Florida Society of Rheumatology

08/20/2025

Prescription drug affordability remains one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare. Too often, the public debate focuses solely on pharmaceutical manufacturers, while overlooking the powerful role of middlemen in the system.

In his recent article, “Don’t Let Middlemen Off the Hook in the Drug Pricing Debate,” FSR Board Member Dr. Robert Levin examines how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) negotiate rebates and determine formularies in ways that often drive up out-of-pocket costs for patients instead of lowering them.

Dr. Levin calls for meaningful reforms that hold all players accountable and ensure that cost savings actually reach the patients who need them most.

Read his full article here: https://dcjournal.com/dont-let-middlemen-off-the-hook-in-the-drug-pricing-debate/

Published by InsideSources

President Trump’s recent directive to 17 pharmaceutical manufacturers demanding that U.S. drug prices align with the lowest prices in other developed

08/18/2025

Free AI Applications in Medical Practice Management

The Florida Society of Rheumatology has launched a 10-episode podcast series on how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform medical practice management.

Episodes begin with the fundamentals of AI and progress into advanced applications, covering tools for saving time, improving communication, and streamlining workflows. Each episode also comes with show notes to support learning.

Listen now: https://floridarheumatology.org/podcasts

08/11/2025

The Florida Society of Rheumatology recently signed on to support the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act of 2025 (H.R. 4299), a key step to counteract Part B payment cuts under the IRA and safeguard Medicare patients’ access to essential treatments.

We’ve also taken action to urge Florida Blue to reconsider its current coverage policy on the AVISE® Lupus test, critical for accurate, timely SLE diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
Together, these efforts reflect FSR’s unwavering commitment to preserving access to life-changing therapies and diagnostics for our patients.

https://floridarheumatology.org/AdvocacyUpdate

08/04/2025

Join the Florida Society of Rheumatology and be part of the only organization dedicated to advancing rheumatology in Florida.

Member benefits include:

• Legislative advocacy that protects your practice
• Discounted registration to the FSR Annual Meeting
• Risk Purchasing Group
• Exclusive access to CME and webinars
• A powerful network of peers across the state

Become a member today: https://floridarheumatology.org/Membership

07/29/2025

Back to School with Juvenile Arthritis

Starting a new school year can be challenging for children living with JA. A smooth transition begins with preparation and communication.

The Arthritis Foundation provides useful advice on:

- Managing pain and fatigue during the school day
- Updating 504 or IEP plans
- Talking with teachers and school administrators

Help your child feel supported, confident, and ready to learn.

Read more here https://www.arthritis.org/juvenile-arthritis/school-and-college/developing-effective-plan/returning-to-school

07/28/2025

Dr. Robert Levin, Past President of the Florida Society of Rheumatology, meets with Representative Sam Garrison during the Florida Medical Association Annual Meeting.

FSR remains committed to advancing the voice of rheumatology in Florida's healthcare policy discussions.

07/21/2025

The Florida Society of Rheumatology wraps up its 10-episode podcast series on AI in Medical Practice Management with a bonus recap episode!

From Canva to Trello, this episode highlights practical AI tools that can streamline your practice. Dr. Laura-Kathryn Neal, Joe Daraskevich, and Fraser Cobbe break it all down so you can skip around or revisit your favorite episodes with ease.

Series covers:
AI fundamentals
Real-world use cases
Tools to improve efficiency
Show notes with every episode

Listen now & explore the full series for insights that can make your day-to-day easier!

https://floridarheumatology.org/podcasts

07/02/2025

This Independence Day, we celebrate the freedom to live life to the fullest.

Rheumatologists help patients manage chronic conditions so they can stay active and independent.

Happy July 4th!

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07/01/2025

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month!

Did you know that nearly 300,000 children in the U.S. are living with juvenile arthritis? This complex group of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions can cause chronic joint pain, swelling, and impacts on growth and development.

This month, we stand with our pediatric patients, families, and rheumatology professionals working tirelessly to provide early diagnosis, compassionate care, and life-changing treatments.

Let’s raise awareness, spread hope, and advocate for more research and resources for children affected by juvenile arthritis.

Special thanks to Arthritis Foundation for their tireless work supporting patients, families, and research.

and

07/01/2025

New Healthcare Laws Effective July 1, 2025

FSR Executive Director Fraser Cobbe and team member Joe Daraskevich provide an update on several bills that have recently been signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, highlighting the anticipated changes within the Florida medical community beginning July 1.

Stay informed https://floridarheumatology.org/2025LegislativeSession

06/24/2025

Thank You to Our Gold Sponsors!

We’re grateful to our Gold Sponsors for their generous support of the 2025 FSR Annual Meeting. Your partnership helps fuel education, innovation, and collaboration across the rheumatology community.

Please join us in recognizing:
Amgen Inflammation
Amgen Rare Disease
Bristol Myers Squibb
GSK
Eli Lilly and Company
Novartis
Pfizer
Your support helps us move rheumatology forward.
Thank you!

06/21/2025

Our sincere appreciation to AstraZeneca for supporting the 2025 FSR Annual Meeting as a Platinum Sponsor.

Your leadership in scientific advancement and commitment to patient-centered care continue to elevate the field of rheumatology.

We are grateful for your partnership and were thrilled to recognize your team during this year’s meeting!