The ACR is urging insurance companies to expand access to telehealth services and provide relief from administrative burdens to help providers focus on patient care at this critical time.
Copay Accumulator Programs Can Derail Rheumatologic Treatment Plans
As the medications for rheumatology become more expensive, the need for patient financial assistance becomes paramount. Unfortunately, commercially insured patients are finding it difficult to afford the exorbitant copays required by their plans, and the latest strategy of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) threatens to derail rheumatologic treatment goals. High deductible plans combined with copay accumulator…
Tips for Smoothing the Time-Consuming Prior Authorization Process
ATLANTA—Obtaining prior authorization to ensure services or prescription drugs are covered by a patient’s health plan consumes staff time, and delays or denials may cause patients to abandon treatment, according to speakers at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting. In a session on Nov. 10, the experts shared tips to smooth the process. Train Staff on…
State Legislative Update: Setting the Stage for 2020 & Beyond
In the new year, ACR advocacy staff will be working to advance bills to reform step therapy, prior authorization and more in state legislatures across the country.
3 Tips for Financial Discussions with Patients
Issues related to the costs and insurance coverage associated with rheumatologic care can be complex and overwhelming for patients. Here’s how one private practice addresses the financial side of treatment with its patients…
UnitedHealthcare Delays Policy Changes Affecting Physician-Administered Treatments
Changes announced at the beginning of October have now been delayed for Actemra, Benlysta, Cimzia, Orencia and Simponi Aria, but changes to the Stelara policy remain in effect.
ACR’s Delegation to the AMA: How We Can Continue to Advance Rheumatology
The House of Delegates (HOD) is the policy-making body of the American Medical Association (AMA), and twice a year, representatives of all seated specialties, service societies and state medical associations review hundreds of resolutions to determine which will become AMA policies. Once those policies and priorities are determined or updated, we benefit from the AMA…
ACR Introduces Prior Authorization & Step Therapy Resolutions at AMA Meeting
This year, the American Medical Association (AMA) convened its annual House of Delegates (HOD) meeting June 8–12 in Chicago to discuss emerging and public health issues. Among the many policies and practices discussed: two resolutions put forth by the ACR on behalf of ACR and ARP members, one concerning prior authorization and another concerning step…
What Pharmacists Want Rheumatologists to Know
Involving pharmacists in the management of chronic diseases benefits patients, says Wendy Ramey, BSPharm, RPh, CSP, a clinical pharmacy specialist in rheumatology at the University of Kentucky, Lexington. She knows this personally. As someone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Ms. Ramey knows pharmacists can play an important role in patient education and encouraging adherence to medications….
Gearing Up for State Legislation in 2019: 5 Issues that Need Your Attention
With a number of new legislators and new governors sworn in this month, 2019 promises to be an exciting year for state-level rheumatology advocacy. “Now is the time to reach out and share our top issues with new legislators in your state,” suggests Joseph Cantrell, ACR senior manager of state affairs. 2019 Priorities ACR Affiliate…