RhAPPcast: Navigating Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Approaches, Advances, Impact, and Insights

Welcome to RhAPPcast, the official podcast for Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP). In this episode, Amanda Mixon, PA-C, RhAPP President, sits down with Wendy Simmons, PA-C, to explore the evolving landscape of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment and the journey toward sustained remission.

Achieving remission in RA requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating clinical assessment tools such as tender and swollen joint counts, patient-reported outcomes, and inflammatory markers like CRP. The evolution of RA therapies—from early disease-modifying agents like gold injections to today’s biologics and JAK inhibitors—has dramatically reshaped patient outcomes.

This episode delves into the latest advancements in RA treatment, highlighting the importance of early aggressive intervention, treat-to-target strategies, and personalized medicine. It also examines the barriers to remission, including treatment adherence, insurance limitations, and patient misconceptions.

For APPs, optimizing RA management involves frequent follow-ups, shared decision-making, and comprehensive patient education. With the right strategies, remission is now a realistic and achievable goal rather than an exception.

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