Many rheumatologists chose the profession because they wanted to delve more deeply into rheumatic diseases than internal medicine calls for. “For most, this level of specialization is sufficient and worthy of a lifelong devotion and commitment,” says S. Sam Lim, MD, MPH, associate professor, Medicine and Epidemiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta. “However, some…
Similar to other healthcare professionals, I have been required to use ICD-10 codes for the past several months. Unfortunately, I have been unable to discern any improvement in my patient care, but perhaps I have not used the codes long enough. Certainly, healthcare administrators and statisticians assure me there are several advantages of ICD-10 over…
The care of patients with rheumatic diseases has undergone a great transition, with high expectations for both patients and healthcare professionals to achieve quality outcomes for the many different disorders. Integral to this goal is the development of new care models, with evolving roles for the various care providers on the multidisciplinary team.1-3 A new…
Margaret Mead, an early 20th century anthropologist, said, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”1 The mission of the American College of Rheumatology is Advancing Rheumatology!, and it cannot be achieved without the time, effort, talent and experience of volunteer leaders. You can join…
(Reuters Health)—Women are more apt to be lead authors of research in major medical journals today than they were a generation ago, but they still lag significantly behind men, a recent study suggests. The gender gap matters because lead authors make key decisions on what topics to research, who to include in studies, which outcomes…
Future rheumatology-specific research should focus on the definition of new therapeutic targets, improving the understanding of existing therapies, engaging patients in their care and more, according to a recent assessment by the ACR’s Committee on Research…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Routine osteoporosis screening in men is a good value and effective based on a cost-effectiveness model, researchers say. “Osteoporosis is not just a disease for women. Osteoporosis affects many men (approximately 2 million in the U.S.), with significant morbidity, mortality, and costs that are projected to rise with the aging of the…
In a large-scale study, researchers demonstrated that the use of bisphosphonates in postmenopausal women is associated with an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, in addition to other known risks (e.g., incapacitating bone, joint and/or musculoskeletal pain, and osteonecrosis of the jaw)…
After years of speculation about potential cost savings and debates on safety, biosimilars are about to step onto the stage of rheumatic disease treatment. On Feb. 9, the Arthritis Advisory Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met in Washington, D.C., and recommended the approval of CT-P13, a proposed biosimilar to infliximab (Remicade),…
Multiple studies have linked post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), specifically in men. Using data from a 22-year cohort study, researchers were able to analyze the association between PTSD and the risk of RA in women. This large study builds on and expands previous findings by exploring whether the effects of PTSD differ for RA subtypes. As a secondary objective, researchers also examined smoking as a behavioral confounder and/or mediator in the relationship between PTSD and risk for RA…