Business Side of Rheumatology
A practical online business manual for rheumatologists, fellows in training and practice administrators on starting, selling or redesigning a rheumatology practice can be downloaded from https://www.rheumatology.org/Practice-Quality/Administrative-Support/Practice-Resources/Practice-Publications.
Rheumatology Coding Manual
This electronic coding reference is a practical guide for rheumatologists and their staff to communicate effectively with third-party payers regarding the medical services provided to patients. The Rheumatology Coding Manual can also be used by practices as a hands-on tool for new clinical and coding staff to familiarize themselves with rheumatology coding. Download this practical guide from https://www.rheumatology.org/Practice-Quality/Administrative-Support/Practice-Resources/Practice-Publications.
Insurance Template Letters
The ACR provides letter templates describing the ACR’s position on proper reimbursement practices for rheumatology services. These letters can be used to assist in obtaining insurance approval and coverage for off-label drug uses common in rheumatology practice. The templates can be downloaded from the ACR website at https://www.rheumatology.org/Practice-Quality/Administrative-Support/Insurance-Advocacy/Tools-Resources.
Insurance Advocacy
The ACR’s Insurance Subcommittee (ISC) to the Committee on Rheumatologic Care works with insurance companies on payment and policy issues affecting rheumatology practices. This group monitors insurance policy changes and assists with member requests for support when a payer’s decision negatively affects a member’s practice. In an effort to better address individual and systemwide insurance issues, the ACR developed a standardized complaint form, which can be completed and submitted to the ACR for assistance. If you are experiencing a problem with an insurance health plan, download and complete the complaint form at https://www.rheumatology.org/Practice-Quality/Administrative-Support/Insurance-Advocacy.
Education
The practice management division works with the Education Department to offer sessions at the ACR/ARP Annual Meeting. This year’s premeeting practice management workshop, Practice Matters: Navigate A Path to Success! on Saturday, Nov. 9, will focus on key practice matters. The goal of this workshop is to address how best to manage your practice within an ever-changing environment of managed care, compliance, third-party payers, regulators and declining reimbursements. Visit the ACR website for registration information at https://www.rheumatology.org/Annual-Meeting.
RISE Registry
The Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry is a unique tool created by the ACR to help rheumatologists improve patient care. RISE extracts clinical data directly from the EHR systems of participating individuals or practices, aggregates these data centrally and provides easily understandable analytics. RISE provides participants with an infrastructure for robust quality improvement activities leading to improved patient outcomes, patient population management and quality reporting related to rheumatic diseases and drug safety. RISE may be used for MIPS reporting requirements and for general quality improvement in your practice. To learn more and join the registry, visit the ACR website at https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Rheumatologist/RISE-Registry/RISE-for-Practices.
