Geisinger Rheumatology Experts To Present At National Conference

The Geisinger Department of Rheumatology has been selected to present six abstracts at the 2009 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP) Annual Scientific Meeting in Philadelphia Oct. 16-21.


In addition, Rheumatology Director Eric Newman, M.D., will present a workshop on Practical Approaches to Redesigning Your Rheumatology Practice, and chair and moderate a podium session, Quality Measures and Innovations in Practice Management and Delivery of Care. Rheumatologist Thomas P. Olenginski, M.D., FACP, will participate in a Meet the Professor session on Osteoporosis-Applying FRAX Methodology and moderate a clinical symposium regarding Osteoporosis Care in 2010.


"All six of the abstracts submitted by our department were selected for the scientific meeting," said Dr. Newman. "This level of acceptance speaks to the high caliber of work being done at Geisinger. It is an honor for the rheumatology department to be recognized by such esteemed professional organizations."


Podium presentations and presenters at the scientific meeting include: Rheumatology Touch Screen Questionnaire to Improve Efficiency and Patient-centric Care with Successful Development and Implementation Using Process Redesign (Dr. Newman); Closing Osteoporosis Care Gaps through Process Redesign-The Primary Care/Rheumatology DXA Partnership (Dr. Newman); and Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Program (GIOP)-A Highly Successful Care Program with Improved Clinical Outcomes After Two Years (Cynthia Matzko, RN, MSN, clinical nurse specialist.


Poster presentations and presenters include: High-Risk Osteoporosis Clinic (HiROC)-Closing the Loop in Clinical Osteoporosis Care (Dr. Olenginski); DXA Testing in Women Older than 65-Closing the Osteoporosis Quality Care Gap at the Point of Service Using an Electronic Health Record Best Practice Alert (Dr. Newman); and Hydroxychloroquine Use-Significant Improvement of Lipid Profile in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients (Stephanie Morris, D.O., fellow).


More than 5,000 abstracts are submitted worldwide for the ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting; however, only about 5 percent are accepted for podium presentations and 30 percent for poster presentations. More than 13,000 health professionals from around the world are expected to attend this year.


ABOUT GEISINGER HEALTH SYSTEM


Founded in 1915, Geisinger Health System is one of the nation's largest integrated health services organizations. Serving more than two million residents throughout central and northeast Pennsylvania, the physician-led organization is at the forefront of the country's rapidly emerging electronic health records movement. Geisinger is comprised of two medical centers, a children's hospital, 740-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company and the Henry Hood Center for Health Research dedicated to creating innovative new models for patient care, satisfaction and clinical outcomes.


Source: Geisinger Health System