A recent study found that dermatology patients taking long-term steroids are not always evaluated for steroid-induced osteoporosis…


A recent study found that dermatology patients taking long-term steroids are not always evaluated for steroid-induced osteoporosis…
Despite continuous movement to streamline the prior authorization process, physician practices are still struggling with jumping through hoops to have procedures and medications covered. A prior authorization (PA) is the process insurance carriers have in place to approve or reject prescriptions based on plan formulary. The PA process is important in ensuring appropriate and cost-effective…

SAN DIEGO—To manage patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), rheumatologists must be aware of potentially serious complications affecting many organ systems. On Nov. 7 at the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting, two experts offered insights on cardiovascular and hematological complications of lupus. Myocardial Disease in Lupus Lupus patients are at increased risk for heart-related complications, especially…

SAN DIEGO—Since the identification of the autoinflammatory disease, familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), researchers have identified an alphabet soup of other autoinflammatory diseases with genetic underpinnings, from PAPA (pyogenic arthritis with pyoderma gangrenosum and acne) to NIAID (NLRP1-associated autoinflammation with arthritis and dyskeratosis) to TRAPS (TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome). The torrent of discoveries, brought about largely…

SAN DIEGO—Treatments do exist that can improve the prospects of a patient with the rare disease amyloidosis, but only if clinicians keep the disease in mind and treat the patient before it’s too late, an expert said at the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting this past November. He also discussed research that may be close to…

The ARHP is pleased to announce the relaunch of its highly successful online Fundamentals of Rheumatology Course (FRC). This updated version is earning high marks from users and reviewers for ease of navigation, choice of presentation formats, depth of research and separate learning activities (i.e., modules) for the care of adult and pediatric patients. According…

Leslie Pack Ranken, MD |
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can present in many ways and can be difficult to diagnose. Its association with celiac sprue has been only rarely documented, but has appeared in several case reports. When presenting together, it can be difficult to distinguish the underlying disease, because SLE itself has been known to cause malabsorption. This case…

David I. Daikh, MD, PhD, & Mark Hwang, MD |
Rheumatology is a small specialty, but the ACR has a large footprint in terms of activities and impact. The ACR’s remarkable success can be attributed to effective collaboration between a highly professional and talented staff and a large number of volunteer members. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the activities and strategic initiatives…
Yasmeen Abutaleb |
WASHINGTON (Reuters)—U.S. Food and Drug Administration chief, Scott Gottlieb, criticized pharmacy benefit managers, health insurers and drugmakers on Wednesday for “Kabuki drug-pricing constructs” that profit the industry at the expense of consumers. The comments, made at a conference organized by a leading U.S. health insurer lobbying group, stoked speculation over what steps the administration of…
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is conducting the 2018 Burdens Associated with Reporting Quality Measures Study, as outlined in the Quality Payment Program Year 2 final rule (CMS 5522- FC). The CMS is conducting this study to: Examine clinical workflows and data-collection methods using different submission systems; Understand the challenges clinicians face when…