Three Things to Know About Hiring, Onboarding, and Training APPs

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As the utilization of APPs (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) in rheumatology becomes more prevalent, here are three things to consider if you are thinking about adding an APP to your practice.

Telling You Where to Go (12.19.2025)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and journal articles from the past week on RheumNow.com. Who would've thunk - a PsA FMF connection? Labs to diagnose SSc-ILD? IgA-RF may be important or RZV may not work in JAK inhibitor treated patients?

Tricks of the Trade – Clinic Advice from APPs

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December 2025 is focused on advanced practice providers, their impact, education and priorities.  In seeking and soliciting the help and advice of leaders in the rheumatology APP world, I have been impressed by APP pride, dedication and passion for what they do.

Hidden in Plain Sight: IBD

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As a PA with six years of experience in rheumatology and a background in gastroenterology, today I'm discussing the clinical overlap between inflammatory arthritis—particularly psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthropathies—and inflammatory bowel disease.

Disease Activity Criteria for Adult-Onset Still's Disease: EULAR Points to Consider

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EULAR has published a "points to consider" (PtCs) guidance on the development of criteria for the assessment of the disease activity in adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD).

ACR: New Data Highlights Urgent Need to Address Arthritis Burden

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New findings from national U.S. surveys reveal the profound impact of arthritis on millions of adults, especially those facing social and economic challenges. These data will be featured in an upcoming issue of Arthritis Care & Research, an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

Role of the Nurse in the Care and Management of Rheumatic Diseases - EULAR Review

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In 2023, a EULAR subcommittee set out to assess the roles of nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) in the care of arthritis as outlined in published EULAR guidelines. The scope of APN practices was first proposed in 2012 and revised in 2018.

Optimizing Hydroxychloroquine Blood Levels in Lupus

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A large observational cohort study suggests that monitoring hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) blood levels is effective in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with a target therapeutic range (for HCQ level monitoring) of 750-1150 ng/ml.

5 Fractures You Don’t Want to Miss

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In orthopedic practice, missing the wrong fracture can significantly alter a patient’s outcome. Certain injuries may appear subtle on initial imaging yet carry serious consequences if not promptly recognized and managed. Below are five fractures that warrant a high index of suspicion due to their risk of displacement, nonunion, or long‑term degenerative change.

Reefer Madness (12.12.2025)

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news, journal and regulatory reports from this past week on RheumNow.com.  B cell drugs in SLE and ITP, biomarkers in GCA & PSS and great videos by APPs.

2025 Adult Rheumatology Fellowship Match is Strong (Again)

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The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) announced today that 2025 Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match results show rheumatology fellowship positions continuing to fill at high rates.

Metabolic Bone Pearls

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Betsy Kirchner, DNP, shares practical tips for managing metabolic bone disease, including the importance of VFA imaging to catch asymptomatic vertebral fractures and utilizing fracture liaison services to close care gaps. She highlights key pearls like the doubled fracture risk in RA patients, ACR's risk stratification for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, and a simple FRAX adjustment calculation that can improve treatment decisions.