Studies suggest that physicians rate between 10 and 15% of patient visits “difficult.”1 This is important for a variety of reasons: Patient satisfaction is a frequently measured parameter, and poor interactions may lead to bad ratings. Personal satisfaction on the part of the provider is also an issue, and frustrating interviews can leave the physician…
A report from the Institute of Medicine that gives new diagnostic criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and recommends a new name for the disorder received mixed reviews from rheumatologists and other physicians.1 “Diagnosing ME/CFS often is a challenge … the new diagnostic criteria will make it easier for clinicians to recognize and accurately…
Rheumatologists worried about the future of their private practices might want to consider jumping onto the super group trend that allows physicians and other providers with similar services to team up to share opportunities and minimize financial burdens. The biggest concern for private practice physicians watching the trend but not yet embracing it is fear…
Glucocorticoids: The Debate Continues Déjà vu … In past decades, rheumatologists have seen, heard, practiced and taught much of what has been argued in the “ongoing debate” on the use of glucocorticoids (GCs) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).1 It is heartening to note that eminent professors have stuck to their premise all these…
Sleep disturbance is an important medical problem, requiring intervention, not simply to reduce latency to its onset, but to ensure achievement of the depth of sleep that has been documented to restore homeostasis and prevent the falls that are responsible for so much morbidity and mortality.1 Sleep disturbance is present in 50% of people over…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—A number of recent studies support last year’s update of 2010 treat-to-target recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to the international task force that revised them. Dr. Josef S. Smolen from Medical University of Vienna, Austria, and colleagues updated their 2010 advice based on systematic literature reviews and expert opinion. They left…
Lyme disease is often considered a cause of chronic fatigue, pain and other incapacitating symptoms. This assumption stems from analyses of patients who seek retreatment for Lyme disease. However, a new study suggests that Lyme disease is not life altering in the long term for most patients. Specifically, patients with culture-confirmed Lyme disease have similar…
Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the joints and ligaments of the spine, but may also have an impact on other joints. Patients experience pain and stiffness that limit mobility in the back and other affected joints. Symptoms can come and go, last for long periods of time and be severe. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs are…
Safety The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the Warnings and Precautions sections of prescribing information for the bisphosphonate agents, including risedronate sodium tablets and combinations with calcium (Actonel/Atelvia), alendronate and combinations with vitamin D (Binosto/Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), etidronate (Didronel) and the RANK-ligand inhibitor denosumab (Prolia/Xgeva).1 This information relates to an increased risk for…
Millions of adults suffer from painful knee osteoarthritis (OA). Although physical activity can help improve pain and reduce functional limitations, many people with OA are physically inactive. For people living with knee OA, it can be difficult to get started with or continue on a physical activity program, because pain and other symptoms can make…