Pediatric rheumatology was formally recognized as a specialty in 1991 by the American Board of Pediatrics. Prior to this time, children with rheumatic diseases were treated by a hodgepodge of providers. In addition to providers who had training as pediatric rheumatologists, general pediatricians, adult rheumatologists, allergist-immunologists, orthopedists, pediatric infectious disease specialists and others treated children…
Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a very rare disorder, characterized by recurrent episodes of severe hypotension, hypoalbuminemia and hemoconcentration.1 Attacks of SCLS occur in three phases: 1) prodrome; 2) hypovolemia with weight gain; and 3) hypervolemia with fluid overload and polyuria often complicated by pulmonary edema. Often, compartment syndrome can lead to rhabdomyolysis as…
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Total joint arthroplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on adults with end-stage arthritis. One recent estimate showed that 2.5 million individuals in the U.S. are living with a total hip replacement and 4.7 million are living with knee replacements. For their patients with inflammatory arthritis, rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons must…
As the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) is implemented in January with new models for quality-based reimbursement payments, rheumatologists must seize control of how they will be paid now—and in the future. This message was stressed by speakers during Holy MACRA! How to Survive and Thrive in the Era of MACRA,…
As he prepares to take on his newest volunteer role with the ACR, leading the Government Affairs Committee (GAC), Angus Worthing, MD, FACR, FACP, is looking forward to making the most of the opportunities that a unified government can offer the ACR in advocating for rheumatology care. “Advocacy is an investment in our profession—regardless of…
This past June, Yvonne Golightly, PT, MS, PhD, helped launch an international group of researchers focused on foot and ankle osteoarthritis. At the time, Dr. Golightly, an assistant professor in the department of epidemiology at the University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, N.C., was attending the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)…
At the 2016 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., in November, the ACR and the ARHP honored a group of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to rheumatology research, education and patient care. In the November 2016 issue, we reported on the ARHP’s awards. This month, we speak with the ACR winners. Presidential Gold…
Take the challenge. D—As of January 2015, there are three new codes added to the arthrocentesis codes of 20600–20611. The new codes, 20604, 20606 and 20611, should be reported when the procedure is performed with ultrasound guidance and CPT 76942 should not be billed separately. The three new codes are defined as: 20604—Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or…
To be an effective practice owner, it is necessary to understand the financial circumstances and environment of the practice’s operation. Well-managed practices prevent the loss of time and money. Therefore, to improve productivity and operating efficiencies, you need to have a basic understanding of billing and payment initiatives that will impact the practice’s bottom line….
Our elected officials make decisions every day that affect our lives and the lives of our patients. These decisions are often based on input they have received from advocates and lobbyists, constituents and fellow lawmakers. Regardless of our ideals, money plays a role in this decision making, because political contributions facilitate access to legislators and…