In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the ACR has dedicated a few episodes of the ACR on Air podcast to the challenges that have arisen, along with information about the available resources and guidance. The first episode in this special series looks at drug shortages surrounding hydroxyÂchloroquine (HCQ) and its initial uses to treat…
The ACR has been working on many levels to assist the rheumatology community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are focusing our efforts on areas critical for rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals, practices and patients. Because the pandemic poses many clinical and economic challenges, the ACR will continue to monitor this fast-paced, ever-changing situation and provide…
Rheumatologists in community-based practices work closely with patients, which allows them to notice trends and nuances researchers may not. Unfortunately, few opportunities exist for rheumatologists to test their observations through research, in addition to taking care of patients. Limited funding, time constraints and competition from larger academic medical centers are some of the barriers that…
ACR Convergence 2020—the ACR’s annual meeting—will be presented online. Get ready for an innovative experience.
The American College of Rheumatology is deeply troubled by the recent events surrounding the death of George Floyd. This tragedy is the latest in a long history of senseless killings of people of color. We recognize that racial inequality is an invisible undercurrent impacting the lives of many of our members and patients, and we…
Despite efforts by the ACR and other organizations, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee has indicated that it will move forward with implementation of its specialty pharmacy acquisition mandate on July 1, 2020.
Top RheumPAC donors attended a virtual legislative update and Q&A with Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) shortly after the release of House Democrats’ $3 trillion coronavirus response plan.
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is rescinding changes to its Orencia policy previously scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2020. These changes would have required patients to fail to respond to the self-administered formulation of the drug prior to obtaining authorization for the physician-administered product. Some patients on Orencia received notices from UHC in late April stating…
In response to the recently published clinical guidance for the care of adult patients with rheumatic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACR is hosting a virtual town hall for the rheumatology community on Wednesday, May 6, at 7–8 p.m. EDT, to review the recommendations. Moderated by ACR President Ellen M. Gravallese, MD, and ACR…
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in the U.S., the fast spread of the virus is causing gaps in practice staffing, and patient influx will likely increase, leaving systems needing more providers. The use of locum tenens physicians can help practice fill gaps at your organization caused by COVID-19. Below we offer…