ACR Comments on CMS Proposed MPFS Rule

The ACR submits comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the proposed rule reiterating the devastating impact the elimination of consultation service codes is having on rheumatologists and patient care, as well as concerns and recommendations to improve the PQRI program. >> Read the ACR comment letter now.

New RA Classification Criteria

The ACR announces the release of revised classification criteria (created in collaboration with the European League Against Rheumatism) for rheumatoid arthritis, which will allow the study of treatments for RA at much earlier stages of the disease—before joint damage occurs—ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. >> View an excerpt of the criteria or download the complete article

ACR President Addresses SGR "Doc Fix"

Dear Members,

As you've no doubt heard by now, last evening the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed the "doc fix" despite Speaker Nancy Pelosi's attempts to use it as a bargaining chip to ensure passage of another, unrelated, piece of legislation. This temporary fix – with a shelf life of a mere six months – was absolutely necessary to reverse the 21 percent pay cut that went into effect June 1. >> Read full letter