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Biosimilars are on track to reduce drug costs by $100 billion over the next five years if their use rises. The future of this lower-cost drug market, however, is still uncertain.

Biosimilars Forum | Biosimilars Could Generate $100 Billion in Savings Over Next Five Years, New Report Finds WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new report from the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science has determined that biosimilars are on track to reduce drug costs by $100 billion over the next five years if their use rises. The future of this lower-cost drug market, however, is still uncertain.

"Rheumatologists are master problem solvers – the Sherlock Holmes’ of the medical industry." How are rheumatology practices leveraging patient testimonials, physician expertise, and Google?

http://t3jointman.com/mdedge-advocacy-strategies-leveraging-patient-testimonials-physician-expertise-and-google/

Infusions can be life-saving and life-changing for so many patients who think that they are out of options. Read about one person that narrowly avoided a disastrous surgery:

Infusions Instead of Back Surgery - National Infusion Center Association Infusions Instead of Back Surgery by Steven Baak, MD My neighbor was walking slowly to his mailbox. I walked over and asked, “What happened to you?” “I’m going in for back surgery on Wednesday. I waited six months to get this scheduled with the best surgeon in the Midwest,” he said. “Wha...

JointMan works seamlessly with Athenahealth to help rheumatologists improve patient outcomes. Learn more: https://marketplace.athenahealth.com/product/jointman-for-rheumatology

Here are some tips from Arthritis Northwest for patients now using Telehealth for visits with their healthcare providers. http://t3jointman.com/for-patients-making-telehealth-easy/

In response to COVID-19, Arthritis Northwest is implementing several steps to protect patients and staff. View the full response flier:

t3jointman.com

One in three Medicare beneficiaries is now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan.

That’s a 71% increase since 2010, and it means there’s more at stake for you and your practice to ensure your MA plan contract is clear and fair.

Medicare Advantage value-based care contracts: What to negotiate Learn how to review and negotiate MA contracts to ensure your arrangement is clear and fair.

"The finalized rule will increase Medicare reimbursement for time-intensive healthcare services provided by cognitive specialists such as rheumatologists."

What do physicians need to know about the 2020 Medicare fee schedule?

2020 Medicare Fee Schedule: Top Five Things for Physicians to Know January 7, 2020 The 2020 Medicare physician fee schedule promises to lighten the administrative load for physicians in 2021 with news about changes in coding for outpatient evaluation and management (E/M) services. CMS estimates that under their proposal, rheumatologists would see on average a 15% p...

Alternative payment models and refining your rheumatology practice -- tips from Karen Ferguson.

Experts Offer Management Tips, from Contracts to Credentials to Audits - The Rheumatologist CHICAGO—Medical practice consultant Owen Dahl, MBA, LFACHE, CHBC, looked out at the rheumatology practice managers and physicians, sitting around tables with white tablecloths, and asked what seemed like a simple question: “How many of you have a strategic plan?” he asked. You Might Also Like ...

“The unified agenda moved a rule from CMS to foster greater adoption of interoperability to its long-term actions list, giving it a deadline of March 2022 to finalize it.”

Regulatory agenda lays out timetable for major rules on drug pricing, interoperability The Trump administration estimates to release rules on drug prices and information blocking this month but punted finalizing a rule on interoperability until 2022.

"PDP premiums will vary widely across plans next year; among the 20 PDPs available nationwide, average premiums will range 6-fold from a low of $13 per month for Humana Walmart Value Rx Plan to a high of $83 per month for Express Scripts Medicare Choice."

Medicare Enrollees Looking at Stand-Alone Part D Drug Plans Should Shop Around, Report Says With more choices available in 2020 for Medicare stand-alone Part D drug plans, beneficiaries should compare choices, especially if they are not low income or on specialty drugs or drugs not on the payer’s formulary, according to a new analysis.