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

Race May Not Be a Risk Factor for Giant Cell Arteritis

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Past research has identified being of Northern European descent as a risk factor, among others such as age, sex and HLA DRB1, for developing giant cell arteritis (GCA). But new research casts doubts on this idea, finding that rates of biopsy proven GCA may not differ by race…

Coding Corner Answer: An Insurance Billing Quiz

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Take the challenge. A—The commercial insurance coverage is primary in this situation. Medicare should be billed secondarily because it will not become primary until after the first 30 months of ESRD Medicare entitlement. After that, Medicare will be primary no matter the patient’s employment status. C—Unless the patient has a qualifying condition, such as ESRD,…

Coding Corner Question: An Insurance Billing Quiz

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A 55-year-old male patient diagnosed with generalized osteoarthritis and diagnosed with end stage renal failure (ESRD) 20 months previously presents to the office to see the rheumatologist. The patient has a commercial insurance plan and Medicare. Which carrier is primary for this visit? Commercial insurance carrier Medicare You do not know because it is not…

Pediatric Rheumatology Learning at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting

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At this year’s ACR/ARP Annual Meeting, Nov. 8–13, all of the pediatric rheumatology sessions will take place in the same room, making it easy to access all of the exciting content. Planners hope this convenient setup facilitates networking before and after symposia. “In pediatric rheumatology, we are very tight-knit community. This [event] is our opportunity…

Annual Meeting Preview: Rheumatology Research Foundation Activities

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Another exciting ACR/ARP Annual Meeting is planned for this November. Show your support for the Foundation’s mission and enjoy your time in vibrant Atlanta at one of the Foundation’s events. Donations made to the Foundation support the extensive awards program that funds research, training and education opportunities for current and potential rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals…

Ethics Forum: Are We Ethically Bound to Support Access to Rheumatologic Care for All?

Bernard Hildebrand, MD  |  

A 43-year-old woman is establishing care in your new urban clinic after her previous rheuma­tologist stopped accepting her Medicaid insurance more than a year ago. Since that time, she has been trying to find a new rheumatologist who will accept Medicaid. She lives 90 miles away in a small town without a rheumatologist. Seven years…

Are Opioid Contracts Helpful or Harmful?

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The opioid epidemic in the U.S. has destroyed thousands of lives and torn families apart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 130 people in the U.S. die each day from an opioid overdose. From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 died as a result of drug overdoses. In 2017,…

Research Sheds Light on Scleromyxedema, a Rare Skin Disorder

Larry Beresford  |  

Scleromyxedema is a rare, mucinous skin disorder of unknown origin, one of a number of conditions that mimic systemic sclerosis. Although cases of scleromyxedema remain rare, a better understanding of its mechanisms of action could have implications for the research and treatment of scleroderma and related autoimmune conditions, says Laura K. Hummers, MD, ScM, co-director…