ACR Commends Legislation Addressing Harmful Medicare Payment Cuts to Physicians

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The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) applauded the bipartisan introduction of the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025, legislation to fully offset the harmful 2.8% cut in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS).

Recent Excess Mortality in Young Adults

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JAMA has published a University of Minnesota cross-sectional study showing early adult (ages 25-44) mortality in the U.S. has risen substantially between 2011 to 2019 and 2020 to 2023. The largest portion of 2023 excess mortality was driven by drug poisoning, but many other external and natural causes exceeded what prior trends would have projected.

Participation is Up! (1.31.2025)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal reports from the past week on RheumNow.com. We also have two call-in cases on "Ask Cush Anything".

Be sure to join in the fun at RNL 2025 next weekend - Gong Show Karaoke; what will you sing?

AGA Guideline: Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in At-Risk Individuals

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The American Gastroenterology Association has published its revised clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in at-risk patients, particularly those with immune-mediated disease, receiving immunomodulatory therapy and steroids.

Orthotics in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Orthotics are cost-effective, externally applied devices designed to stabilize the joints and provide a conservative measure to alleviate joint pain and improve function. Options include therapeutic shoes, shoe inserts, hand splints/braces, wrist support and finger splints. This article reviews some of the indications on the use of orthotics in patients with RA.

ACR Applauds Second Round of Medicare Drug Price Negotiations

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The American College of Rheumatology applauded the announcement of additional drugs subject to pricing negotiations with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This second round includes nintedanib (Ofev) and apremilast (Otezla), which are used to treat common and rare rheumatologic conditions.