Conferences & Events

Advanced Practitioner Provider Program – Registration is OPEN!

Saturday, September 30, 2023 | 8:00am – 4:45pm

JW Marriott LA Live: 900 W. Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA

You’re invited to attend our upcoming CRA Advanced Practitioner Provider Educational Program on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the prestigious JW Marriott LA Live in Downtown Los Angeles.

This educational program is specifically designed for rheumatology advanced practitioners and aims to provide them with the latest insights, developments, and best practices in the field.

CME Consultants designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

ABIM MOC Recognition Statement Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 5.75 Medical Knowledge MOC points

Click on the links below to view the brochure, register, and reserve your hotel accommodations.

Register for the APP program
View the agenda and faculty
Hotel Reservations limited to registered program attendees only

Breakfast + Lunch Programs

EXHIBITORS:

Thank you for your interest in exhibiting at our upcoming APP program! Please download the forms below and send back to secure your booth. Forms may be emailed to info@calrheum.org. If you have any questions, contact CRA Executive Director, Shanna Castro via email at info@calrheum.org or call (310) 536-0460.

CRA WEBINAR: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 2023

Join us for an interactive, web-based meeting to learn about how legislation introduced in California this year will impact your patients and practice.

You will have time to ask questions afterwards. If you miss the live webinar, you can view a recording at your convenience (it will be uploaded to the Members Only section on the CRA website)

CRA Partner: Cleveland Clinic Biologic Therapies Summit X and Vasculitis 2023

Registration is now live for Biologic Therapies Summit X & Vasculitis 2023 – Advances in Immune Based Therapies:  Balancing risks and benefits across the rheumatic diseases.

The course will be held in-person in Cleveland, OH, and live stream on May 11-13, 2023.

Full details available at www.ccfcme.org/Biologic23.

The CRA has partnered with Cleveland Clinic to offer discounted registration for all in-person attendees to all current dues paying CRA members. Please contact our office for the promo code.

If you have any questions or if any of your members have difficulty registering, please contact Samantha Pringle or contact the Cleveland Clinic Continuing Education office at 216-470-7363

2023 CRA 19th Annual Meeting at the Carl Pearson Symposium: April 28-29, 2023

We invite you all to join us at the upcoming CRA 19th Annual Meeting, taking place in 2 weeks at the Marina del Rey Marriott in Marina del Rey, CA on April 28 – 29, 2023. Our Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with the UCLA Carl Pearson Symposium. As always, this event promises to be informative, engaging, and a great opportunity for networking.

This year, we are particularly thrilled to have Dr. Gary Feldman speaking on Friday to discuss “The Present and Future Environment of Rheumatology,” sharing his insights and predictions on where our field is headed. We are also honored to welcome Dr. Diana Girnita on Saturday, as she shares her experiences as a traveling rheumatologist.

we invite you to join us for the honorary luncheon on Saturday, April 29th, from 1pm – 3pm as we recognize Dr. Daniel Wallace with the CRA lifetime achievement award. Dr. Wallace’s contributions to our field have been immeasurable, and we look forward to recognizing his achievements together.

In addition to the exhibits and scientific sessions, we are excited to announce Dr. Daniel Wallace as this year’s CRA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient! Please join us for an honorary luncheon on Saturday, April 29th, from 1pm – 3pm in the Bayview Ballroom on the top floor of the Marriott. Dr. Wallace’s contributions to our field have been immeasurable, and we look forward to recognizing his achievements together.

HOTEL ROOM BLOCK HAS BEEN FULFILLED

19TH ANNUAL MEETING REGISTRATION LINK

Practice Manager Meeting

REGISTER FOR THE CRA PRACTICE MANAGER MEETING

Practice management is more than just juggling appointments, scheduling and coding. Your practice manager plays a vital role in keeping your business running efficiently. Professional medical offices are complex, but with proper training and support, your practice’s team can streamline operations so that the focus stays on patient care. We encourage you to invite your manager and support staff to our upcoming manager meeting on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Marina del Rey Marriott in the Venice/Peninsula rooms.

Any questions, please reach out to Renee Williams via email at arthmed@aol.com. To register for the Practice Manager meeting, click the “Register” button!

