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

Rheumatoid Arthritis May Confer Higher Cardiac & Infection Risks

Lorraine L. Janeczko  |  

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of serious infections, myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary heart disease (CHD), an analysis of Medicare claims data suggests. “Higher disease activity as measured by a panel of biomarkers was associated with higher rates of hospitalized infections, MI and CHD events. These findings add…

U.S. Uninsured Rate Up by Most in Nearly a Decade

Yasmeen Abutaleb  |  

WASHINGTON (Reuters)—The number of Americans without health insurance rose by 3.2 million people between 2016 and 2017, or 1.3% points to 12.2%, according to a Gallup poll released on Tuesday, the biggest jump in the uninsured rate in nearly a decade.1 Several factors likely contributed to the jump, Gallup said, including attempts by Republicans, who…

Physical Assessment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: It Just May Work

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A recent U.K. study assessed the use of the Perrin technique to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome based on five physical signs of disease. Overall, researchers found the accuracy of diagnosis by allied health professionals was highest when using tests for only two signs: tender coelic plexus and postural/mechanical disturbances of the thoracic spine…

Health Secretary Nominee Indicates Support for Medicaid Overhaul

Yasmeen Abutaleb  |  

WASHINGTON (Reuters)—Alex Azar, a former drug industry executive and lobbyist nominated to run the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, indicated on Tuesday he supported a Republican bid to overhaul Medicaid and again vowed to tackle high drug prices. Azar appeared before the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, which will ultimately decide whether to…

Obesity Linked with Disability After Joint Surgery

Shereen Lehman  |  

(Reuters Health)—People who undergo joint surgery, such as joint replacements for arthritis, are more likely to become dependent in the years following surgery if they are obese, researchers say. Further research is needed to know why this happens and how to prevent it, the study team writes in British Journal of Anaesthesia.1 “I think there’s…

The Diagnosis: How to Advise Newly Diagnosed RA Patients

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Receiving an RA diagnosis may be emotional and difficult for patients. By engaging the patient in learning about the disease and its treatment options, as well as cultivating a communicative relationship, rheumatologists can truly help a patient take control of their health…

Biosimilar SB2 May Work as Well as Infliximab for Rheumatoid Arthritis

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In a 78-week study examining the interchangeability of infliximab with the biosimilar SB2, the treatments demonstrated long-term efficacy, safety and immunogenicity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Across all the study’s treatment groups, patients had similar treatment response rates, and the long-term clinical profile of SB2 was comparable with infliximab…

Anthem Updates Modifier 25 Policy Changes after Talks with AMA

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As reported in the Dec. 28 edition of ACR@Work, Anthem Blue Cross recently announced plans to reduce reimbursement for evaluation and management (E/M) services when billed with modifier 25. At the AMA House of Delegates in November, the ACR joined with a number of other groups to support a resolution directing the AMA to advocate…