ACR Convergence 2025| Video: Rheuminations on Milestones & Ageism

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

Billing/Coding

Updated G2211 Guidance Clarifies Use for Transient Problems

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The complexity add-on code is appropriate to bill for an evaluation and management visit related to a transient or temporary problem when there is an established relationship for ongoing longitudinal care, even if the ongoing care is unrelated to the transient problem being treated.

Community Practice Rheumatology Is Challenging, But Rewarding, Too

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Community practice rheumatology may be a less-followed path within the specialty, and it brings with it certain challenges. However, it also offers rewards, such as autonomy and deep relationships with patients. The Rheumatologist recently interviewed three community practice rheumatologists from around the U.S. to find out about their approaches to patient management, staffing and other…

Ask Congress to Support Complexity Add-on Code

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Implementation of the G2211 add-on code for evaluation and management services is included in the CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, barring further delays. Ask your lawmakers to support timely implementation and patient access to complex care.

We Want You: Your Role in the CPT Valuation Process

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Accurate reimbursement for rheumatology services ensures rheumatologists can run successful practices and provide needed care, but only if they speak up through survey input to explain how much that care costs. Here’s how to participate in the process when rheumatology CPT codes come up for review.

Updates from the ACR Insurance Subcommittee Chair

Rebecca Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACR, FACP  |  

The Insurance Subcommittee is working to address coverage and reimbursement challenges facing rheumatology practices. Recent activities include efforts to avoid increased administrative burden associated with specialty medications, support payer coverage of musculoskeletal ultrasounds and protect patient access to biologics.

Ethics Forum: Thoughts on Managing Electronic Communication with Patients

James Topilow, MD, & Yvonne M. Golightly, PT, MS, PhD  |  

Recent proposals in the U.S. to bill for electronic communication with our patients could be seen as a refreshing but contested attempt to battle burnout rates in the present era. A fee for electronic communications between patients and clinicians also acknowledges the value of the clinician’s time and expertise. But is this ethical? Discussion Burnout…

The ACR Opposes New AI-Based Decision-Making Platform

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On July 1, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina introduced a machine-learning technology platform to make decisions about patients’ care and treatment. The ACR opposes its use on grounds that it may harm patients’ access to treatment and undermine the doctor-patient relationship.