Rheumatology News RSS feed: Current Issue. To order this journal, and for more information, go to http://www.imng.com/ http://www.rheumatologynews.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Rheumatology News1541-980092February 2010 © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700624/abstract?rss=yesRheumatologists should investigate but delay new investment in any electronic health record system for a few months, until the Health and Human Services Department issues final rules defining what any such system must contain in order to be qualified or certified, Dr. Robert W. Warren recommended in an interview.It May Be Too Soon to Invest in EHR SystemSALLY KOCH KUBETIN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70062-4Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8News11http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700636/abstract?rss=yesORLANDO — Gout boosted the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure in an observational, case-control study of more than 150,000 patients with heart failure. The analysis also showed that patients with heart failure and gout who were on long-term allopurinol treatment had a significantly reduced risk for death or heart failure hospitalization, Dr. George Thanassoulis said at the annual scientific sessions of the American Heart Association.Gout Linked to Increased Risk for Worse Heart Failure OutcomesMITCHEL L. ZOLER10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70063-6Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8News11http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700648/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Asked just before bedtime, patients with OA accurately recall their average pain during that day.Osteoarthritis Patients Do Not Overstate PainROBERT FINN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70064-8Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8News22http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS154198001070065X/abstract?rss=yesRHEUMATOLOGY NEWS continues its conversation with its Editorial Advisory Board members on the challenges that they foresee facing the specialty in 2010. Dr. Roy D. Altman, professor of rheumatology and immunology at the University of California, Los Angeles:Expect Breakthroughs in Genetics, Pain Management in Osteoarthritis10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70065-XRheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8News22http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700661/abstract?rss=yesVital Signs: PhRMA Topped Health Sector Lobbying in Third Quarter10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70066-1Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8News22http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700673/abstract?rss=yesNew Jersey has become the 14th state to allow the medical use of marijuana, though its law is the country's most restrictive. On Jan. 18, outgoing Gov. Jon S. Corzine (D) signed the “Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act” (A804/S119) into law. The new law will remove legal penalties for the possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes. Under the law, the drug must be recommended by a licensed state physician for a qualifying medical condition such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Crohn's disease.New Jersey Law Allows Medical Marijuana UseMARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70067-3Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8News45http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700685/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: When opioids were used long term for noncancer pain, 6%–23% of patients stopped taking them because of inefficacy or side effects, and 0.3% developed signs of addiction.Long-Term Opioids May Relieve Noncancer PainSHERRY BOSCHERT10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70068-5Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8News77http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700697/abstract?rss=yesMcNeil Consumer Healthcare is expanding its recall of several over-the-counter medications following an investigation into complaints that some products had a moldy smell and caused temporary gastrointestinal symptoms.McNeil Expands Recall of OTC Drugs With Moldy SmellMARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70069-7Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8News77http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700703/abstract?rss=yes DR. YAZICI is a rheumatologist at New York University and is the director of the Seligman Center for Advanced Therapeutics at the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. He disclosed a financial relationship with Centocor Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Celgene Corp., Genentech Inc., Pfizer Inc., Roche, and UCB Inc.Informed ConsentYUSUF YAZICI10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70070-3Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Editorial88http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700715/abstract?rss=yes DR. ZACHARY is professor and chair of the department of dermatology at the University of California, Irvine. Any talk of health care reform must include a discussion of the money we're currently wasting on health care regulation.Regulation Wastes MoneyCHRISTOPHER B. ZACHARY10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70071-5Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Editorial88http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700727/abstract?rss=yesI am writing in rebuttal to Dr. Larry Greenbaum's experience with ABIM Board Recertification (“Rheumatology Recertification Needs Work,” December 2009, p. 15). I have a different impression of the maintenance-of-certification process. I have been in private practice for 40 years and have life certification in internal medicine. I have taken the rheumatology recertification exam twice, most recently in 2008. I found that 85% of the questions dealt with clinical problems encountered in everyday practice. In my opinion, the exam's goal has been to improve the fine-tuning of diagnosis and management. The modules are challenging and ask candidates to update and perfect their patient management. The same benefits cannot be achieved from reading the medical literature. The proctored examination is a real test for the candidate's willpower and serious intention to acquire knowledge. The practice-improvement module compares the candidate's office performance with the national benchmark, which is significant because there is no linear correlation between knowledge and performance. Health care industry stakeholders are more keen on what physicians do than on what physicians learn. The process of taking the recertification exam over a period of time provides active rather than passive learning, in the context of a structured educational system with a well-defined outcome.LetterMahmood