In late December, the FDA approved subcutaneous abaloparatide for the treatment of men with osteoporosis at a high risk of fracture. This approval is based on a placebo-controlled study that showed abaloparatide led to significant increases in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, total hip and femoral neck. Abaloparatide was approved in April 2017 for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture.
The U.S. government remains divided. Democrats hold the White House and the Senate by one vote, and Republicans lead the House. Amid this division, the ACR is watching possible areas to advance healthcare legislation. Meet the committees and members with the largest jurisdiction over healthcare policy.
In a joint letter, the ACR urges Congress to undergo comprehensive reform of the Medicare payment system and seek long-term payment solutions that will allow clinicians to continue to care for Medicare patients.
Vaccinations against preventable diseases, including seasonal influenza, are strongly recommended for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who are at increased risk of infections as a result of underlying immune dysfunction and treatment-induced immunosuppression. Park et al. conducted this clinical trial to investigate whether discontinuing methotrexate for one week after seasonal influenza vaccination is noninferior to discontinuing it for two weeks after vaccination in patients with RA.
PHILADELPHIA—A session on social media in rheumatology at ACR Convergence 2022 focused on how to use social media to promote one’s work and collaborate on international research projects, as well as the use of podcasts in educating rheumatologists. Engaging with Social Media at Conferences Jean Liew, MD, MS, assistant professor of medicine in the Section…
The ACR has compiled guidelines and tips on how to use the JW modifier and correctly bill Medicare for discarded drugs and biologicals. This modifier can be applied only to unused amounts from a single-dose vial or package.
This month, the CMS will begin steps to develop a drug pricing negotiation process as allowed by the Inflation Reduction Act. The ACR plans to participate in public comment opportunities.
The new council, comprising professionals from small or independent rheumatology practices, will work with the ACR and its committees on issues that confront members in small practices.
The new standing committee, devoted to addressing long-term workforce solutions in rheumatology, will be chaired by Daniel F. Battafarano, DO, MACP, MACR. Dr. Battafarano brings more than 35 years of leadership and experience in graduate medical education in rheumatology and internal medicine to the position.
Later this month, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) is expected to extend the public health emergency (PHE) for another 90 days. The PHE extension will allow for the continuation of many flexibilities instituted in 2020, including the expansion of such telehealth provisions as audio-only telehealth.