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

Letter: Another Thinking Discipline

Walter Doege, MD  |  

I read today the article “How a Rheumatologist Thinks” and I want to say that is one of the most interesting articles I’ve read about clinical medicine.

Letter: Thanks and Farewell

John Luetkemeyer, MD  |  

Dr. Pisetsky, I want to personally thank you for the time spent by you as editor of The Rheumatologist.

Letter: Of Coding and Perception

Paul Waytz, MD  |  

Regarding the February “Coding Corner,” although I know that the upcoding was legitimized by the time spent (30 minutes), I have some philosophical concerns, especially because our business manager stresses that coding based on time can be a delicate issue.

CMS Delays ICD-10 Compliance Date

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Despite months of assurances to the contrary, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in mid-February they were indefinitely postponing implementation of International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification. The changeover was originally scheduled to take effect October 1, 2013.

The Mystery of IVIg

Eveline Wu, MD, Michael M. Frank, MD  |  

Although initially given as replacement therapy for patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiency states, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has proven to be effective in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. This success has led to a dramatic increase in the use of IVIg, with its use as an antiinflammatory agent now vastly surpassing its use in the treatment of immunodeficiencies. Even so, the basis for the antiinflammatory activity of IVIg remains unclear.

Biosimilar Drugs Face Challenges to Reach the U.S. Market

Kathleen Louden  |  

To date, the FDA has not approved a biosimilar product. In its own discussion of the merits and obstacles to biosimilar drugs, the ACR sponsored a panel session titled, “Biosimilar Products in the U.S. Market: Fact or Fiction?” at the 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting here in November.

Maintenance of Certification Is Not Just for the Young

James R. O’Dell, MD  |  

I certainly am relieved to know that I will never need to recertify with the American Board of Internal Medicine Maintenance of Certification, but this feeling is shadowed by a deep sense of shame. I decided to step up and take advantage of all the wonderful recertification programs the ACR has to offer.