For people in whom symptoms of Lyme disease persist beyond the standard course of two to four weeks of antibiotic therapy, longer term antibiotic treatment provides no additional benefits beyond the shorter term course. This is the conclusion of a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that builds on a number…
It has been 11 months since the implementation of the ICD-10 diagnostic code set on Oct. 1, 2015, a change from the previous ICD-9. Most practices can probably attest that the transition came and went without the predicted doomsday outcome: Claims were still processed, the confused alphanumeric coding was applied, and patients were not deprived…
The ACR is searching for practicing physicians interested in coding and reimbursement issues to represent the ACR on the AMA/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Committee. The RUC and CPT Committee comprise physicians representing the national medical specialty societies who advise the CPT Editorial Panel on matters concerning…
The Rheumatology Research Foundation hosted the 9th annual Investigators’ Meeting in Atlanta on June 24–25. As a requirement for Foundation innovative research and pilot grant recipients, Foundation-funded investigators meet annually to provide updates and status reports on the work they are doing to advance treatments and cures for rheumatic diseases. More than 50 attendees enjoyed…
The ACR and its Rheumatology Research Foundation continue to work together to provide support for the rheumatology and patient communities. Both organizations are committed to advancing the field of rheumatology with a dedication to expanding the workforce. With a growing number of patients being diagnosed with a rheumatic disease and living longer with the disease,…
Providers are urged to prepare quickly to meet the new Medicare reimbursement requirements mandated by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). “The first measurement year starts Jan. 1, 2017, so providers need to prepare quickly,” emphasizes William F. Harvey, MD, MSc, Government Affairs Committee chair, American College of Rheumatology (ACR). 2…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—A European working group has formulated consensus-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) with the goal of producing a “standard of care” for patients with JDM throughout Europe. The group is part of a European initiative called SHARE [Single Hub and Access point for pediatric Rheumatology in Europe]…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Adalimumab reduces the risk of uveitic flare after corticosteroid withdrawal in patients with inactive, noninfectious uveitis, according to results from VISUAL II. “Tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibition, which has been demonstrated to have strong efficacy in rheumatologic disorders, can also have significant role in the management of noninfectious uveitis, even amidst the challenges…
In early August, the American Medical Association (AMA) held its annual state advocacy strategy meeting in Chicago. This meeting pulls together all state medical societies and national specialty organizations. Over three days, participants engage in roundtable discussions on issues, solutions and best practices for health policy. Networking opportunities abound. The meetings showcase legislation that has…
Pegloticase is a new alternative therapy for patients with severe, refractory gout unresponsive to other urate-lowering agents. The goal of this therapy is to reduce disease burden, tophi size and frequency of flares and to improve quality of life when other treatments have failed. Persistent lowering of plasma uric acid (PUA) to less than 6…