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RhAPPcast

Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP)

This is the official podcast of Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP), a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to developing educational programs, providing professional advancement services, and assembling resources for—and guided by—advanced practice providers (APPs).

Through our peer-to-peer network, we seek to support the integral role APPs play in the rheumatology healthcare community by providing the most relevant and timely information and communication for the treatment of their patients with rheumatic diseases.

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23 episodes
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Yesterday · 2 min
FAQ: How Should Treatment Duration be Approached After Remission or Low Disease Activity in SLE?
In this FAQ video, Heather Finlayson, PA-C, discusses how treatment duration should be approached after achieving remission or low disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As treatment options continue to expand and more patients achieve sustained disease control, questions about when and how to taper therapy have become increasingly important. This educational discussion reviews current guideline recommendations for long-term lupus management, including the ongoing role of hydroxychloroquine, strategies for minimizing corticosteroid exposure, and considerations for tapering immunosuppressive therapies after sustained remission. Heather also explores the challenges of determining when treatment reduction may be appropriate, as biologic therapies become more widely used in lupus care. Watch now to learn more about maintaining remission, reducing treatment burden, and the evolving approach to long-term disease management in SLE. For more expert-led education, visit the Content Rheum and download the RhAPP Ace app to stay up to date with the latest clinical insights in rheumatologic care.
September 29 · 2 min
RhAPPcast: SLEDAI Training: Disease Activity in Lupus and Organ Damage Recognition
In this episode of RhAPPcast, host Amanda Mixon, PA-C, is joined by Jeannette Hart, PA-C, to discuss lupus disease activity assessment and the distinction between active disease and irreversible organ damage. The conversation explores how the SLEDAI-2K can help clinicians organize comprehensive assessments, monitor disease activity across multiple organ systems, and guide treatment decisions for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This episode highlights practical strategies for incorporating disease activity scoring into busy clinic visits, monitoring for lupus nephritis, and recognizing changes that may warrant treatment escalation. Amanda and Jeannette also discuss the limitations of disease activity scores, the importance of clinical judgment when evaluating partial improvements, and balancing inflammation control with reducing long-term glucocorticoid exposure. Through clinical examples, they emphasize individualized patient education, shared decision-making, and collaboration between rheumatology, nephrology, and other specialists to support coordinated lupus care. Designed for rheumatology advanced practice providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians managing lupus, this discussion offers practical insights into disease monitoring, organ damage prevention, and patient communication. For more rheumatology education and clinical resources, visit RhAPP’s website, the RhAPP Content Rheum, or the RhAPP ACE 2.0 app.
September 25 · 2 min
Medication Review: SLE & Lupus Nephritis: Biologic MOAs Explained
In this educational Medication Review, Jennifer Mylod, DNP, provides an overview of the biologic and targeted therapies currently available for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN). This video reviews the different mechanisms of action used to target key immune pathways involved in lupus and highlights how these therapies help manage disease activity and improve patient outcomes. Learn how currently available treatments work by targeting B cells, B-cell activating factor (BAFF/BLyS), type I interferon signaling, and other immune pathways that contribute to inflammation and autoantibody production. Jennifer discusses important therapies used in the management of SLE and lupus nephritis, including belimumab, anifrolumab, rituximab, obinutuzumab, and voclosporin, and explains how their mechanisms differ. The discussion also explores the evolving treatment landscape for lupus, emphasizing the growing number of therapeutic options available to help reduce disease activity, preserve organ function, and support long-term disease control. Understanding these mechanisms can help clinicians make informed treatment decisions and optimize care for patients with SLE and lupus nephritis. Watch this video to gain a better understanding of the biologic and targeted therapies used in lupus care and the science behind their clinical use. For more expert-led education, visit the Content Rheum and download the RhAPP Ace app to stay up to date with the latest clinical insights in rheumatologic care.
September 24 · 2 min
FAQ: Why is Earlier Intervention Important in Lupus?
