PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Kevin D.  Deane
TI  - Do We Need Early ACPA Testing in Inflammatory Arthritis?
AID  - 10.3899/jrheum.151237
DP  - 2015 Nov 01
TA  - The Journal of Rheumatology
PG  - jrheum.151237
4099  - http://www.jrheum.org/content/early/2015/10/23/jrheum.151237.short
4100  - http://www.jrheum.org/content/early/2015/10/23/jrheum.151237.full
AB  - Testing is an integral part of the diagnosis and management of patients with rheumatic disease. However, in this era of increased focus on healthcare costs, it is important to understand exactly how tests affect the delivery and costs of care. Along these lines, the American Board of Internal Medicine has begun the Choosing Wisely program with the goal “of advancing a national dialogue on avoiding wasteful or unnecessary medical tests, treatments and procedures”1. Multiple agencies in the United States and Canada are participating in this campaign, including the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), which has created a set “Five Things that Physicians and Patients Should Consider” in rheumatology-related testing2. These are important efforts, which hopefully will ultimately lead to improved clinical care, as well as improved costs of care, based on sound scientific investigations.1. American Board of Internal Medicine. Choosing Wisely campaign. [Internet. Accessed October 21, 2015.] Available from: www.choosingwisely.org2. American College of Rheumatology Choosing Wisely: Five things physicians and patients should question. [Internet. Accessed October 21, 2015.] Available from: www.choosingwisely.org/societies/american-college-of-rheumatology/