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

Coverage Requirements for HLA-B27 Vary by Testing Methodology

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Did you know a laboratory can perform one of two different tests when a provider orders an HLA-B27 blood test? The ACR Insurance Subcommittee has received several complaints regarding commercial payer coverage for these tests, depending on which methodology the lab employs. To avoid administrative burden, members should familiarize themselves with lab practices and payer…

CMS Says U.S. Health Spending to Rise 5.5% Per Year over Next Decade

Tamara Mathias and Saumya Joseph  |  

(Reuters)—U.S. health spending is expected to grow at an average rate of 5.5% every year from 2018 over the next decade and will reach nearly $6 trillion by 2027 as more people become eligible for Medicare, a government health agency said on Wednesday. Rising income levels, better employment rate and more people enrolling for Medicare,…

The Effects of Early RA Treatment on CVD

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New research exploring the effects of etanercept on cardiovascular disease in treatment-naive, early RA patients suggests a treatment advantage with etanercept, a TNF inhibitor and methotrexate over treatment with methotrexate and a conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug…

Dr. Yolanda López López, Rheumatologist & Writer

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Yolanda López López, MD, MA, a rheumatologist in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, says she’s been writing “forever.” But when she was in high school, several teachers, counselors and others persuaded her against selecting writing as a profession or even getting a college degree in literature because she wouldn’t be able to earn a comfortable living. At…

Coding Corner Answer: A Quiz on Modifiers

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Take the challenge. 1. A—Modifier -25 is defined as a significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management (E/M) service by the same physician or other qualified healthcare professional on the same day of the procedure or other service. It is to be placed on the E/M visit only because it attests to the payer there is…

Coding Corner Question: A Quiz on Modifiers

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Which modifier is used when there is a separate and/or identifiable reason to bill for both an evaluation and management code and a procedure code? -25 -24 -51 -59 Which modifier is used to indicate that bilateral procedures were done on a patient? -50 -LT/RT Both a and b None of the above A 68–year-old…

Advocacy in Action: How the ACR Is Working for You

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Out of the turmoil of 2018 came a number of significant victories for the rheumatology field, all of which are thanks to the ACR’s volunteers, who spearheaded communication with policymakers. We are thrilled to share these successes and look forward to working with you in an even more productive 2019 (view this larger on our…

Rheumatology Research Foundation Fuels Pipeline of Next-Gen Providers

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One aspect of the Rheumatology Research Foundation’s work is recruiting more people into the field, and it starts by building interest in rheumatology among the best and brightest medical and graduate students. The Foundation is fueling the pipeline of rheumatology professionals by supporting students, residents and fellows in a number of ways, such as with…