In this FAQ video, Amanda Mixon, PA-C, discusses why early intervention is critical in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for controlling inflammation, preventing irreversible organ damage, and improving long-term patient outcomes. This educational discussion reviews the impact of uncontrolled lupus on major organ systems, including the kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain, and highlights how timely treatment can help reduce disease activity, limit flares, and prevent cumulative damage over time. Amanda also explores the importance of early detection and treatment of lupus nephritis, as well as the potential complications associated with uncontrolled disease, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoporosis, infection, and reduced quality of life. Watch now to learn how early intervention and proactive disease management can help preserve organ function and support better long-term outcomes for patients living with lupus. For more expert-led education, visit the Content Rheum and download the RhAPP Ace app to stay up to date with the latest clinical insights in rheumatologic care.
September 23 · 9 min
Journal Club: Deep Dive Into Radiographic Progression/Data in PsA From The PsA-1 Manuscript
In this RhAPP Journal Club, Danielle Gatti-Palumbo, a clinical pharmacist in rheumatology, reviews the efficacy and safety of deucravacitinib, an oral selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The presentation focuses on 52-week findings from the phase 3 POETYK PsA-1 trial in patients who had not previously received biologic therapy. Danielle explains TYK2 signaling, patient eligibility, baseline disease characteristics, and the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design, including the transition from placebo to active treatment after week 16. She examines the primary ACR20 endpoint and additional outcomes, including ACR50 and ACR70 responses, psoriasis improvement measured by PASI 75, minimal disease activity, physical function, fatigue, and quality of life. The discussion also explores enthesitis, dactylitis, and post hoc analyses of radiographic progression, highlighting the importance of distinguishing statistically significant findings from numerical improvements and exploratory results. Additional topics include axial symptoms, treatment response through week 52, and safety findings discussed in the presentation, including acne-like reactions, infections, herpes zoster, laboratory abnormalities, and cardiovascular and thromboembolic safety considerations. Danielle evaluates the study’s strengths and limitations, including the biologic-naive population, absence of an active comparator, interpretation of structural damage findings, and the need for longer-term data. Throughout the journal club, she considers how these results may inform discussions about oral treatment options for patients with active and erosive psoriatic arthritis. Viewers will gain practical insights into interpreting clinical trial endpoints, evaluating efficacy across disease domains, and critically assessing the evidence for TYK2 inhibition in rheumatology practice. Visit the RhAPP Content Rheum or RhAPP ACE app for more rheumatology education, medication reviews, and journal clubs.
September 22 · 2 min
FAQ: How Does Early Intervention and Steroid Reduction Impact Long Term Organ Damage in Lupus
In this FAQ video module, Tiffany Terrell, NP, reviews the role of early intervention and steroid reduction in minimizing long-term organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis. This overview highlights the importance of timely treatment, routine kidney monitoring, and controlling inflammation while limiting prolonged corticosteroid exposure. This episode explores American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommendations for lupus management, including monitoring for kidney involvement and tapering glucocorticoids as disease activity comes under control. Tiffany also discusses the risks associated with long-term, high-dose steroid use, including infections, osteoporosis, glaucoma, and avascular necrosis. The discussion emphasizes the balance between maintaining disease control and reducing treatment-related complications to support long-term outcomes for patients with lupus. Designed for rheumatology advanced practice providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians managing lupus and lupus nephritis, this module highlights the importance of proactive monitoring, early treatment, and individualized steroid reduction. For more rheumatology education and clinical resources, visit RhAPP’s website, the RhAPP Content Rheum, or the RhAPP ACE app.
September 15 · 7 min
Journal Club: Efficacy & Safety of Nanoencapsulated Sirolimus Plus Pegadricase
In this RhAPP journal club video module, Danielle Gatti-Palumbo, PharmD reviews the efficacy and safety of nanoencapsulated sirolimus plus pegadricase (NASP) in patients with uncontrolled gout, based on findings from the randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 DISSOLVE I and II trials. She explains how nanoencapsulated sirolimus is designed to reduce anti-drug antibody formation and support sustained serum urate lowering with pegadricase, addressing a key challenge in uricase-based gout treatment. This episode examines the study design, every-four-week dosing regimen, serum urate response, tophus resolution, tender joint counts, and health-related quality of life. Danielle discusses improved serum urate control compared with placebo, along with key safety considerations, including gout flares, stomatitis, infusion-related reactions, and anaphylaxis. She also evaluates the study’s strengths and limitations, including the 24-week analysis period and the absence of a direct comparison with pegloticase plus methotrexate. Designed for rheumatology advanced practice providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and clinicians caring for patients with uncontrolled or tophaceous gout, this journal club provides a practical overview of an investigational urate-lowering therapy, its potential benefits, and important considerations when interpreting the clinical trial results. For more rheumatology education and clinical resources, visit RhAPP’s website, the RhAPP content rheum, or the RhAPP ACE app.
