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

Rheumatology Coding Corner Answer: Office Visit with DEXA Scan

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Take the challenge. CPT: 99213-25, 77085 ICD-10: Diagnosis M81.0, Z79.52 The encounter is coded as 9913 as follows: History—The history of the present illness was extended. The review of systems was complete, and the past medical history was documented. This makes the history detailed. Examination—The examination was expanded problem focused. Medical decision making—The diagnosis was…

Avoid the Trap of Balance Billing

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It is no secret that payers and providers have conflict as it relates to reimbursement rates for medical services, and there is another stakeholder, the patient, that plays an important role in the financial impact of healthcare reimbursement. Usually, patients are faced with unforeseen bills from their providers due to an unpaid portion of a…

Rheumatology Coding Corner Question: Office Visit with DEXA Scan

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A 67-year-old female patient with Medicare returns to the office for a follow-up of her age-related osteoporosis. She states she has an achy pain in her left hip that lasts for 30–40 minutes in the morning. Currently, she has taken ibandronate sodium and alendronate sodium for the past year, and her pain level is a…

Researchers Hone in on Defect in Autophagy that May Underlie Lupus

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New research investigates the role of autophagy, specifically the cell digestion process called LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP), in inflammation and the pathology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Researchers found that defects in this process result in failure to digest dying cells, which increases inflammatory cytokine production and results in SLE-like disease in mice. Further exposure to dying cells accelerated disease development…

How Rheumatologists Can Engage Congress Locally, Advance Rheumatology

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With limited time to spend away from your practice, you can still have an impact on issues important to Advancing Rheumatology! Below are several ways to have your voice heard, without ever leaving town. Set Up a Local Meeting with Your Elected Officials Every member of Congress has at least one local office in the…

Rheumatology Research Foundation Ranked in Top 2% of Charities by Charity Navigator

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The Rheumatology Research Foundation recently received its seventh consecutive four-star rating from Charity Navigator. This prestigious, highest rating possible is based on good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. As the nonprofit sector continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, savvy donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results from…

2016 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting Abstract Submissions Welcome

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Take advantage of the opportunity to have your work peer reviewed by experts in the field. If accepted, your abstract will be published in a special online supplement of Arthritis & Rheumatology and presented at the 2016 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., Nov. 11–16. All abstracts must be submitted online by noon ET on…

The ACR’s Collaboration with International Rheumatology Associations Promotes Progress

Joan M. Von Feldt, MD, MSEd, FACR, FACP, & Elizabeth A. Schlenk, PhD, RN  |  

More than 10 years ago, New York Times journalist Thomas Friedman opined an old-world perspective that the world is, in fact, flat. In an article published on April 3, 2005, Mr. Friedman contended that “Individuals must, and can, now ask: Where do I fit into the global competition and opportunities of the day, and how…

Remission of Rheumatoid Arthritis Tied to Lower Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

Reuters Staff  |  

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Disease remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome, according to a new study from Thailand. Researchers also found that a lower educational level was linked to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, they report in Joint Bone Spine, online May 26. Dr….