A team approach is necessary to provide comprehensive care in today’s complex healthcare settings. And nowhere is the need for a cadre of medical professionals more evident than within the practice of rheumatology, where complicated diagnoses and tailored treatments are the rule rather than the exception. Among the highly trained members of these healthcare teams…
See key changes for the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System for the 2024 performance year as outlined in the proposed rule.
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…
EULAR 2023—It is not enough to practice medicine by the book; rather, communication with patients and understanding their goals for patients are vital to high-quality care. At EULAR 2023, the session titled The Promise of Health Literacy in Clinical Care provided a treasure trove of insights for many clinicians. Definitions & Actions The first speaker…
Fractures in Patients with SSc By Zsuzsanna McMahan, MD, MHS Why was this study done? To minimize disability due to systemic sclerosis (SSc), it’s important to prevent and manage complications. Many SSc complications and related medications may increase the risk for osteoporosis and fracture. We sought to identify modifiable risk factors for fracture in patients…
During a series of interviews with patients who have systemic lupus erythematosus, issues related to medication side effects, supplement use, depression and support groups arose, as well as concerns about race and activities of daily living. The interviews gave me a better understanding of what patients with lupus wish their physicians knew. I am grateful…
Healthcare is a high-priority target for cyber criminals. State-level measures, such as a new Florida law, fail to address the root problems of data security but may affect how providers manage patient data.
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.
ACR/ARP Access in Rheumatology—As part of ACR Education Exchange 2023, the ACR/ARP Access in Rheumatology meeting addressed some of the major challenges in coverage and payment that U.S. rheumatology practices face. Speakers included rheumatologists, rheumatology professionals, office managers and CEOs. The first section, Thriving, Not Just Surviving—Keeping Your Rheumatology Practice Solvent, focused on financial management…
On July 13, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program (QPP) updates. Notably, the Fee Schedule decreases the conversion factor, which coupled with reimbursement stagnation for payment updates and congressionally mandated cuts, has created financial instability for physicians across all specialties. …