Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) are known for their systemic presentations and multi-organ involvement. Numerous infectious diseases, particularly mycobacterial, fungal and indolent bacterial infections endemic to specific geographic regions, present with varied signs and symptoms of multi-system involvement and can mimic AIRDs. Thus, differentiating infection from an AIRD is critical to resolve competing treatment approaches. This…
Renal osteodystrophy is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associated metabolic derangements, most commonly CKD stages 3–5. It is often subclassified into four histological subtypes, with definite distinctions unable to be made clinically. These four subtypes, which may only be differentiated by bone biopsy, include: osteitis fibrosa cystica, mixed uremic osteodystrophy, osteomalacia and…
It was like a reverse Uno card had been thrown onto the table. My patient was now asking his rheumatologist, “Are you okay? You look like you’re in a lot of pain.” He was right. I was wincing trying to get up from my seat and limping trying to get a few steps over to…
“Our patients’ goals for their care aren’t always the same as ours. We’re typically focused on disease control, and they’re often focused on quality of life. Having ongoing discussions about care goals is the only way to know when it’s time to switch gears. Would you know when to refer your patients to palliative care?…
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease that primarily affects young women and causes a wide range of inflammatory manifestations. Its hallmark is the production of antibodies to components of the cell nucleus (anti-nuclear antibodies [ANAs]). …
Improving reimbursement for underwater biosimilars is just one example of how the ACR’s practice advocates have achieved solutions to members’ insurance challenges. Here’s a look at current ACR efforts in insurance advocacy and how to get help with your own insurance challenges.
The ACR’s response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addresses the likely harm of the proposed conversion factor on the solvency and stability of rheumatology practices. The comments also include recommendations on complex drug administration coding, inflation-adjusted drug rebates and extending telehealth flexibilities.
This year’s theme for Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month focuses on self-management, aiming to provide tools and tips to empower patients, boost awareness about the importance of self-management and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.
Rheumatologists are uniquely positioned to care for patients with sarcoidosis. Here are insights into the condition, its treatment and more.
We are sad to announce that we have learned of the passing of several ACR Masters this summer: Arthur Grayzel, MD; Sheldon Cooper, MD; and David W. Templin, MD.