Pazirandeh10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70072-7Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Opinion88http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700739/abstract?rss=yesSANTA MONICA, CALIF. — There is only one cause of joint inflammation in childhood that the child will typically outgrow: true oligoarthritis. Even though the inflammation will eventually pass, affected children still need treatment to prevent limb-length discrepancy or blindness resulting from uveitis, according to Dr. Thomas J.A. Lehman.Treat Oligoarthritis to Prevent Limb ShorteningSALLY KOCH KUBETIN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70073-9Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Pediatric Rheumatology1313http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700740/abstract?rss=yesSANTA MONICA, CALIF. — Management of pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis is inching its way toward a new age of prevention. The change is coming from the appreciation that the finding of exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) likely represents abnormal hemodynamic manifestation in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients who have normal resting mean pulmonary artery pressure.The Age of Prevention in PH May Be at Hand: The first step is for the diagnosis to be made before PH is present at rest.SALLY KOCH KUBETIN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70074-0Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8LUPUS/CT Diseases1414http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700752/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: No new cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis were reported at two centers during and after the transition to more restrictive policies about the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents, as well as substitution of new agents.Imaging Contrast Agent Restrictions May Help Curb NSFKERRI WACHTER10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70075-2Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8LUPUS/CT Diseases1414http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700764/abstract?rss=yes DR. ALTMAN is professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology and immunology at the University of California, Los Angeles. He has received grants from or served as a consultant, speaker, or adviser to Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., Rottapharm SpA, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., NicOx Inc., Theralogix LLC, Smith &Nephew Inc.; Cypress Bioscience Inc., Impact Pharmaceuticals, Nutramax Laboratories Inc., Endo Pharmaceuticals, and Forest Laboratories Inc.Viscosupplementation Relieves Knee OA PainDiana Mahoney, ROY D. ALTMAN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70076-4Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Ask the Expert1515http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700776/abstract?rss=yesData Watch: In Adults, Activity Limitations More Common Among the Poor10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70077-6Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Arthritis1515http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700788/abstract?rss=yesThe timing of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations can substantially influence the degree of antibody response in rheumatoid arthritis patients taking rituximab, concluded investigators in two independent studies.Immunization in Rituximab: Timing MattersDIANA MAHONEY10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70078-8Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Arthritis1616http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS154198001070079X/abstract?rss=yesNEW YORK — Building on the work in developing a clinical definition of remission in rheumatoid arthritis, a group of clinicians and researchers is interested in creating a complementary patient term called “absence of disease.”OMERACT to Consider ‘Absence of Disease’ as OutcomeMary Ellen Schneider10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70079-XRheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Arthritis1616http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700806/abstract?rss=yesNEW YORK — The soft data that can be gathered from self-administered patient questionnaires are more telling about how a patient with rheumatoid arthritis is faring than are x-rays or some lab tests that are wrongly considered to be prognostic.Patient Questionnaires Offer Prognostic DataMARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70080-6Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Arthritis1818http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700818/abstract?rss=yesThe monoclonal antibody tocilizumab has received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients who have failed one or more tumor necrosis factor blockers, according to an announcement made Jan. 11 by the drug's manufacturer, Roche Holding AG.IL-6 Blocker Is First to Get Nod as RA TherapyDIANA MAHONEY10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70081-8Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Arthritis2020http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS154198001070082X/abstract?rss=yesPHILADELPHIA — Weight loss was linked to significant drops in serum uric acid levels in a prospective study with more than 12,000 men with high cardiovascular risk. “Weight loss could substantially help achieve a widely accepted therapeutic uric acid target level of 6 mg/dL among men with a high cardiovascular risk profile,” Yanyan Zhu said at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology.Drop in Serum Uric Acid Seen Following Weight LossMITCHEL L. ZOLER10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70082-XRheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Arthritis2020http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700831/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: More than half of patients with JIA who were transferred to an adult rheumatologist received inadequate follow-up at 2 years.JIA Patients Are Lost in Transfer to Adult CareDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70083-1Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Arthritis2222http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700843/abstract?rss=yesEvery Friday, Dr. Shariar Cohen-Gadol drives 71 miles from his home in West Los Angeles to California State Prison, Los Angeles County, a 262-acre facility in Lancaster that houses more than 5,000 convicted felons, some of whom have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other rheumatologic disorders. To the California prison system, these inmates need medical care despite their being held in minimum, high-medium, and maximum custody, and Dr. Cohen-Gadol is the physician who provides that care.Calif. Rheumatologist Extends Clinical Care to InmatesDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70084-3Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Arthritis2424http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700855/abstract?rss=yesORLANDO — The majority of U.S. adults are at a low 10-year predicted risk for cardiovascular disease but at a high lifetime predicted risk, according to the first-ever such analysis of the U.S. population.Lifetime Heart Disease Risk Needs Closer LookBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70085-5Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties2626http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700867/abstract?rss=yesORLANDO — A 40-year-old man faces a one-in-eight lifetime risk of sudden cardiac death, according to a Framingham Heart Study analysis. As a way to place that risk in context, it's useful to consider the competing risks posed by other diseases for which lifetime risk estimates at age 40 are available. For example, a 40-year-old man faces a 1-in-16 lifetime risk of colon cancer, a 1-in-12 risk of lung cancer, a 1-in-6 risk of prostate cancer, and a 1-in-20 risk of hip fracture, Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones noted at the annual scientific sessions of the American Heart Association.Lifetime Sudden Cardiac Death Risk May Be Higher in MenBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70086-7Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties2626http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700879/abstract?rss=yesSAN FRANCISCO — The “medical” use of marijuana, which is common among patients who are diagnosed with illnesses such as HIV or cancer, might lead to depression or anxiety disorders. However, data suggesting that marijuana use is a risk factor for throat and neck cancers are weak, two experts say.Mood Disorders, Marijuana Use May Be LinkedSHERRY BOSCHERT10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70087-9Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties3031http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700880/abstract?rss=yesBERLIN — Impaired sexual function is extremely common in moderate to severe psoriasis, and ustekinumab therapy reduces these problems by 10-fold. That's a key quality-of-life finding from the ongoing randomized double-blind phase III PHOENIX-1 and −2 clinical trials of this human monoclonal antibody directed against the proinflammatory cytokines interkeukin-12 and −23, Dr. Lyn Guenther cported at the annual congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.Ustekinumab Lessens Sexual Problems in Psoriasis PatientsBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70088-0Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties3131http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700892/abstract?rss=yesThere seems to be a predictable pattern in nutritional supplement research: Epidemiologic or observational studies suggest that a particular nutrient or botanical might have the effect of preventing or ameliorating a common chronic disorder, preclinical work describes a plausible physiologic mechanism, and small clinical studies give encouraging findings.Nutraceutical Research Trials Need Redesign: Supplementation seldom produces big effects in trials because few Americans have frank deficiencies.ERIK L. GOLDMAN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70089-2Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties3232http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700909/abstract?rss=yesData are lacking on the adverse events that potentially can arise from the millions of people taking nutritional supplements along with pharmaceuticals, but researchers are making some headway in sorting the real causes for concern from the unfounded worries.Data Spotty on Supplement-Drug Interactions: Unlike glucosamine plus warfarin, most combo complications are not well documented.ERIK L. GOLDMAN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70090-9Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties3333http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700910/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: High-dose vitamin D improved pain scores and bone mineral density at the femoral neck in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, but also caused hypercalciuria that required nearly one in five treated patients to be dropped from the study.Testosterone, Vitamin D May Ease Joint PainBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70091-0Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties3737http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700922/abstract?rss=yesNEW ORLEANS — Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients treated with rituximab, especially rituximab-fludarabine regimens, have a significant deficit in humoral response to influenza vaccine.Rituximab Lessened Effectiveness of Flu VaccinePATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70092-2Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties3838http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700934/abstract?rss=yesThe way Dr. Anne Schuchat sees it, physicians and other clinicians have more influence than does anybody else on a patient's decision to be vaccinated against the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus.MDs, Others Carry ‘Clout’ on Vaccination ComplianceDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70093-4Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties3838http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700946/abstract?rss=yesThe number of cases of 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic influenza in the United States has dropped in recent weeks, but Americans shouldn't let their guards down, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official.CDC Says H1N1 Vaccination Still CrucialHEIDI SPLETE10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70094-6Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties3939http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700958/abstract?rss=yesThe potential health effects of exposure to bisphenol A, the chemical compound used in baby bottles and many different food and beverage packages, will be studied in short- and long-term studies in animals and humans, William Corr, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced during a briefing. More than $30 million will be provided by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for studies to be conducted by the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and other institutions.Federal Agencies to Study Health Effects of BPAELIZABETH MECHCATIE10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70095-8Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties4040http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS154198001070096X/abstract?rss=yesIncreased time spent watching television is associated with higher mortality in general and increased cardiovascular disease–related death in particular, according to findings from an Australian population-based cohort