2022 CRA Honorary Luncheon celebrating Dr. Michael Stevens

May 14, 2022 at the Marriott Marquis San Francisco

Last month, we were thrilled to be able to hold our 18th Annual Medical & Scientific Meeting both in-person and virtually at the Marriott Marquis San Francisco hotel. During the course of the meeting, we had the privilege of honoring Dr. Michael Stevens at our Honorary Luncheon. Dr. Stevens was selected to receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the speakers who shared their memories and personal stories really provided fun insight into Dr. Stevens’s life and career. It was a wonderful afternoon celebrating the founder of the California Rheumatology Alliance! Watch the slideshow below for photos from the event!

CRA 18th Annual Meeting Registration NOW OPEN! Reserve your seat today!

The 18th Annual Meeting is fast approaching and we’re excited to welcome you to San Francisco, CA May 14-15, 2022! Back to in-person meetings? Yes! We have been looking forward to this for a while and can’t wait to see you all again! Looking forward to more opportunities to mingle with your colleagues and learn from our faculty.

Our program offers 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 4.0 MOC points. The education provided at this meeting will help you to keep pace with the changing healthcare environment while improving the care you provide to your patients.

HOTELS: The CRA Room Block has been fulfilled. The Marriott Marquis SF is fully booked/sold out of rooms for the duration of the meeting. Please see below for recommendations on nearby hotels:


CRA Lifetime Achievement Award Luncheon

We will be having an Honorary Luncheon on Saturday, May 14, at 1:00 PM celebrating the Lifetime Achievements of CRA Founder, Dr. Michael Stevens. This event is included in your registration fee and we hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship.


Saturday, May 14, 2022 Dinner Program

Also included in your registration is the option to attend our Saturday evening dinner program sponsored by UCB titled,

” nr-axSpA: Underrecognized, Underdiagnosed, and Undertreated”

Speaker: Robin K. Dore, MD

Location: China Live – 644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133

Please click here to view the invitation flyer. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Hilary Sellars.


EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

Please submit this form via email to info@calrheum.org if you are interested in exhibiting at the upcoming meeting. Please include exhibitor names on the form. Exhibitor package comes with (2) exhibitor badges with access to the Exhibit Floor only. Only (2) exhibitors per company are allowed on the floor at any given time.

Please download the Exhibitor Packet for installation/display information/shipping details.

If your booth requires external power, please reach out to Edlen through this link: ordering.edlen.com

2021 CRA Honorary Luncheon celebrating Dr. Daniel Furst

October 8, 2021 at the Marina del Rey Marriott

Finally, after a year and a half of cancelled and attending meetings virtually, we were able to safely and successfully hold our 17th Annual Medical & Scientific Meeting during UCLA’s 38th Annual Carl M. Pearson Symposium in Marina del Rey, CA at the Marina del Rey Marriott. The meeting was well attended and the talks were timely and informative. However, one of the major highlights of the weekend was our Honorary Luncheon where we celebrated and awarded our 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Daniel Furst. Family, friends and colleagues gathered together, both in-person and virtually, to share their memories of working with him and how he’s positively influenced and impacted their lives and careers.

If you were unable to attend, please click the video below and comment if you would like to share any well wishes or stories for Dr. Furst!

Photo Gallery

Images by Shanna Castro Photography

**POSTPONED**

CRA Webinar: Review of Upadacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis

This webinar has been postponed to a later date TBD. Stay tuned!

2021 CRA 17th Annual Meeting during the 38th Annual UCLA Carl Pearson Symposium

Please save the date for our upcoming annual meeting taking place October 8 – 10, 2021 at the Marina del Rey Marriott in Marina del Rey, CA! This will be an in-person meeting with limited seating to ensure proper social distancing.

Click here for meeting info, to view the brochure and register for the meeting.

Click here to register for the meeting.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT + HONORARY LUNCHEON

We invite all registered attendees for the CRA/UCLA Carl Pearson Symposium to join us in honoring Dr. Daniel E. Furst and celebrating all his achievements throughout his career and his contribution to rheumatology!

If you are unable to attend in person, please click here to register to attend virtually via Zoom!

COVID-19 Federal Program Webinar for Rheumatologists

Medicare and the Rheumatologist Webinar
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
5:00 p.m. PST

Have questions about how changes to federal programs in response to COVID-19 impact rheumatologists and their practices?

