We at the ACR acknowledge all ACR, ARP and Rheumatology Research Foundation volunteers whose committee terms are ending in November. Thank you for your valuable time and efforts toward advancing rheumatology during a challenging time. ACR: Board of Directors Kenneth G. Saag, MD, MSc; ACR President Barbara Slusher, MSW, PA-C; ARP President Anne R. Bass,…
ACR Praises House for Passing Prior Authorization Reform Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Sept. 14, the ACR praised the House of Representatives for overwhelmingly passing bipartisan legislation intended to make it easier for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries to access the timely care they need. The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3173) passed the House on a voice vote. If enacted, the bill will create…
Updated Guideline Introduces Recommendations for Prevention & Treatment of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
ATLANTA—The ACR released a summary of its updated guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis in September. Many patients take glucocorticoids for a variety of inflammatory conditions, and anyone who is taking glucocorticoid medications and has other risk factors for osteoporosis increases their risk of developing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. New osteoporosis medications and new…
The Rheumatology Research Foundation Invests in Rheumatology Professionals
The mission of the Rheumatology Research Foundation, a division of the ACR, is to advance research and training to improve the health of patients living with rheumatic disease. It supports career advancement, mentorship, professional development and education of professionals working in the disciplines essential to these patients.1 “The Foundation understands that the support of Association…
ACR Proposes New ICD-10 Code to Capture ‘Pre-RA’
On Sept. 13, the ACR and Kevin D. Deane, MD, PhD, presented a proposal to create a new clinical code to recognize a condition in which an individual may exhibit rheumatoid arthritis-related autoantibodies without clinical presentation.
Rheumatic Disease Report Card 2022 Released: No A’s Given Overall; Oklahoma Ranks Most Improved
The 2022 Rheumatic Disease Report Card found that many states can improve access to care, affordability & activity for their residents living with rheumatic diseases.
September Updates from the ACR Insurance Subcommittee
In recent months, the ISC has engaged with payers to reduce administrative burden on practices and continues to advocate to the CMS for the use of complex administration codes for biologics.
The ACR Launches Initiative to Tackle Workforce Shortage
The growing rheumatologist workforce shortage has loomed over the profession, threatening to undercut the delivery of care to the increasing number of patients with rheumatic conditions. “The workforce shortage is an existential threat to the field of rheumatology and to the care we deliver to our patients,” says ACR President Kenneth Saag, MD, who lauded…
The ACR’s Strategic Plan: 2022-27
After months of hard work—and with insightful input from many ACR/ARP members, staff, committees and the Board of Directors—we are pleased to introduce the ACR’s 2022–27 strategic plan. This plan sets the stage for our numerous activities in the next few years and cultivates innovational approaches to support our diverse membership. This new plan will…
The ACR Seeks Trainees for AMA/Specialty Society RUC & CPT Committees
Advisors of the American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Relative Value Update (RUC) Committees play a crucial role in the code creation and valuation process. These positions allow the ACR to have a significant voice in influencing changes and ensuring rheumatology services are effectively represented.