September 10 · 1 min
FAQ: What Is the Total Improvement Score and How Should It Be Interpreted in IIM Clinical Trials?
In this RhAPP FAQ video module, Jennifer Mylod, nurse practitioner at Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates in Phoenix, Arizona, explains the Total Improvement Score, or TIS, and how it is used to assess treatment response in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, including myositis and related autoimmune muscle diseases. This episode reviews how the ACR/EULAR Total Improvement Score serves as a composite outcome measure in inflammatory myopathy clinical trials and clinical practice by evaluating multiple disease domains, including muscle strength, physician global assessment, patient global assessment, physical function, muscle enzyme levels, and extramuscular disease activity affecting areas such as the lungs, skin, and joints. Jennifer discusses how TIS scores are interpreted, with more than 20 points indicating minimal improvement, more than 40 points indicating moderate improvement, and more than 60 points indicating major improvement. Designed for rheumatology advanced practice providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinicians caring for patients with inflammatory muscle disease, this FAQ highlights why TIS is valuable for measuring meaningful global response, tracking disease progression, and looking beyond CK levels or muscle strength alone. For more rheumatology education and clinical resources, visit RhAPP's website, the RhAPP content rheum, or the RhAPP ACE app.
September 3 · 2 min
FAQ: What Is the Role of Autoantibodies in Disease Progression and Treatment Response in IIM?
In this RhAPP FAQ video module, Jennifer Mylod, nurse practitioner at Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates in Phoenix, Arizona, discusses how autoantibodies help guide diagnosis, prognosis, disease monitoring, and treatment decisions in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, including myositis, dermatomyositis, antisynthetase syndrome, and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy. This episode highlights key myositis-specific and myositis-associated antibodies, including anti-MDA5, anti-TIF1-gamma, anti-Jo-1, anti-HMGCR, anti-SRP, and anti-Mi-2, and explains how these antibody profiles can help predict organ involvement, cancer risk, interstitial lung disease, disease severity, and expected treatment response. Designed for rheumatology advanced practice providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinicians caring for patients with autoimmune muscle disease, this FAQ offers practical insight into using antibody testing to personalize care and monitor disease progression in inflammatory myopathies. For more rheumatology education and clinical resources, visit RhAPP’s website, the RhAPP content rheum, or the RhAPP ACE app.
September 1 · 25 min
RhAPPcast: The True Cost of Gout: Work, Wellness, and Daily Life
In this episode of RhAPPcast, the official podcast of Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers, host Amanda Mixon, president of RhAPP, is joined by RhAPP board member Kyle George to explore The True Cost of Gout: Work, Wellness, and Daily Life. The discussion examines how uncontrolled gout extends beyond painful flares and swollen joints, affecting mobility, employment, productivity, independence, emotional well-being, relationships, family activities, and overall quality of life. Amanda and Kyle also address the often-overlooked burden placed on spouses, family members, and caregivers, along with the broader health concerns associated with hyperuricemia, including chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Clinicians will gain practical insights into gout management, patient education, medication adherence, flare prophylaxis, regular uric acid monitoring, and a treat-to-target approach aimed at maintaining uric acid below 6. The episode highlights the importance of setting clear treatment expectations, reinforcing the care plan at each visit, and helping patients understand that effective long-term gout control can reduce flares and restore daily function. Explore more rheumatology podcasts, clinical education, conference content, and resources through the RhAPP Content Rheum and the RhAPP ACE 2.0 mobile app.
August 27 · 1 min
FAQ: What Are Key Diagnostic Considerations and Limitations of Antibody Testing in IIM?
