Living in Nebraska, we often benefit from this because these things get worked out before they ever impact us. For example, a few years ago, the ACR was dealing with an anticyclic citrullinated peptides issue where companies started denying these tests. The ACR would stop it in one state and then suddenly it would pop up in another state (similar to Whac-A-Mole). Energized ACR members contacted the ACR immediately, allowing the ACR to quickly stop the spread of bad policy. This only works when members are willing to make a quick telephone call or send an e-mail.
Another way to help is for you is to volunteer for the insurance subcommittee. Dr. Molina is looking for new insurance subcommittee members who are representative of their local regions and who are willing to take on insurance issues. If you are able to review policies and respond to e-mails, you can serve on this subcommittee. Generally, the subcommittee only meets during the ACR annual meeting and has a couple of conference calls a year.
Dr. O’Dell is director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program and division chief of rheumatology at the University of Nebraska, Omaha and the Omaha VA medical centers. Contact him via e-mail at [email protected].
References
- Casalino LP, Nicholson S, Gans DN, et al. What does it cost physician practices to interact with health insurance plans? Health Aff. 2009;28:w533-w543.
- Edgar J. Rheumatoid arthritis, work and disability: Understanding the impact RA can have on the workplace and your career. WebMD. Available at www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/rheumatoid-arthritis-work-and-disability. Accessed March 2, 2012.
