Practical tips for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of a spectrum of conditions commonly encountered in a rheumatology practice are offered.
Tips for Rheumatologists to Master Quality Measurement in Clinical Practice
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In 2017, rheumatologists will begin to track and report quality data for reimbursement under the the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). Panelists shared their tips on how to score more points under MACRA and utilize existing technology at a Nov. 14 session called Implementing Quality Measurement in Your Clinical Practice at…
Chart a New Course: A Rheumatologist Talks about Practicing in an Orthopedic Environment
Working as a rheumatologist in an orthopedic practice has its own unique challenges, but may result in better patient care, according to Sheeja Francis, MD…
From the Expert: Enhance Your Teachable Moments to Attract Residents to Rheumatology
Attracting medical residents to rheumatology has been difficult. However, Eli Miloslavsky, MD, believes enhancing the teaching skills of rheumatology fellows, enabling them to push through barriers on the ward and leverage teachable moments with residents, may improve patient care and influence a resident’s choice of subspecialty…
Integrating Immunology and Biologics into Clinical Practice
With the rapid expansion of new classes of medications, clinical practice has changed dramatically, and rheumatology health professionals must have a fundamental knowledge of immunology and the mechanisms of action of the biologic agents that have emerged with this expansion. Familiarity with the predrug screening recommended for biologic agents and the appropriate safety and disease monitoring necessary when a person uses these products is essential for the best patient outcomes. Additionally, being able to obtain drug plan authorization for use of biologics and being able to educate patients and their families or support team members about the financial considerations of these drugs helps to ensure best rheumatology practice.
A Day in the Life of David Wolfe, MD
David Wolfe, MD, knows how politics can affect rheumatology. As part of the Washington, D.C.–based practice Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates, he is right next door to the movers and shakers who decide everything from insurance costs to how much reimbursement might be expected for bone density scans. But he’s a bit of a mover and shaker himself. Making partner while still in his 30s, Dr. Wolfe is young enough to understand the importance of changes but old enough to realize these suggestions must be made with passion tempered with patience. “If you’re in a position where you’re given a voice, you should use it,” he says. “The strength of our practice when you make partner is being a full voting member so you have an equal stake. Older members don’t always think of new ways of doing things procedurally, but you have to be patient with them and appreciate their experience.”
Enhanced Opportunities at the 2007 Meeting
The AMPC is using more translational components as a way of increasing the basic scientist’s interaction with clinicians, he explains. In keeping with this, the meeting will offer sessions on osteoclasts, implications for the development and treatment of osteoarthritis, T-cell subsets, and a year in review – all of which will be of interest to both the clinician and the basic researcher.
Art and Medicine Converge for the Klemperer Lecture
Growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., Paul H. Plotz, MD, often enjoyed an exciting game of stoopball with friends. Young Plotz took turns beaming a ball at the corner of his stoop, stopping occasionally to allow his father’s patients to enter the front door of his house, which also doubled as his father’s office.