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

Reading Rheum

Gail C. Davis, RN, EdD; Michael M. Ward, MD  |  

Handpicked Reviews of Contemporary Literature

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

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Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively common cause of widespread aching and stiffness in older adults. PMR can overlap with another rheumatic disease called giant cell arteritis, and symptoms of the two conditions can occur at the same time or separately. (See p. 12 of the March 2008 issue for more on giant cell arteritis.) The typical symptoms of PMR include aching and stiffness around the upper arms, neck, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. Symptoms tend to develop quickly over a period of several days or weeks, and occasionally even overnight.

Audioconference Offers Advice on Pain Associated with Juvenile Arthritis

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What is the pain puzzle? “It is a bio-psycho social model of pain that is accepted in the field of rheumatology,” according to Michael Rapoff, PhD, professor of pediatrics at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City and the highlighted speaker for the ARHP audioconference on April 17.

Avoid Compliance Risks When Using Billing Companies

Antanya Chung, CPC, CCP  |  

Outsourcing your billing to a third party will not alleviate your compliance duties or reduce your risk of a government investigation. Conversely, a relationship with a third-party biller can increase your compliance obligations and raise audit risks.

A New Twist in the Consumerization of Healthcare

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Who are the new medical consumers? These people behave like medical “shoppers” because they are more mobile than previous generations and are empowered by the Internet. They can research and form opinions about diseases, treatment options, and the best route to recovery—all before stepping foot in to an exam room. This emerging population has been taught that in order to be a health-wise consumer and to get the most value, a patient must take an active role in his or her care.

Strength from Weakness

David S. Pisetsky, MD, PhD  |  

Perhaps physicians should look at the doors disability opens, too