Have them answered by Noridan Medical Director, Dr. Arthur Lurvey during the Medicare and the Rheumatologist Webinar. This webinar will keep you in the know on a rapidly changing policy environment as policymakers grapple with how to respond to the cascading side effects of large scale social distancing. Dr. Lurvey will also touch on what to look for in the future, helping you prepare your practice for changes on the horizon.

This webinar is being offered free to any practicing rheumatologist. Please forward this invitation to any colleague that is interested in this information.

Topics covered will include:

  • Accelerated & Advanced Payment Programs under the CARES Act 
  • MIPS & QPP during COVID-19
  • Physician support programs & emergency waivers 
  • Telemedicine changes 
  • E & M changes 
  • Documentation simplification & medical records. 
  • Q & A

REGISTER NOW!

Arthur N. Lurvey, MD, FACP, FACE

Arthur Lurvey is a board certified internist and endocrinologist, and a Medicare Contractor Medical Director for 21 years, currently for Noridian Healthcare Solutions as the Medicare Contractor in Jurisdiction JE. He was in clinical practice for over 35 years. Dr. Lurvey received his MD degree from the University of Illinois, and had his post doctorate and fellowship training at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. He is a delegate to both the California Medical Association and the American Medical Association.

CRA Advocacy Summit

May 20, 2019
Sacramento, CA

On May 20, 2019, the Arthritis Foundation, California Rheumatology Alliance and the National Psoriasis Foundation joined together for the 2019 Advocacy Summit in Sacramento, CA. Our focus was to educate and bring awareness to legislators about utilization management and the impact it has on how patients receive treatment. Check out the video below for a fun recap of the day and we hope to see you next year!

15TH ANNUAL CRA MEETING at the UCLA CARL PEARSON SYMPOSIUM + PRACTICE MANAGER MEETING

April 12-14, 2019
Marina del Rey Marriott in Marina del Rey, CA

The CRA is thrilled and proud to have successfully completed the 15th Annual Meeting in April. What an amazing symposium for leaders in healthcare, educators and supporters to join together! 

We were especially excited to honor this year’s CRA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Dr. James S. Louie, for his dedication to rheumatology during the Honorary Luncheon on Saturday, April 13, 2019. 

CRA/BEVRA H. HAHN FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP

We were very pleased to award Dr. Gloria Yiu the 2019 CRA/Bevra Hahn Fellows Scholarship. Congratulations!

CRA BOARD RETIREMENT

As we approach the end of the CRA Board of Directors term, we were able to say “Thank you!” to CRA President, Dr. Robin Dore and Member-at-Large, Dr. Ara Dikranian for their dedication to the board + the organization in supporting our mission statement. 

Thank you all for making this meeting another one to remember! We’ll see you next year!

CRA Webinar: Step-Therapy Update with the DMHC

Tuesday, November 27, 2018
5pm – 6pm PST

You’re invited to join us for a 1-hour webinar as Mary Watanabe, DMHC Deputy Director, Health Policy discusses the step therapy process and how legislation has affected the current process. There will be an opportunity to share your experiences regarding the step therapy process as well as Q&A.

CRA at ACR 2018

Chicago, IL

Monday, October 22, 2018
12:30pm – 2:30pm
Marriott Marquis Chicago 

We invite you to join us for a free luncheon on Monday, October 22nd as we discuss updates to federal/DC policy as well as California legislation and how it can impact your practice and patients!

2018 CRA Annual Meeting

San Francisco, CA
May 5-6, 2018
Hotel Nikko San Francisco

EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES2018 CRA Corporate Membership Prospectus
Diamond/Platinum memberships receive: Double booths (two 6′ tables) in a preferred position for tabletop display Gold/Silver/Bronze memberships receive: Single booth (one 6′ table) for tabletop display.


SPONSORED MEALS:

SATURDAY, MAY 5TH: 

Honorary Luncheon – You’re invited to join us as we celebrate Neal S. Birnbaum, MD for his achievements and dedication to rheumatology as he receives the CRA Lifetime Achievement Award!

Dinner Program: We invite you to attend a General Attendee Dinner titled “Addressing the Unique Considerations of Women with Autoimmune Diseases” presented by Dr. Gordon Lam/Director of Research with the Carolinas Healthcare System. The presentation will be held at:

China Live
644 Broadway
San Francisco, CA

View dinner invitation: UCB Wellness 4 U Womens Health Invite 5-5-18.pdf

This dinner is sponsored by UCB, Inc.
 

