“This position statement could not have come at a more critical time, as we see the growing impact of high drug prices on patient access, as well as government actions and proposals to curb drug pricing,” he says. “The ACR outlines key positions in this statement, including the need for rational policies that mitigate rapid escalation of drug pricing while maintaining patient access, transparency and the rheumatologist’s role in providing specialized, continuous care.”
In this statement, the ACR proposes more transparency from pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and private insurers when setting drug prices, and a safe and efficient biosimilar approval pathway to improve access to lower cost biologic therapies. It declares that any new drug pricing proposal should address these concerns: cost to the healthcare system, continuity of care and out-of-pocket affordability for patients.
Special, Waived-Test Designation
The ACR has also issued an updated position statement on synovial fluid crystal analysis credentialing for rheumatologists. The ACR statement supports the designation of this analysis as a special waived test under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments regulations when it is performed by a rheumatologist with documented training and credentialing, “reducing the regulatory burden associated with performing synovial crystal fluid analysis. The ACR continues to support reimbursement for this important test” by Medicare and other insurers when it is performed and interpreted by rheumatologists, says Dr. Edgerton.
Susan Bernstein is a freelance journalist based in Atlanta.