In this FAQ video module, Jennifer Mylod, nurse practitioner with Arizona Arthritis Rheumatology Associates in Phoenix, Arizona, discusses key diagnostic considerations and limitations of antibody testing in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, including myositis, dermatomyositis, and other inflammatory muscle diseases. While myositis antibody panels can provide valuable information for diagnosis, prognosis, and disease classification, antibody testing has important limitations that clinicians must recognize. A negative myositis panel does not rule out inflammatory myopathy, as some patients may be seronegative, and false-positive results or variability between commercial laboratory assays can complicate interpretation. This educational review emphasizes that antibody results should never be interpreted in isolation, but instead should be evaluated alongside the patient’s clinical presentation, CK levels, MRI findings, EMG results, and muscle or skin biopsy findings. Jennifer also highlights that not all antibody panels include every known myositis-specific or myositis-associated antibody, making clinical judgment essential when evaluating suspected idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. Designed for rheumatology advanced practice providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinicians caring for patients with autoimmune muscle disease, this FAQ provides practical guidance for improving diagnostic accuracy and understanding the role of antibody testing in myositis care. For more rheumatology education and clinical resources, visit RhAPP’s website, the RhAPP content rheum, or the RhAPP ACE app.
August 18 · 7 min
Journal Club Review: Deucravacitinib in Active PsA: 52-Week Efficacy and Safety From POETYK PsA-2
In this RhAPP journal club video module, Danielle Gatti Palumbo, PharmD, reviews the Phase 3 POETYK PsA-2 clinical trial evaluating deucravacitinib in adults with active psoriatic arthritis. Deucravacitinib is an oral, selective tyrosine kinase 2, or TYK2, inhibitor that targets signaling pathways involved in psoriatic arthritis, including interleukin-23 and type I interferons. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the efficacy and safety of deucravacitinib through 52 weeks in patients who were biologic-naive or had previously received conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or TNF inhibitors. This episode reviews the POETYK PsA-2 trial design, patient population, primary and secondary endpoints, and key clinical findings. It examines improvements in ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 responses, as well as skin symptoms, physical function, minimal disease activity, dactylitis, and enthesitis. Danielle also discusses the sustained response observed through week 52, outcomes among patients who crossed over from placebo to deucravacitinib, and the treatment’s safety profile, including common adverse events and findings related to serious infections, malignancy, major cardiovascular events, and venous thromboembolism. Designed for rheumatology advanced practice providers, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians caring for patients with psoriatic arthritis, this journal club highlights the potential role of selective TYK2 inhibition as an oral treatment option across multiple psoriatic arthritis disease domains. For more rheumatology education and clinical resources, visit RhAPP's website, the RhAPP content rheum, or the RhAPP ACE app.
August 13 · 34 min
RhAPPcast: Cracking the Code: A Rheum Derm Neuro Multispecialty Case Approach to Myositis
In this episode of RhAPPcast, the official podcast of Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers, host Amanda Mixon leads a multidisciplinary, case-based discussion titled “Cracking the Code: A Rheum-Derm-Neuro Multispecialty Case Approach to Myositis.” Joined by dermatology clinician Laura Bush and neuromuscular medicine PA Maggie Naclerio, this episode explores the complex and often subtle presentations of myositis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, dermatomyositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, and inclusion body myositis. Through real-world clinical cases, the conversation highlights how patients may first present with skin findings, proximal muscle weakness, falls, elevated CK levels, hoarseness, interstitial lung disease concerns, or atypical symptoms that can delay diagnosis. Listeners will gain practical insight into recognizing key myositis signs such as Gottron’s papules, heliotrope rash, shawl sign, holster sign, nailfold capillary changes, limb-girdle weakness, and functional decline, while also learning how dermatology, rheumatology, neurology, primary care, and pulmonology can collaborate to improve outcomes. The episode also covers important diagnostic tools and clinical pearls, including myositis antibody panels, CK trending, aldolase, ESR, CRP, thyroid testing, EMG, MRI, muscle biopsy, HMGCR antibodies, MDA5-associated disease, malignancy risk, false-positive antibody testing, and the importance of a high-quality physical exam. Designed for rheumatology APPs, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dermatology clinicians, neurology providers, and all healthcare professionals caring for patients with autoimmune muscle disease, this episode emphasizes earlier recognition, better specialty coordination, and individualized treatment strategies for patients living with myositis. Subscribe to RhAPPcast for more rheumatology education, clinical insights, and practical updates from the RhAPP community.
