Depending on stage, severity and rate of progression of disease, systemic corticosteroids are commonly used to treat pulmonary sarcoidosis. However, a review of the literature suggests they have limited usefulness in advanced stage IV pulmonary sarcoidosis. Once sarcoidosis has advanced to this degree, steroid use may unnecessarily expose a patient to life-threatening complications, as demonstrated…
Which came first? The infectious microorganism or a host’s immune resistance against it? Through the millennia, a raging battle has pitted the hordes of infectious agents surrounding us against, arguably, the most complex biologic structure ever created, the finely tuned human immune system. The stakes are high for both sides. For the infectious agent, an…
Both due to its efficacy and favorable side effect profile when compared with alternative drugs for rheumatologic conditions, hydroxychloroquine is an important agent in rheumatologists’ armamentarium. However, one barrier to hydroxychloroquine use can be its effects on the eye (also see “Revised Retinopathy Screening Guidelines,”). Ocular side effects of hydroxychloroquine can include impact on the…
A 73-year-old white male presented with a one-day history of a cold, painful, right foot. The foot had a blue discoloration to it, particularly the toes. The emergency physician suspected an atheroembolic cause, given this patient’s age and history of coronary artery disease. However, the patient also reported a one-year history of painful pallor in…
A patient presents at her rheumatologist’s office for a visit and is greeted by a certified medical assistant (CMA), who obtains vital signs, gathers health information and updates pertinent information that may have changed since the prior visit. The CMA is one of many healthcare providers who may be involved in the care of rheumatology…
Rheumatology nurses have a new option to obtain certification. Instead of taking an exam to demonstrate one’s competencies, rheumatology nurses can provide documentation of their expertise through an online application process, the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Rheumatology Nursing Certification Through Portfolio. Launched in February 2016, the program was developed by the ANCC in collaboration…
Oral health is not frequently considered within the sphere of a rheumatologist’s practice. However, recent results published by the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG) point out the importance of assessing oral health in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Result of 3-Year Grant Between 2008 and 2011, 163 patients with SSc and 231 controls were entered…
The first month of my last year of rheumatology fellowship began in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at Black Lion Hospital, a tertiary university medical center, where I [Dr. Mary Abraham] started an Emory-sponsored global health rotation. Although a very different beginning to my fellowship year, my experiences at Black Lion reminded me of my passion to…
As the year draws to a close, it is vital to pay close attention to your practice’s revenue cycle to maintain an operational and financially healthy business. Operational aspects should be a top priority, with careful monitoring as they relate to efficiency in receivables and denials management. Healthcare revenue cycle management is the strategy that…
Although the FDA has not yet awarded the title of interchangeable to any biosimilar, legislation that governs their substitution will continue to be a dominant state issue in 2017. Since 2013, 24 states and Puerto Rico have passed legislation regarding interchangeable biologics. As many as 15 states will have biosimilar-related legislation introduced by coalitions in…