Biomarkers for RA I read the article, “Finding Biomarkers in RA Remains Elusive Goal” (February 2015 The Rheumatologist), with great interest. The author correctly identifies the multi-biomarker disease activity assay (MBDA; Vectra DA) as a potential biomarker that identifies RA patients at risk for radiographic progression. The author names a study presented at the 2014…
Letters: Standardize Squeeze Test for Inflammatory Arthritis?
Squeeze Test in Inflammatory Arthritis, Need for Standardization? The first use of the squeeze test as a clinical maneuver to detect inflammatory arthritis in patients with hand problems was described by Recth in 1988, and Morton described its use for patients with foot problems.1,2 In 1991, Eberhardt and Rigby proposed the clinical maneuver be used…
Medicare Incident-to Billing Rules, Pitfalls
In today’s busy rheumatology practices, the services of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, occupational therapists and clinical nurse specialists are a great asset for patient flow, as well as increased revenue. As the growth of nonphysician providers (NPPs) in rheumatology practices has evolved, it has become increasingly important to understand the incident-to rules and avoid the…
Rheumatology: A Brief History
The word rheumatology and its counterpart, rheumatologist, are new to the English language. They didn’t exist 50 years ago. There were a relatively few physicians interested in rheumatologic disease, but not the science of rheumatology. The American College of Rheumatology was founded in 1988. A few of us still alive, notably, the centenarian Ephraim Engelman,…
Rheumatologists Expand Reach Through Telemedicine
What started out as a way to bring specialty medicine to rural areas around 40 years ago has evolved from sharing imaging and laboratory results to seeing and interacting with patients remotely. Telemedicine is beginning to evolve from its traditional urban–rural linkage, and rheumatologists are following along. “Telemedicine covers a variety of services, but it…
Rheumatology Nursing Book Addresses Core Principles, Resources
Dramatic changes have occurred over the past 50 years in rheumatology practice and management. As an integral part of the healthcare team, the rheumatology nurse must navigate these changes and the advancements in treatment options and care available for patients with rheumatic disease. Rheumatology nursing was recognized as a nursing specialty by the American Nurses…
Psoriatic Arthritis: Recognize, Manage Comorbidities
As the literature on comorbidities linked to psoriatic arthritis (PsA) expands, it’s becoming more difficult for clinicians to keep up with what comorbidities should be assessed and how these comorbidities affect treatment selection. Given this, rheumatologists at the Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Cleveland Clinic and Hospital for Special Surgery in New…
Tips for Physicians on Handling Personal Problems at Work
As a physician, it’s important to be in the present 100% of the time. “Writing the wrong number on a prescription pad is an extreme, but important, example of what could happen if a physician is distracted,” says consultant Donna Singer, Donna Singer Consulting LLC, Newton, Mass. Sanjay Chabra, DO, director of rheumatology, St. Jude…
Rheumatologists on the Move
Maura Daly Iversen Named Catherine Worthingham Fellow by APTA Maura Daly Iversen, PT, DPT, SD, MPH, FNAP, FAPTA, associate editor of The Rheumatologist, was recently named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow—the highest honor among the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) membership categories. According to the award announcement, Worthingham “motivated others to make an impact within the…
Rheumatologist Sidney R. Block, MD, Relishes Role as Cantor
Sidney R. Block, MD, has practiced rheumatology in Maine since 1975, where he now lives on the coast in Northport. He has received the Paulding Phelps Award and been recognized as a Master by the American College of Rheumatology. He is also a lay cantor for the Jewish reform congregation in Bangor, which he helped…
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