Engaging patients in shared decision-making about their health management is increasingly important to improving health outcomes and quality of life for persons with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. In shared decision-making, the patient and the provider are partners who share information and determine together the best therapeutic interventions to achieve desired health outcomes and patient goals.
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Art and Medicine Converge for the Klemperer Lecture
Growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., Paul H. Plotz, MD, often enjoyed an exciting game of stoopball with friends. Young Plotz took turns beaming a ball at the corner of his stoop, stopping occasionally to allow his father’s patients to enter the front door of his house, which also doubled as his father’s office.
Health Information Explosion
Don’t be blown away by online medical information – use it to your advantage
New ACR Strategic Plan Approved
On May 11, the ACR leadership approved a revised strategic plan for 2007–2009 that will guide the College’s work and determine the path the organization will take. The plan has a direct effect on the way the organization serves its members because ACR committees develop and implement programs and services based on the priorities it outlines.
Be Aware of New Waived Tests
Keeping current on changes to laboratory certifications for common lab tests can save your practice time—and money. Since the passage of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in 1988, all health-assessment laboratory tests are ranked for complexity, and their complexity dictates which labs can process Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)–reimbursed tests. In accordance with CLIA, each laboratory facility must register with CMS to receive a CLIA certification. There are five certifications, each with differing degrees of complexity, listed from least to most complex: Certificate of Waiver, Certificate of Provider-Performed Microscopy Procedures, Certificate of Registration, Certificate of Compliance, and the Certificate of Accreditation.
Letters to the Editor
Feedback from Our Readers
Medicare Quality Movement Reaches Clinicians
Physician Quality Reporting Initiative offers bonuses for clinicians and health professionals
On Board with Baby
Rheumatology programs make strides in work–life balance support
Care and Compassion
London Lupus Centre provides multidisciplinary treatment and camaraderie to those seeking lupus and APS treatment
ACR REF Award Provides Big Research Career Break
With many professions, getting that initial experience in an area of expertise is the hardest part of building a career. Kelli Dominick Allen, PhD, can testify that this holds true for new research scientists, or junior investigators.