Southern Medical Journal CME topic: arthritis.

Need

Arthritis is a common and disabling disease that affects millions of Americans. Osteoarthritis alone affects over 20 million Americans, and is the leading cause of pain and disability in the United States. Fibromyalgia presents as one of the most complex treatment situations encountered by the physician, and juvenile arthritis affects 56 to 113 of every 100,000 children. Laboratory testing for these and other rheumatological diseases often results in perplexing data. Used carefully, laboratory tests can be very specific and allow rapid diagnosis and appropriate management. False-positive tests, however, can lead to inappropriate management and unnecessary concern.

Target Audience

The following CME feature was designed for physicians in all specialties, particularly those in primary care.

Purpose and Objectives

After completing this activity, participants should be better prepared to evaluate and treat patients with arthritis, and be more informed in regards to the various treatment options and management strategies.

Disclosure

Southern Medical Association's policy on disclosure requires authors, at the beginning of this activity, to disclose to the audience: (1) any commercial relationships that may create or may be perceived as creating a potential conflict of interest with the material being presented or discussed; (2) any relationships with products or devices presented or discussed; and (3) whether the presentation includes a discussion of a commercial product with an unlabeled use or an investigational use not yet approved. Disclosures will be noted at the beginning of each article. This disclosure does not reflect on the quality of the activity, but allows participants to make informed judgments regarding content.

Accreditation/Credit Designation

The Southern Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians. This CME activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Essentials for Enduring Materials. The Southern Medical Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity.

Method of Participation

Participants read the entire CME feature and review illustrations, charts, bibliographies or other supplemental materials associated with the feature. A self-assessment test follows at the end of this feature that allows participants to test themselves on the knowledge obtained from the activity. Participants document their completion of this activity by submitting the CME credit form located at the end of the feature. Participants are also asked to evaluate the activity, to note specific outcomes to their practice as a result of their participation, and list other topics to be addressed in future CME features on the CME credit form.

CME Credit Instructions

Participants may request CME credit for completion of this activity by completing and submitting the CME Credit form by mail, or electronically via SMA's website at www.sma.org. A nominal fee is required to receive credit for this activity. A CME certificate will be mailed within two weeks of receipt of the CME credit form at the SMA headquarters office.

Date of Original Release: February 1, 2005

Term of Approval: 1 Year * Credit Expires: February 1, 2006

Estimated Time for Completion: 2 Hours

Credit Designation: 2 AMA PRA category 1 credits