NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Temporarily withholding methotrexate (MTX) can improve the efficacy of seasonal influenza vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a new randomized clinical trial. Response was strongest in patients who discontinued MTX for two weeks before and two weeks after receiving the flu shot, Dr. Eun Bong Lee of Seoul National…
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5 Easy-to-Implement Quality Improvement Projects for Rheumatology Practices
Quality assurance and quality improvement (QA/QI) work makes sense to focus on. However, finding the time and resources for QI projects is not always easy. Until now, the business case for QI in rheumatology practice has not always been clear. However, this is changing with implementation of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA)…
Rheumatology Practices Need Sharp Focus on Patient Care Safety, Quality
“It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory.” —W. Edwards Deming For practices to survive, change is a requirement—not an option—in the rapidly evolving practice of rheumatology care. Pharmaceutical therapies are advancing quickly, opening the door for game-changing therapies in the treatment of chronic autoimmune disorders. With these advances comes a need for…
Vaccinations for Immunocompromised Patients Are Shared Responsibility of Specialists, Primary Care Physicians
Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends both physician groups educate patients, household members on importance of vaccines
ACR Issues Guidelines, Recommendations for Lupus Nephritis, RA
Detailed screening and treatment recommendations based on current evidence, extensive literature review.
Immunizations and Autoimmune Disease
What is safe and what to avoid in this patient population