Rheumatic diseases are intrinsically linked to environmental conditions. With a constantly changing environment, how can rheumatologists adapt to the challenges of global climate change, pollution and other environmental threats? The Environment + Genetics Tamiko Katsumoto, MD, a clinical associate professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif., emphasizes the…
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The workforce shortage in rheumatology is a looming crisis that demands immediate attention. The ACR’s 2015 Workforce Study projected that by 2030, the supply of adult rheumatologists would dwindle by 31%, in contrast to the increase in demand by close to 138%.1 The situation is even worse for pediatric rheumatology and in rural and…
WASHINGTON, D.C.—As of November 2024, there are 16 biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) that are FDA approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Incredible news, right? But as my fellowship program director used to say, “There’s no free lunch.” This buffet of options is excellent for our patients, but poses challenges to the practicing…
Occupational therapist Cheryl Crow, who lives with rheumatoid arthritis, shares the ins and outs of what OT is and how it can help those with rheumatic conditions.
The 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule, released Nov. 1, includes a conversion factor of $32.3465, a 2.83% drop from 2024. In response to advocacy efforts from the ACR and other medical societies, Congress recently introduced the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2024, which would eliminate the 2.83% payment cut and provide an inflationary update for 2025 equal to 50% of the Medicare Economic Index.
The ACR Insurance Subcommittee (ISC) of the Committee on Rheumatologic Care has been hard at work, advocating to payers on behalf of the ACR and its members. Following is an update on some of the work this group has been doing to help address concerns about reimbursement and administrative burden, while ensuring continued access to…
With a likely Republican majority in the House and Senate and a Republican president, there may be a sense that the party has a mandate to lead initiatives and enact significant policy changes. Any end-of-year legislative package will be narrower than initially expected, but the ACR’s top priority remains addressing cuts to physician reimbursements.
Understanding the intersection of diabetes mellitus & rheumatic diseases, including lesser known rheumatic entities of diabetes, such as diabetic cheiroarthropathy, scleredema & diabetic myonecrosis, is crucial for accurate diagnosis.