ACR Convergence 2025| Video: Rheuminations on Milestones & Ageism

An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Physician Editor Bharat Kumar, MD, & The Rheumatologist Recognized for Excellence

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The American College of Rheumatology and Wiley are happy to announce that The Rheumatologist has received two APEX Awards of Excellence this year for content published in 2024. Rheuminations, the monthly editorial written by Physician Editor Bharat Kumar, MD, MME, FACP, FAAAAI, RhMSUS, was honored with an Award of Excellence for Writing, Regular Departments &…

Doctoring Differently, Part 2

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In part 2 of Dr. Sam Shapiro’s journey, learn how she connected with the rheumatology community to change her career and found a better way to embrace her passions for clinical rheumatology, education and helping patients.

ACR Urges Strong AI Safeguards in State Model Legislation

Joseph Cantrell, JD  |  

In comments to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the ACR outlined several recommendations for a proposed state model law addressing the use of artificial intelligence in the insurance industry.

CMS to Implement AI-Based Model to Streamline Prior Authorization

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Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is implementing a new prior authorization model called the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model. This six-year model, starting on Jan. 1, 2026, aims to reduce fraud, waste and abuse in traditional Medicare by using technology-enabled processes for prior authorization and…

Aetna Implements Specialty Pharmacy Requirements

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On July 1, Aetna launched its new Combined Benefit Management Drug List, effectively moving romosozumab-aqqg (Evenity) and infliximab (Remicade) to pharmacy-only coverage for most fully insured commercial plans. The ACR has contacted Aetna leaders to raise concerns about patient access to these therapies.

Air Pollution May Increase the Risk of RA & RA-Associated ILD

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Exposure to air pollution, such as high levels of particulate matter from fire smoke and fossil fuel-related nitrogen oxides, may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and RA-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD), according to Kronzer et al. Their findings highlight the need for improved monitoring of air pollutants and suggest that addressing air pollution may help prevent RA and RA-associated ILD.