From the College

6 Ways to Identify, Deal with Burnout in Rheumatology Fellowship

Bharat Kumar, MD, MME, FACP, FAAAAI, RhMSUS | December 13, 2016

“Burnout? In rheumatology fellowship? You’re kidding me, right?” That was the response of one of my very good friends from residency who is now a cardiology fellow, when I told him that I was concerned that one of my co-fellows, at another institution, was on the verge of burning out. Stepping back, I could understand…

Rheumatology Research Foundation Recognizes Donors of Merit

From the College | December 13, 2016

On Nov. 12, nearly 150 supporters of the Rheumatology Research Foundation gathered at the St. Regis Washington, D.C., for the Donors of Merit recognition dinner. This annual event honors those who contributed to the Foundation throughout the year. Foundation President Eric Matteson, MD, MPH, applauded leaders who have played an essential role in the Foundation’s success….

New GAC Chair Picks up the Baton

Will Harvey, MD, MSc, & Angus Worthing, MD, FACR, FACP | December 7, 2016

It’s an honor and a thrill to be the next chair of the Government Affairs Committee. Boy, do we have a big year ahead.

4 Steps to a More Efficient Healthcare Revenue Cycle in a Physician Practice

From the College | November 16, 2016

As the year draws to a close, it is vital to pay close attention to your practice’s revenue cycle to maintain an operational and financially healthy business. Operational aspects should be a top priority, with careful monitoring as they relate to efficiency in receivables and denials management. Healthcare revenue cycle management is the strategy that…

Update on Legislation, Notification Rules Concerning the Substitution of Interchangeable Biologic Drugs

From the College | November 16, 2016

Although the FDA has not yet awarded the title of interchangeable to any biosimilar, legislation that governs their substitution will continue to be a dominant state issue in 2017. Since 2013, 24 states and Puerto Rico have passed legislation regarding interchangeable biologics. As many as 15 states will have biosimilar-related legislation introduced by coalitions in…

Rheumatology Coding Corner Answer: Joint Injection with Ultrasound Guidance, No Office Visit

From the College | November 16, 2016

Take the challenge. CPT: 20611-RT, J1040, 89060 ICD-10: M17.11 Coding Rationale Keep in mind, no evaluation and management services are billed because there wasn’t a separate and/or significant reason, other than the knee injection, addressed during the visit. Note: Although the injection was performed via ultrasound guidance, CPT code 76942 should not be billed with…

Rheumatology Coding Corner Question: Joint Injection with Ultrasound Guidance, No Office Visit

From the College | November 16, 2016

A 66-year-old male patient presents to the office with right knee pain. He was in the office two weeks prior for a follow-up visit of his primary osteoarthritis. He received an injection of hyaluronate sodium in his right knee four months before and states that his knee felt like new. He states that everything was…

Rheumatology Patient, Investigator Reflect on Advancements in Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

From the College | November 16, 2016

In 1969, Martha Lovato passed away from renal failure due to complications of lupus. Martha was 18 years old and survived only two years following her diagnosis. At the time, Martha’s disease was still a mystery to many physicians and researchers. Her treatment options were limited. In fall 2004, after an unprecedented battle with shingles…

Human Resources Management 101 for Physician Practice Owners

From the College | October 10, 2016

In any practice, the physician owner and/or administrators are in charge of overseeing the responsibilities associated with human resources management. This includes employment and labor laws, government compliance issues, employee-related costs and the ever-present threat of employee litigation. The central components of human resources management include staffing the practice; staying current with the legal environment;…

Rheumatology Coding Corner Answer: Gout Visit for Established Patient

From the College | October 10, 2016

CPT: 99213, 89060 ICD-10: M10.072 Coding Rationale This is an established outpatient visit. The encounter is coded as 99213 because it included: History—Expanded problem-focused history. The history of present illness was brief, the review of systems was extended and the past medical and social history was documented. Examination—Detailed. There were seven organ systems examined. This…