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

Is the Toll Sports Take on Athletes’ Bodies Worth Glory on the Gridiron?

David S. Pisetsky, MD, PhD  |  

Sports fans find enormous pleasure in arguing about topics such as the greatest player in baseball, the best heavyweight boxer, or the worst draft pick in the NFL. Most of these arguments cannot be resolved and ultimately do not matter. Nevertheless, the diehards joust with vehemence and passion, especially if fueled by some alcoholic brew….

New GIOP Guidelines Available

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The ACR published new recommendations for the management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in the November issue of Arthritis Care & Research. These guidelines have been endorsed by the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. They apply to adult patients receiving oral glucocorticoid therapy.

Naturally Occurring Antibodies May Lead to New RA Therapies

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A study published in the Journal of Immunology indicates that naturally occurring antibodies in the human immune system have the capacity to suppress inflammatory responses throughout the body. These antibodies may provide researchers an opportunity to develop new therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory conditions using similar pathways.

2011 Legislative Outlook Important for Rheumatology

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Next year is shaping up to be an important year for rheumatology on Capitol Hill. Issues that remain unresolved by the last Congress include concerns within the Affordable Care Act, the need for a stable Medicare system with fair physician reimbursement, funding for the pediatric subspecialty loan repayment program, and appropriate reimbursement for specialty care. Most congressional leaders, newly elected or re-elected, know very little about arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. That is why it is critical that rheumatology professionals reach out and educate them on the importance of specialty care and the impact these diseases have on one’s quality of life. 

Audited by a Recovery Auditor Contractor—Now What?

Melesia Tillman, CPC, CRHC, CHA  |  

The word audit seems to put fear into the hearts of many physician practices across the country—and it shouldn’t. If you are prepared for an audit, your practice will run more smoothly from both a financial and personnel standpoint.

Comprehensive Rheumatology Training

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Are you looking for a better rheumatology-focused, on-the-job training program for a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other clinician? Do you and your colleagues want to continue building competence in the care of people with rheumatic disease? The Advanced Rheumatology Course may be just what you need.

Practice Page: Improving Patient Flow

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Two techniques you can use to improve patient flow are flow mapping and cycle-time measurement. Flow mapping requires practice staff to walk through the practice and take notes about what a patient experiences during a visit. This allows you to understand the flow from the patient’s point of view. Key things to record are experiences and impressions of the practice from start to finish, such as observations of customer service, right down to the paperwork and equipment used.