What do these studies tell us about disease mechanisms in lupus?
New Criteria for RA Remission
ACR and EULAR update 1981 criteria to reflect modern treatment options
What Makes a “Best Doctor” Best?
Rankings’ publishers tout their approaches, but many rheumatologists are blasé about making the list
Rheumatologist=Pain Doctor?
Managing pain is an important part of rheumatologic care—and a focus for the ACR
Medical Renaissance
Europe has much that is new—including innovative research—emerging from its old-world settings
Letters to the Editor
Feedback from our Readers
The Immune System and Advocacy
Lessons learned for dealing with healthcare issues
RHEUMATOLOGY PRACTICE PEARLS: Is Your Practice Ready for 5010?
If your practice electronically submits administrative transactions to verify patient insurance eligibility, file claims, or send or receive remittance either directly to insurance companies or through a clearinghouse, the transaction version for that system will have to be updated by January 1, 2012. The current version 4010 is outdated and cannot accommodate the necessary business transactions for physician practices and healthcare facilities.
PRACTICE PAGE: The ACR Takes on Insurance Companies
In response to the increasing demands of medical necessity and denials for approved drugs, the ACR is taking a large step towards protecting the rights of members when dealing with insurance companies.
ACR Volunteers Meet in Atlanta for Leadership Development
Volunteers from the ACR, ARHP, and REF met in Atlanta last month for the annual Leadership Development Conference. This year’s keynote lecture was on the changes in healthcare, including quality improvement and emerging reimbursement models such as Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and the Pay-for-Performance movement. The topic proved to be very important to the group,…
Shape the Future of ARHP
Volunteering can increase perceived self-efficacy, self-esteem, and positive affect, which all can result in enhanced psychological health. Volunteering leads to the opportunity for social interaction or networking many times with individuals with whom you normally would not interact. A 2009 article found that 20% of the volunteers in their study stated that their health had improved since volunteering and that nearly 30% stated that their lives in general were improved in relation to their volunteering. The association between volunteering and greater health and happiness is a definite plus to volunteering in a professional organization such as the ARHP.
Coding Corner Question
February’s Coding Challenge
Coding Corner Answer
February’s Coding Answer
Avoid Coding & Billing Nightmares
Imagine getting a demand letter from a carrier that states your practice has incorrectly billed a procedure for the last year. To make matters worse, the carrier is asking you to return an overpayment, which amounts to thousands of dollars, and they want the full overpayment check within 45 days. Believe it or not, this scenario happens to rheumatology practices across the country.
Navigate Maintenance of Certification
As a rheumatologist, satisfaction comes in part through providing quality patient care, and one way to demonstrate a commitment to patients is through engaging in continuous professional development. The ACR is dedicated to helping physicians in all stages of their careers participate in the process of lifelong learning.
Expression of CD154 Protein Linked to Increased Risk for Developing RA
An ongoing study of key immune system proteins has pinpointed an area associated with increased risk for inflammatory disease and may one day lead to new therapies to control inflammation and rheumatic diseases.
The New Year Brings New Opportunities in HIT
January kicked off a new era for health information technology (HIT). A new year brings new opportunities, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) electronic health record (EHR) incentive program topping the list. But what is meaningful EHR use, and what does it mean for you? What are the steps to get started?
New Approaches to Inflammatory Myopathy
Advances in diagnostic modalities and treatments emerge
Is an Onslaught of Pain on the Horizon?
Pain treatment varies based on race and gender, and many patients don’t receive optimal care
Family, Fatigue & Heart Health
Researchers explore several factors in the health and well-being of patients with lupus
An ‘Idea Factory’ Focused on Patient Care
Trish Cornell, BSc, combines clinical and leadership skills to improve patient management
The Evolution of Glucocorticoids
Hench lecturer highlights complexities of these steroid hormones’ signaling mechanisms
Rheum with a View
Panush’s perspectives on selections from the literature