Summary of Teleconference with FDA Regarding Colchicine
On January 21, a teleconference was held with the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Rheumatology regarding concern over the potential increase in the cost of generic colchicine. Stanley Cohen, MD, ACR president, represented the College, and Janet Woodcock, MD, director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, and others represented the FDA. This call was scheduled in response to the ACR’s recent letter to Dr. Woodcock regarding the recent market removal of generic colchicine.
» review the summary
 Search for Next Editor, Arthritis Care & Research (2011–2016 Term)
The American College of Rheumatology Committee on Journal Publications announces the search for the position of Editor, Arthritis Care & Research. The official term of the next Arthritis Care & Research editorship is July 1, 2011–June 30, 2016; however, some of the duties of the new Editor will begin during a transition period starting April 1, 2011.
ACR or ARHP members who are considering applying:
- Should submit a nonbinding letter of intent by April 1, 2010 to the Managing Editor, Nancy Parker, at .
- Are encouraged to contact the current Editors, Drs. Patricia Katz and Edward Yelin, to discuss details. Initial contact should be made via e-mail to or .
Applications will be due June 1, 2010 and will be reviewed during the summer of 2010. Application materials will be available on the ACR Web site in early 2010.
» articles in the current AC&R
Renew Your ACR/ARHP Membership Today!
Three convenient ways to renew:
- Online – It's fast and secure.
- Fax – Fax your renewal form to 404-633-1870
- Mail – Mail your renewal form and payment to American College of Rheumatology, P. O. Box 102295, Atlanta, GA 30368
» thanks for your continuing support of the ACR and ARHP!
Receive CME for the 2009 Annual Meeting
Enter your CME credits online. You can save information and update it later as needed. When you are done, you can print out a certificate listing your total credits.
» fill out CME online
2010 ICD-9 Book Published
The 2010 ICD-9 book was recently published. In an initial review of 2010 book, the ACR’s certified professional coders noted changes to some of the common rheumatology diagnosis codes which could affect your coding and billing. As a reminder, ICD-9 code changes are effective October 1 (instead of January 1 – like CPT codes).
» adjust your charge slips and super bills
This Week in Health Care Reform
The ACR is committed to providing you with the most up to date information regarding health care reform. Each Friday the College will publish an update on the week’s notable health care stories and any legislative movement. Click here to read the latest update.
» how will health care reform affect you and your patients?
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 2010 Advocates for Arthritis Conference
Establish valuable relationships with legislators and discuss issues affecting rheumatology practices and patients. Network with other rheumatologists, rheumatology health professionals, and patients to advocate for a common cause.
» apply to attend Advocates for Arthritis today!
CMS Release Guidance on Billing for Consultation Codes
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released their claims processing transmittal on billing for the consultation codes, which were eliminated from the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule in CMS' final rule October 30.
Effective January 1, 2010, the consultation codes are no longer recognized for Medicare Part A/B payment. Physicians should code patient evaluation and management visit with E/M codes that represent where the visit occurred and that identify the complexity of the visit performed.
» make sure you are coding correctly
 ACR SessionSelect Delivers Educational Content, Online – Access Sessions Today!
Access SessionSelect today to revisit — or to view for the first time — the educational presentations from the 2009 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting.
» new content: 2009 annual scientific meeting sessions
 Launch of Rheumatology Image Bank
The ACR has launched the most comprehensive online collection of rheumatology-related images – the Rheumatology Image Bank – and, as a member benefit, you receive complimentary downloads!
» for information, take a look inside!
ACR Releases H1N1 Hotline
On September 29, 2009, the ACR released the H1N1 Virus: Implications for Rheumatology hotline.
» what you need to know
 Assess Your Rheumatology Knowledge Base
CARE 2009, an online self-assessment tools is now available. Test your knowledge while earning up to 23 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits™ and/or 30 points in the self-evaluation of medical knowledge category in the ABIM Maintenance of Certification Program. Subscribe to CARE 2009 today.
» members save 50%!
 Streamline Your Workflow with RCR!
The ACR has developed an online clinical data management tool to help you comply with increased quality reporting requirements and improve the care you provide to patients. Click here to learn more about the RCR.
» registration is free for ACR members
 NP and PA Postgraduate Training at Your Fingertips
Bring NPs, PAs and other clinicians up to speed more quickly with the online NP and PA Postgraduate Rheumatology Training Program. Read more about the program and register today!
» flexible, affordable, in-depth
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