August 12 · 25 min
RhAPPcast: Beyond the Joint: Uncontrolled Gout as a Systemic Disease
In this episode of RhAPPcast, the official podcast of Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers, host Amanda Mixon is joined by RhAPP board member Wendy Simmons to explore uncontrolled gout as a systemic inflammatory disease with effects that extend far beyond acute joint pain. The discussion examines how persistent hyperuricemia can lead to monosodium urate crystal deposition, ongoing inflammation, tophi, bone erosion, cartilage damage, tendon complications, and progressive musculoskeletal impairment. Amanda and Wendy also review the connection between uncontrolled gout and common comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. Listeners will gain practical insights into recognizing silent gout progression, assessing uric acid levels and organ function, identifying patients at risk for long-term systemic complications, and coordinating care across rheumatology, primary care, cardiology, and nephrology. The episode also highlights the importance of regular follow-up, patient education, treat-to-target strategies, and individualized gout management. For more rheumatology podcasts, clinical updates, and educational resources designed for advanced practice providers, visit the RhAPP Content Rheum or access education through the RhAPP ACE mobile app.
August 6 · 6 min
Journal Club Review: TOGETHER-PsA Trial
In this RhAPP journal club video module, Bharati Bhardwaja, PharmD, BCPS, LSSBB, reviews the Phase 3 TOGETHER-PsA clinical trial and its implications for adults with active psoriatic arthritis who are overweight or have obesity. This study is the first randomized trial to evaluate whether adding the dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide to ixekizumab can improve both rheumatologic and metabolic outcomes. This episode reviews how the TOGETHER-PsA trial was conducted, who participated, and the main findings after 36 weeks. It explains how combining ixekizumab with tirzepatide helped more patients achieve meaningful improvement in psoriatic arthritis symptoms while also losing weight, compared with ixekizumab alone. The video also examines improvements in skin symptoms and metabolic health, as well as the most common side effects and overall safety findings. Designed for rheumatology advanced practice providers, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinicians caring for patients with psoriatic arthritis, this journal club highlights the potential benefits of addressing both immune-mediated inflammation and metabolic factors that may contribute to disease activity. For more rheumatology education and clinical resources, visit RhAPP's website, the RhAPP content rheum, or the RhAPP ACE app.
July 28 · 9 min
FAQ: How Do Clinical Manifestations and Histopathologic Features Vary Across Myositis Subtypes?
In this rheumatology FAQ, Audrey Gibson, PA-C, reviews how clinical manifestations and histopathologic features vary across idiopathic inflammatory myopathy subtypes, including dermatomyositis, polymyositis, antisynthetase syndrome, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, and inclusion body myositis. This clinically focused discussion highlights the key differences in muscle weakness patterns, skin findings, interstitial lung disease, malignancy risk, autoantibody associations, and muscle biopsy findings that help guide diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and treatment decisions. Audrey also explores hallmark histopathologic features such as perifascicular atrophy, endomysial inflammation, perimysial pathology, muscle fiber necrosis, rimmed vacuoles, and inclusion bodies. Designed for rheumatology advanced practice providers and clinicians, this FAQ offers practical insights to support earlier recognition, subtype-specific evaluation, multidisciplinary care, and more personalized management of patients with inflammatory myopathies.
July 21 · 5 min
FAQ: What Are the Key Unmet Needs in the Treatment of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies?
In this rheumatology FAQ, host Audrey Gibson, PA-C from the Arthritis Center of North Georgia in Gainesville, Georgia, discusses the key unmet needs in the treatment of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, including myositis, dermatomyositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, and other rare inflammatory muscle diseases. These complex, heterogeneous autoimmune conditions can be difficult to diagnose and manage, often leading to delayed diagnosis, ongoing muscle weakness, disability, treatment toxicity, and gaps in long-term disease control. This episode explores why earlier recognition, better biomarkers, improved risk stratification, standardized treatment algorithms, steroid-sparing therapies, and more targeted treatment options are urgently needed in myositis care. Audrey also reviews how antibody profiles, such as anti-Mi-2, anti-SRP, and anti-MDA5, can influence prognosis and treatment decisions, while highlighting emerging therapeutic approaches including IVIG, rituximab, mycophenolate, JAK inhibitors, FcRn inhibitors, interferon pathway inhibition, and complement-targeted therapies. Designed for rheumatology advanced practice providers and clinicians caring for patients with autoimmune muscle disease, this discussion emphasizes the important role APPs play in identifying subtle disease progression, coordinating multidisciplinary care, monitoring medication toxicity, educating patients, and translating evolving myositis research into practical patient care. For more rheumatology education and clinical resources, visit the RhAPP content rheum, RhAPP ACE app, or RhAPP website.
