The ACR Takes a Stand: How Position Statements Are Created

Through the development of position statements that lay out the ACR’s official stance on issues related to the management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, the ACR Committee on Rheumatologic Care (CORC) helps outline policies that affect the practice of rheumatology and the well-being and care of patients. Advocacy for rheumatologists and their patients is a high priority for CORC, which addresses concerns related to drug costs and safety, patient access to care, professional support and more.

Dr. Soloman

Nehad Soloman, MD, FACR, Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates, Phoenix, and a current member of the ACR Board of Directors, recently served on the committee and describes it as one of the most critical arms of the ACR organization. The committee “continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the rheumatology community on major issues that affect day-to-day practice and has led efforts to thwart various threats to our ability to practice medicine effectively,” he notes in an email.

Current CORC chair Marcus Snow, MD, FACR, assistant professor, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Division of Rheumatology, Omaha, cites the ACR’s position statement on biologics as an example. “Biologics are part of our toolkit to treat patients,” says Dr. Snow. “Because they’re very expensive, insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers try to put restrictions on their use.” The position statement outlines concerns, along with key points to guide policy development, regulation and the administration of these complex medications. It also underscores the importance of maintaining access to treatments that are medically necessary for many patients with rheumatic disease.

Dr. Snow

Establishing Positions

The ACR’s position statements cover a variety of issues related to access and coverage, research, treatment and the role of rheumatology in patient care. All are publicly available on the ACR website for reference by rheumatologists, government agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and other interested groups and stakeholders.

Not sure a position statement is important to your practice? Dr. Snow says an ACR position statement can be a useful reference for rheumatologists to cite when appealing denied patient insurance claims, for example.

The process of developing a position statement typically starts with the identification of a need or issue that affects the practice of rheumatology or patient care. Members of CORC may initiate discussion within the committee, and they also welcome suggestions from the rheumatology community about issues that are turning up in practices, notes Dr. Snow.