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

Rheumatology Drug Updates: Celecoxib and Cardiovascular Safety Trial Results Reviewed

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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used therapeutically since the 1960s.1 Evidence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes led to the withdrawal of the selective COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib in September 2004, when the question of cardiovascular safety of NSAIDs first came into the limelight.2 Valdecoxib (Bextra) was subsequently withdrawn from the market in April 2005 due to…

First Non-Rheumatologist Health Professional Attends the ACR/EULAR International Exchange Program

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This past June, Yvonne Golightly, PT, MS, PhD, helped launch an international group of researchers focused on foot and ankle osteoarthritis. At the time, Dr. Golightly, an assistant professor in the department of epidemiology at the University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, N.C., was attending the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)…

Self-Driven Care Can be Difficult for Adolescents Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology Provider

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When treating adolescent patients who are making the important, sometimes bumpy crossing from a pediatric to an adult rheumatology practice, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. “We have to be flexible on the receiving end when talking with these patients, and flexible with their families, too,” says Peter A. Nigrovic, MD, director of the Center for Adults…

The 2016 ACR Award Winners Discuss Their Contributions to Rheumatology Research, Education, Patient Care

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At the 2016 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., in November, the ACR and the ARHP honored a group of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to rheumatology research, education and patient care. In the November 2016 issue, we reported on the ARHP’s awards. This month, we speak with the ACR winners. Presidential Gold…

Rheumatology Coding Corner Year-End Quiz Answers

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Take the challenge. D—As of January 2015, there are three new codes added to the arthrocentesis codes of 20600–20611. The new codes, 20604, 20606 and 20611, should be reported when the procedure is performed with ultrasound guidance and CPT 76942 should not be billed separately. The three new codes are defined as: 20604—Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or…

New Physician Payment Reforms Highlight Need for Quality Coding, Accurate Documentation

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To be an effective practice owner, it is necessary to understand the financial circumstances and environment of the practice’s operation. Well-managed practices prevent the loss of time and money. Therefore, to improve productivity and operating efficiencies, you need to have a basic understanding of billing and payment initiatives that will impact the practice’s bottom line….

RheumPAC Advances Policy Issues of Rheumatology Professionals

The RheumPAC Committee  |  

Our elected officials make decisions every day that affect our lives and the lives of our patients. These decisions are often based on input they have received from advocates and lobbyists, constituents and fellow lawmakers. Regardless of our ideals, money plays a role in this decision making, because political contributions facilitate access to legislators and…

The ACR’s Affiliate Society Council Growth Boosted by Increase in State Societies

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The ACR’s Affiliate Society Council (ASC) membership has grown from 34 states to 40 since 2015. The growth of the Council is mainly attributed to newly formed state societies, as well as existing state societies focusing on orienting themselves for advocacy on behalf of rheumatologists and their patients. Increased participation by state societies helps support…