A Day in the Life of Niveditha Mohan, MD
ARHP Positioned for Continued Success in 2007
The ARHP is committed to advancing the knowledge and skills of health professionals in the area of rheumatology in order to improve health outcomes for people with or at risk for rheumatic disease and musculoskeletal conditions. In 2005, the ARHP Executive Committee developed a three-year, long-range plan, which identified the following priorities for our organization…
ACR Legislative Reception
The ACR Government Affairs Committee and ARHP Advocacy Subcommittee met in Washington, DC, on September 26 to discuss current legislative priorities and to participate in their annual legislative reception on Capitol Hill. Committee members and staff exchanged ideas on ways to increase advocacy and political involvement from ACR/ ARHP members. Increasing advocacy is a primary focus for the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) and Advocacy Subcommittee because it is essential that Congress be aware of the magnitude of our concerns.
Student’s Journey to Medicine Starts with Rheumatology
An REF Success Story
Rheumatology Board Recertification Exam Preparation Course
This is the only review course specifically designed to meet the needs of rheumatologists preparing for the ABIM Rheumatology Recertification Exam, so if you need to recertify before 2010 you should not miss this course.
Audioconference on Emergency Situations
Patient and staff education is the key to effectively handling emergencies and flares in rheumatic disease,” says Gail McIlvain-Simpson, MSN, RN, CS, an advanced practice nurse at Al DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del.
New and Updated Patient Education Materials Available
The ACR is continually updating and increasing its collection of patient education materials, or fact sheets. One of the newest fact sheets, “Pregnancy and Rheumatic Disease,” discusses the complex interactions of pregnancy and rheumatic diseases, acceptable medications to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding and helps to define what constitutes a high-risk pregnancy. The fact sheet offers links to additional resources and educational materials.
Zero Stars for Star-based Physician Ranking
Several insurance companies have tried to share quality information with enrollees by developing “star” systems to rank physicians. While star rankings may be a good way to pick a movie or restaurant, the ACR feels this system may be too simple to serve as a tool for identifying quality healthcare. Consumers need quality information, and need to know the true costs of medical services so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare. This idea is reflected in an executive order President Bush signed in August 2006 requiring government agencies to work with the private sector to gather and share data on the quality and cost of healthcare.
Coding Corner Answer
November’s Coding Answer
Coding Corner Question
January Coding Scenario
In the Car with ACR
A former ARHP president reminisces about her roadtrip in the organization
Science from our Sisters
Recommended reading from A&R and AC&R
Reading Rheum
Handpicked Reviews of Contemporary Literature
The World is Round
How to stay grounded when communications and information fly
ACR Activism Resources
Practice advocacy: not just for private practitioners
Who Will Treat Arthritis in 2005?
ACR study documents shortage of rheumatologists and predicts greater shortfalls to come
Medicare D-lemmas
Rheumatologists and patients report mixed experiences with the new prescription drug benefit
Labored Breathing
Strategies to diagnose and manage dyspnea in the scleroderma patient