It’s an exciting time for ultrasound in rheumatology, & it’s never too late to learn. Whether you’re just starting fellowship or have been practicing for decades, there’s a place for ultrasound in your practice.
Updates from the ACR Insurance Subcommittee Chair
The Insurance Subcommittee is working to address coverage and reimbursement challenges facing rheumatology practices. Recent activities include efforts to avoid increased administrative burden associated with specialty medications, support payer coverage of musculoskeletal ultrasounds and protect patient access to biologics.
ACR Provides Preliminary Analysis of CY23 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule
On Nov. 1, the CMS finalized the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2023. The rule finalizes many policies, significantly: a 4.5% decrease in the conversion factor, a delay in split/shared implementation, continued refinement of evaluation and management coding and documentation, and telehealth flexibilities that will remain in place through 2023. Thanks to ACR advocacy, the CMS reinstated five-minute pre- and post-service times for musculoskeletal ultrasound codes.
Advanced Practice Providers Should Learn Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
I have worked as an advanced practice provider (APP) in pediatric rheumatology for nearly 16 years. My collaborating physicians have allowed me to function to the full extent of my scope of practice while allowing me to develop professionally within the subspecialty. My latest endeavor has been learning how to perform musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) and…
CMS Finalizes Changes in CY 2018 for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
We previously alerted you to a CMS-proposed change that would cut reimbursement for the complete diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) significantly. We are pleased to report that, in its final rule, the CMS reversed that decision, and providers will see a reasonable reimbursement for the exam. The ACR advocated on your behalf for this change through…
Ultrasound for Underserved Patients
Beverly Johnson, MD, has experienced exactly how rheumatologists and their patients benefit from musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging for the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune disease…
From the Expert: Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Training Benefits Rheumatology Practices & Patients
Eugene Kissin, MD, says the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound can help rheumatologists diagnose and treat disease. Getting the proper training is critical. USSONAR is a training resource that can help…
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: A Valuable Tool for Diagnosing Rheumatic Illnesses
Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is a valuable imaging modality for the practicing rheumatologist and provides an efficient tool with high diagnostic value in the evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal complaints. The use of MSK ultrasound has evolved in the U.S. due to the emergence of less-expensive, portable ultrasound units, which provide high-quality gray-scale and power Doppler…
Benefits, Challenges of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Rheumatology
A rheumatology medical trainee relays pros, cons of ultrasound as joint imaging modality and usefulness in diagnosing, managing patients with rheumatologic disease
Is Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Right for Your Rheumatology Practice?
The RhMSUS Course for Rheumatologists–Fundamentals combines lectures and hands-on exercises in the imaging technique for physicians with limited ultrasound experience