study.TV Watching Linked to Fatal Heart DiseaseROXANNA GUILFORD-BLAKE10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70096-XRheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties4141http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700971/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among most subgroups in the United States has not increased.U.S. Obesity Rates Slow, Public Health Still ImperiledROBERT FINN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70097-1Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties4141http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700983/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Obesity, whether measured by BMI, waist circumference, or waist-to-hip ratio, is an independent predictor of stroke risk regardless of sex or race.Obesity-Stroke Link Confirmed in Black and White Men and WomenROBERT FINN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70098-3Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Across Specialties4141http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010700995/abstract?rss=yesThe U.S. government has released its plan to deal with the health consequences associated with major national emergencies such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks.U.S. Unveils Plan to Protect Health in Emergencies: Many of the challenges physicians faced after Hurricane Katrina could have been avoided.MARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70099-5Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Practice Trends4242http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010701009/abstract?rss=yesHealth care spending in the United States grew less than 5% in 2008, the slowest rate of growth since the federal government officially began measuring it in 1960, according to a new report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.U.S. Health Spending Topped $2.3 Trillion in 2008, Outpacing GDPMARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70100-9Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Practice Trends4242http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010701010/abstract?rss=yesAt press time, medical teams from around the globe were focusing relief efforts on the shattered nation of Haiti. Rheumatology News will bring you their experiences as the situation unfolds.Aid Web Sites Come to The Fore in Haitian QuakeTERRY RUDD10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70101-0Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Practice Trends4242http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010701022/abstract?rss=yesA public-private institution, launched by the Department of Health and Human Services, would be the best way to raise standards and quality for continuing health education, according to a report issued by the Institute of Medicine.Institute of Medicine Suggests CME OversightJOYCE FRIEDEN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70102-2Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Practice Trends4444http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010701034/abstract?rss=yesViral illnesses, strain injuries, and lacerations—Dr. Kenneth V. Iserson treats common cases like this several times in a single week, just like many emergency physicians. The only difference?Physician Handles the Ordinary, ExtraordinaryJOYCE FRIEDEN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70103-4Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Medicine at the Bottom of the World4545http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010701046/abstract?rss=yesPhysicians in Montana may legally assist terminally ill patients in hastening death, according to a ruling by the Montana Supreme Court. The decision in the case of Baxter v. State of Montana concerned Robert Baxter, a retired truck driver from Billings, who was terminally ill with lymphocytic leukemia with diffuse lymphadenopathy. As a result of the disease and its treatment, Mr. Baxter suffered from symptoms including “infections, chronic fatigue and weakness, anemia, night sweats, nausea, massively swollen glands, significant ongoing digestive problems, and generalized pain and discomfort,” according to the decision.Montana Court Rules in Favor of Aid in DyingJOYCE FRIEDEN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70104-6Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Practice Trends4848http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010701058/abstract?rss=yesDr. Julie Gerberding, a former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has joined Merck & Co. as president of its vaccines division. The Dec. 21 announcement comes just 5 months after the drug maker unexpectedly announced that the previous head of its vaccines unit, Margie McGlynn, planned to retire. She left in November, after running the vaccines divisions since 2005 and spending 26 years in different positions at Merck.Former CDC Chief Gerberding to Run Vaccines at MerckED SILVERMAN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70105-8Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Practice Trends4848http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS154198001070106X/abstract?rss=yesThe United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recently recommended that Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) be available as a treatment option for adults with severe active rheumatoid arthritis. But the recommendation is still in draft form, and the NICE will hear appeals before it formally issues its guidance to the U.K.'s National Health Service. Under the recommendation, Cimzia would be used in combination with methotrexate for those patients who have had an inadequate response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The new treatment could also be used as monotherapy in cases where continued treatment with methotrexate is not appropriate. As part of an agreement with the U.K. Department of Health, Cimzia maker UCB Pharma has agreed to provide the drug for free to patients during the first 12 weeks of treatment.Policy & Practice: Want more health reform news? Subscribe to our podcast – search ‘Policy & Practice’ in the iTunes storeMary Ellen Schneider10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70106-XRheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Practice Trends4949http://www.rheumatologynews.com/article/PIIS1541980010701071/abstract?rss=yesSANTA MONICA, CALIF. — Recommendations that you adjust your default coding for an office visit upward and appeal all denied insurance claims were among numerous tips on how to increase income that were offered by Dr. Joseph S. Eastern at a meeting sponsored by Rheumatology News and Skin Disease Education Foundation (SDEF).Don't Be Shy About Money: Code Smartly, Appeal AlwaysSALLY KOCH KUBETIN10.1016/S1541-9800(10)70107-1Rheumatology News 9, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Rheumatology News2010-02-0192S1541-9800(10)X7002-8Practice Trends4949