Quality Assurance/Improvement

American College of Rheumatology Benchmark Survey Now in Progress

Staff | August 8, 2012

This comprehensive study is being conducted to determine benchmarks for rheumatology in an era of increased numbers of uninsured and underinsured patients in the general population, increased chronic and musculoskeletal diseases, and an expanding population of aging citizens.

Patient Access to Medical Records: How Much Is Too Much?

Thomas R. Collins | August 8, 2012

The easy access to medical records stemming from technological advances has given rise to questions about the medical benefits to such easy access, questions now being explored by researchers in the U.S. and Europe.

Rheumatology Clinical Registry Integrates AIM:RA

Staff | July 9, 2012

AIM:RA is a web-based self-evaluation of practice performance tool designed to guide a physician through medical-chart data abstraction using a series of questions related directly to evidence-based quality indicators.

RheumPACER Dashboard System Aims for Quick Organization of Patient Data

Thomas R. Collins | July 9, 2012

The system synthesizes information from several sources that are usually scattered, and presents physicians with an easy-to-access guide to a patient with up-to-the-minute information.

10 Tips for Better Communication in Rheumatology

Dennis J. Boyle, MD | June 10, 2012

Bring clarity to your interactions with patients, staff, and colleagues.

What Do Your Patients Think About You?

Kathleen Louden | May 9, 2012

Why your practice needs patient-satisfaction surveys

What’s In A Note?: The Use of Electronic Health Records

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | May 9, 2012

The dictum “to write as long as possible” has become the norm for some physicians. Quality, not quantity, should be our goal.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) can Help Combat Insurance Frustrations

James R. O’Dell, MD | April 6, 2012

When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, the rules seem to change frequently and always in an arbitrary and capricious way. The ACR is trying its best to protect rheumatologists, but we need your help!

Ethics Forum: Letters from Our Readers—Accepting Gifts

Ines Colmegna, MD | April 6, 2012

We received a few letters in response to the December 2011 Ethics Forum, which asked the question: What is your personal policy about accepting gifts?

Optimize Patient Scheduling

Staff | March 8, 2012

Optimizing patient schedules is a continuous process that is critical to physician efficiency and satisfied patients. Taking inventory of the scheduling trends in your practice can have a positive influence on tackling appointment templates, which determines patient flow that affects your revenue.