July 13 · 24 min
RhAPPcast: Switch, Don’t Cycle: Interpreting the SELECT-SWITCH Trial and What It Means for RA Care
Stay up to date with the latest advances in rheumatoid arthritis management in this RhAPPcast Fireside Chat episode focused on the SELECT-SWITCH trial and its implications for clinical practice. Hosted by Amanda Mixon, PA-C, this discussion features expert perspectives from Jeannette Hart, PA-C, and James Levine, DO, as they explore treatment decision-making after TNF inhibitor failure and what the latest evidence means for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Learn why the SELECT-SWITCH trial was designed, how it compares switching to a different mechanism of action versus cycling within the TNF inhibitor class, and what the study revealed about efficacy, remission rates, and low disease activity outcomes. The panel discusses real-world considerations when selecting next-line therapies, including the role of JAK inhibitors such as upadacitinib, patient characteristics that may influence treatment choices, and how current guidelines support switching mechanisms after inadequate TNF inhibitor response. Whether you're a rheumatology provider, advanced practice provider (APP), or healthcare professional managing patients with rheumatoid arthritis, this episode provides practical insights into interpreting clinical trial data, discussing treatment changes with patients, and balancing efficacy and safety when making therapeutic decisions. For more expert-led education, visit the Content Rheum and stay up to date with the latest clinical insights in rheumatologic care.
July 9 · 35 min
RhAPPcast: Treat-to-Target in SLE: DORIS Remission Real in Practice
In this episode of RhAPPcast, the official podcast of Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers, host Amanda Mixon, PA-C, is joined by Heather Finlayson, PA-C, to discuss treat-to-target strategies in lupus management and how DORIS remission can be applied in real-world clinical practice. This conversation explores what successful lupus care looks like beyond flare management, including steroid minimization, low disease activity, shared decision-making, and the use of objective tools such as SLEDAI-2K to monitor disease activity. Listeners will gain practical insights on setting realistic remission goals, reducing long-term prednisone burden, recognizing when to escalate therapy, and helping patients understand that remission in systemic lupus erythematosus means stable disease control on therapy. Designed for rheumatology APPs and clinicians, this episode offers actionable strategies to improve lupus outcomes, support patient-centered care, and bring treat-to-target goals into everyday practice.
July 7 · 31 min
RhAPPcast: Pharmacists in Rheumatology
In this episode of RhAPPcast, the official podcast of the Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers, host Amanda Mixon, PA-C, is joined by rheumatology pharmacist expert Danielle Gatti Palumbo, PharmD, to explore the expanding role of clinical pharmacists in rheumatology care. This conversation highlights how pharmacists are integrated into multidisciplinary teams to support the management of complex rheumatic diseases through medication optimization, side effect management, patient counseling, and improving access to therapies. Listeners will gain practical insights into key areas where pharmacists add value, including navigating complex dosing regimens, managing biologics and biosimilars, monitoring labs and safety parameters, and overcoming insurance and prior authorization barriers. The discussion also emphasizes real-world challenges such as patient adherence, therapy switching, and coordination between providers, pharmacies, and patients. Additionally, this episode underscores the importance of pharmacist-led patient education, shared decision-making, and proactive follow-up to enhance outcomes and reduce gaps in care. Ideal for rheumatology providers, pharmacists, and advanced practice providers, this episode delivers actionable strategies to improve efficiency, safety, and collaboration in clinical practice. For more expert-led rheumatology education, visit the RhAPP Content Rheum and RhAPP ACE app, and subscribe to RhAPPcast for future episodes.

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