Two decades have passed since the first biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) was approved. Studies on the long-term use of biologics in different disease states, such as for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and malignancy, as well as for knee/hip replacement, reveal some encouraging news. In clinical trials, bDMARDs have been shown to increase the risk of…
Some rheumatologists find that an option other than working in a private practice makes the most sense for them. The reasons rheumatologists choose hospital or academic employment vary. Individual Choice When Lisa Criscione-Schreiber, MD, MEd, associate professor of medicine and rheumatology training program director, Duke University, Durham, N.C., was finishing her fellowship in 2003, she…
There is a saying that if the American Medical Association (AMA) did not exist, we would have to invent it. That is just what Dr. Nathan S. Davis did back in 1845 when he called for a national medical convention and laid the foundation for the establishment of the AMA in 1847. This new group would…
LONDON—The availability of a biosimilar form of infliximab has dramatically increased the number of Norwegians taking one form or another of the drug, an expert on biosimilars said in a debate-style session at the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2016). The expanded uptake of Remicade (infliximab) and its biosimilar, Remsima (international…
CHICAGO—Despite the complicated politics surrounding medical marijuana, cannabis has a wide variety of medical benefits and potential benefits, but the risks need to be understood, said Daniel Clauw, MD, director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan, in a session at the ACR’s 2016 State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium. Effects It’s…
On Nov. 2, 2015, Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. The Act contained a nasty surprise change to Social Security claiming strategies. Two commonly recommended strategies are known as file and suspend and restricted application. Both of these strategies will be going away, but not immediately. A lucky few will be grandfathered in….
PHRs offer time-saving, communication perks for patients and physicians, but may pose health literacy challenges
At the age of 10, Chad E. Fragle was hospitalized for Legg-Perthes disease at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas. What was a very difficult time for him and his family led to a bright and hopeful future. With the support of his family, specifically from his father, who helped start a golf tournament fundraiser to fight the disease still in existence today, Fragle was given access to administrative leaders within the hospital.
The professional relationship between partners in a joint medical practice is sometimes compared with a marriage. The partners must work under the same roof, share the same goals, and strive to make the practice as successful as it can be. Here are some tips for adding a new partner to your practice.