spoke with them about their burgeoning contributions to Advancing Rheumatology! ACR Distinguished Fellow Awards Eric Allenspach, MD, PhD Acting Assistant Professor, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle Background: Dr. Allenspach seeks to understand the genetic basis…
(Reuters Health)—Arthritis that accompanies the skin condition psoriasis may also come with a higher risk of heart problems, according to a Hong Kong study. In particular, patients with psoriatic arthritis may have a three- to four-fold higher prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis. Clinicians need to identify patients with high cardiovascular (CV) risk so they can provide…
Corticosteroids still represent the mainstay of treatment of patients with active disease. They have been used for more than 60 years, and although prolonged use is associated with organ damage, they have been shown to be lifesaving in various phases of the history of the disease. History of Use First introduced in the late 1960s…
Patients experience fevers for many reasons, but can they help physicians diagnose disease? Using modern technology and social media, Jonathan S. Hausmann, MD, is working to further the understanding of body temperatures…
(Reuters Health)—More aggressive malpractice climates don’t necessarily protect patients from surgical complications, a new study suggests. Supporters of medical malpractice laws that make it easier for patients to sue doctors say these protections are necessary to improve care. But in the current study, the risk of litigation didn’t translate into better outcomes, said study leader…
On Jan. 6, Pfizer Inc. announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has included payment information for INFLECTRA (infliximab-dyyb), a biosimilar to REMICADE (infliximab), in its January Average Selling Price (ASP) pricing file. This pricing took effect as of January 1, 2017. Additional claims processing information is listed in the MLN Matters…
A study showed that guselkumab may decrease symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and improve quality of life in adult patients…
Concerned about reimbursement for specialty drugs? Wondering if your patient can continue on a prescribed medication despite formulary changes? Unsure how to request a tier exception? No need to face these issues alone. The ACR has a resource that can assist with questions regarding coverage and payment policies for private insurers and Medicare. That resource…