Historically, the early approach for treating interstitial lung disease (ILD) due to systemic sclerosis (SSc) involved immunosuppressant therapy, primarily with cytotoxic agents.1 Glucocorticoids in combination with another immunosuppressant agent, such as oral azathioprine or cyclophosphamide, were often used to treat patients with severe, progressive SSc-ILD.2 However, direct evidence to support this therapeutic approach was lacking…
Over the past few years, biosimilars and other new drugs have been introduced to treat rheumatic illnesses. Some of the conditions we treat have numerous drug options, others have few or only off-label options. This series, “Rheumatology Drugs at a Glance,” provides streamlined information on the administration of biologic, biosimilar and small molecule inhibitor drugs…
It happens all the time. We can see it coming—that quizzical look or the hesitant nod after someone asks what we do for a living. We are so accustomed to the next question that we often provide the answer before someone even has a chance to ask it: “What’s a rheumatologist?” The ACR has long…
“And of course, I am not telling you to do it. That would be illegal.” As a general rule, I try not to instruct my patients to break the law. My business model depends on repeat customers, so placing a patient at risk of getting arrested—even if that risk is remote—doesn’t seem like a good…
Despite the presence of a highly effective vaccine, measles (rubeola) is still an important problem worldwide, one that has reemerged in some areas of the world where it had previously been almost eradicated. Rheumatology patients may have questions about whether they are sufficiently protected. Here we discuss key considerations for rheumatologists in light of recent…
We just learned that Dr. Brown passed away at his home Sunday night, Dec. 1. We are reposting this recent story in his honor. He will be missed.
The 2019 event, to be held Sept. 9-10 in Washington, D.C., will bring together rheumatology professionals and patients to advocate on behalf of the rheumatology community.
Increased reimbursement would reflect value of cognitive care and other time-intensive services provided by rheumatologists.
The CMS 2020 Proposed Rule for the Quality Payment Program, released July 29, contains several key changes relevant to MIPS-eligible clinicians.
Precision medicine is a hot topic, but what does it mean for clinical practice in rheumatology? This year’s Annual Meeting ARP Pre-Meeting Course will explore precision medicine’s implications for biomarkers, pharmacogenomics, psychosocial aspects of care and more…