The Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) announced last week an extension of the 2019 Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting deadline to 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 30. The extreme and uncontrollable circumstances policy has also been updated to automatically apply to any MIPS-eligible providers who do not submit data by the…
The Personal Side of COVID-19: Q&A with Philip A. Waller, MD
The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is disrupting rheumatology clinics and practices all over the world. In the U.S., many providers are turning to telemedicine to care for their patients, but struggles remain. Philip A. Waller, MD, who practices at Accurate Clinical Research, Houston, spoke with The Rheumatologist about how the pandemic is affecting his…
Stimulus Relief Aid for Rheumatology Practices: Details & How to Apply Now
Rheumatology practices are being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sustainability of practices is being threatened and patient access to care is being reduced. The $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act has numerous provisions that bring much-needed support to physicians and their practices. This includes $100 billion for healthcare providers, including physician…
Providing the Best Care: Rheumatologists & Professionals Adapt to COVID-19
The new landscape for rheumatologists includes telemedicine, kids out of school and infection-prevention protocols. During the current pandemic, the practice of medicine, research and daily lives are changing to keep providers and patients safe…
Sanofi, Regeneron Expand Testing of Potential Coronavirus Treatment
(Reuters)—Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. have expanded a clinical trial of their rheumatoid arthritis drug Kevzara (sarilumab) as a coronavirus treatment to patients outside the U.S. The companies said enrolments for the mid-to-late stage trial of sarilumab, an immune-system modifying drug known as a monoclonal antibody, have now started in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Canada…
Activating Yourself in the Time of Coronavirus
A timely and personal appeal to all those who can to become or remain civically active in this critical time.
Rheumatology in the Age of COVID-19: HCQ Shortages Driven by Small, Nonrandomized Study
No data exist for prescribing hydroxychloroquine for post-exposure prophylaxis, and we should not prescribe it for this indication.
Commercial Insurers Extend Coverage for Telehealth Services
The ACR has created a chart of temporary changes to commercial payers’ telehealth policies that make it easier for physicians and patients to connect without the need for an office visit.
Old Drug, New Interest: COVID-19 Spurs Hydroxychloroquine Supply Concerns for Rheumatic Disease Patients
After a study investigated if hydroxycholoroquine (HCQ) benefits COVID-19 patients, the drug—used to treat SLE and RA patients—began running out in pharmacies around the U.S. ACR leaders have asked the FDA to increase monitoring of the HCQ supply…
COVID-19 Pandemic Leads Big Drugmakers to Hit Pause on Clinical Trials
(Reuters)—U.S. drugmakers Eli Lilly and Co. and Bristol Myers Squibb said they are delaying the start of new clinical trials in part to free up doctors and healthcare facilities to deal with the surge in patients infected with the new coronavirus. Lilly and Bristol are the biggest drugmakers yet to announce clinical trial delays in…