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

5 Ways You Can Get Involved During Arthritis Awareness Month

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The ACR’s 2015 Rheumatology Workforce Study Report projects a shortage of 3,800 rheumatologists in the U.S. by 2040. Given the projected rise in the number of adults with arthritis and the anticipated shortfall in the supply of rheumatologists, it is more important than ever to raise awareness about the benefits of early intervention, timely referral and specialized care by a rheumatologist. The ACR’s Board of Directors and advocacy team will be in Washington, D.C., this month to let legislators know how their decisions affect your practices and patients. You can take action—no matter where you are—to help us spread our advocacy messages throughout the month…

Canakinumab Treatment Effective for Familial Mediterranean Fever

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Canakinumab may be a useful first-line treatment for renal transplant recipients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), according to recent research. Immunosuppressive drugs can interact with colchicine, the standard first-line treatment for FMF, and increase the incidence of side effects, such as diarrhea and myopathy…

ACR Leads Coalition Response to HHS Proposed Drug Pricing Threats

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Potential federal drug pricing proposals could shuffle Part B drug coverage into the Part D program and restructure reimbursements for new drugs, moves that would jeopardize patient access to care, explains Kent “Kwas” Huston, MD, a rheumatologist in Kansas City, Mo., and a member of the ACR’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC). “We believe Part D…

New Life for the Michigan Rheumatism Society

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Amar Majjhoo, MD, had just completed his rheumatology fellowship in 2005 when he attended his first meeting of the Michigan Rheumatism Society. “I thought it was exciting that we had a state society, because to me, everything was new,” says the Michigan-based, private practice rheumatologist. “Having a meeting where established doctors were sitting around was…

Sharing Knowledge to Support Care: A Conversation with ACR Communications & Marketing Committee Member Suleman Bhana, MD, FACR

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Whether he is teaching rheumatologists how to leverage technology tools in their practice or working with the ACR’s Communications and Marketing Committee (CMC) to connect members with practice knowledge and support, Suleman Bhana, MD, FACR, a rheumatologist with Crystal Run Healthcare in Middletown, N.Y., is focused on connecting with his colleagues to improve patient care….

Poor Sleep Quality During Menopause Tied to Increased Inflammation

Cheryl Platzman Weinstock  |  

(Reuters Health)—Middle-aged women who get poor quality sleep have elevated levels of inflammatory markers, suggesting their risk for heart disease and other illnesses may be increased, U.S. researchers say. Based on sleep monitoring and blood tests of 295 women, most of whom were past menopause, researchers found those who had trouble falling asleep or who…

Nonopioid Medication May Be as Effective as Opioids for Chronic Pain

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A recent study compared the efficacy of opioids with nonopioid pain treatments in patients with chronic back pain and hip or knee osteoarthritis. After 12 months, researchers found that treatment with opioids was not superior to treatment with nonopioid medication, with only minor differences in patients’ functional responses to the medications…