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

Letter to the Editor

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I enjoyed reading your musings on European travel in the February TR [“Medical Renaissance”], particularly when reflecting on my own experiences as a rheumatologist in Europe, wearing two very distinctive hats. It was a rare treat to be invited to lecture at the ACR during fellowship (twice when in Mannik’s lab as a research fellow, not at all during my clinical year at The University of California, San Francisco), yet the occasions were more numerous (limited by clinic duties, attending requirements, and administrative obligation) in my years as a clinician, primarily in small group sessions with colleagues sharing clinical observations.

ICD-10 from a Coder’s Perspective

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For the past 30 years, coders have used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) to identify and report diseases, signs, and symptoms as well as to measure morbidity and mortality in the United States. In general, coders identify ICD-9 as the heartbeat of reimbursement for medical procedures because this is what drives medical necessity.

Congress Spending More Time at Home: Good News for Advocates

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Members of Congress will spend more time in their respective districts this year. This is great news for both experienced and new advocates, because members of Congress are often more accessible when they are home. If you are apprehensive about meeting with your members of Congress in Washington, D.C., these district work periods provide the perfect opportunity to begin building a valuable relationship with your legislators. Here are a few ways for you to reach out to your legislators while they are at home.

ACR Member to Chair Rheumatology Department at Cleveland Clinic

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Abby Abelson, MD, has been named chair of the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases at the Cleveland Clinic. She had served as interim chair of the department since May 2008. She also chairs the Medical and Scientific Committee of the Arthritis Foundation.