SUNDAY MAY 6TH: 

Luncheon – You’re invited to attend a free luncheon hosted by United Rheumatology more about their services available to rheumatologists throughout the country and how they can help support and sustain your practice. Registration begins at 1pm with lunch promptly at 1:30pm. RSVP today! Seating is limited. 

View Flyer: United Rheumatology Luncheon Flyer 5-6-18.pdf

2017 CRA at ACR

Monday, November 6, 2017 at 2pm
Room: Aqua 300 the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel

2017 CRA 13th Annual Meeting at the 35th Carl Pearson Symposium

April 7-9, 2017
Marina del Rey, CA

Out 13th Annual Meeting was at the Carl Pearson Meeting on April 7-9th, 2017 at the Marina del Rey Marriott! 

This year, the CRA honored both Dr.Peng Fan and Dr. Rodanthi Kitridou with a Lifetime Achievement Award celebrating all their dedication + achievements in rheumatology! 

CRA at ACR 2016

“Federal Legislative/DC Update: An update on CMS regulations: MACRA Final Rule, 2017 PFS Final Rule, Part B Demo Update””

We invite you to join us for a luncheon titled, “Federal Legislative/DC Update: An update on CMS regulations: MACRA Final Rule, 2017 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule and Medicare Part B” to learn how these will impact your practice and how you see patients. 

Sunday, November 13, 2016
12:30pm – 2:30pm
Marriott Marquis Hotel, Washington DC
Archives Room

Speakers:

Legislative Update: Brian Burns/ Executive Director, Medicine, Federal Affairs, Janssen Pharmaceuticals &Mark Reese/Executive Director Federal Affairs, Janssen Pharmaceuticals

MACRA Speaker: Jacqueline Roche/ Director of Coverage and Reimbursement, Janssen Pharmaceuticals

2016 ANNUAL MEETING

May 21 – 22, 2016
Hotel Nikko San Francisco

CRA and UCSF partnered to bring you the 12th Annual Medical & Scientific Meeting on May 21 – 22, 2016, at the Hotel Nikko San Francisco.

As a friendly reminder, please click on the link below to complete your course survey and claim your CME certificate:

COURSE EVALUATION

Once you complete the survey, you will have the opportunity to claim your credits and print or email a copy of your certificate.  Please complete this evaluation within 30 days of the conference.

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Meeting Highlights:

Thanks to the enthusiasm of our attendees, the participation of our esteemed faculty, generosity of our sponsors and support of our staff, the CRA 12th Annual Meeting was another successful event!

CRA/Bevra H. Hahn Fellow Scholarship

We are pleased to announce the 2016 – 2017 CRA/Bevra H. Hahn grant recipient is Matthew Baker, MD from Stanford University. Congratulations Dr. Baker!

CRA Lifetime Acheivement Award Ceremony

Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues , we were honored to celebrate Lester D. Miller, MD for his achievements, dedication and contributions to rheumatology at an honorary luncheon on Saturday, May 21st. 

CRA Board of Directors

The CRA has been privileged to have a Board of Directors to guide our organization to success from the very beginning. This year, we celebrated and thanked the following board members who stepped down this year:

  • Martin Berry, MD
  • Gary Feldman, MD – President
  • Mark Genovese, MD
  • James Jenkins, PhD, MPH – Vice President
  • Roy Kaplan, MD – Secretary/Treasurer
  • Niall Roche, MD
  • Michael Stevens, MD – Past President

California Advocacy Summit

April 3 – 4, 2016
Hyatt Regency Sacramento
1209 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

California Rheumatology Alliance and the Arthritis Foundation attendees met with California legislators to advocate for issues affecting patient access to care and treatment.

2015 Fellows Exchange

In November of 2015, CRA co-hosted a Fellows Exchange event along with the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations.  Fellows from across the country came to meet with physicians and recruiters from independant practices, multispecialty groups, academic institutions, and hospital systems.

ICD-10 Courses

  • July 17 & 18, 2015 Hilton Los Angeles Airport
  • August 7 & 8, 2015 Hotel Nikko San Francisco

The California Rheumatology Alliance (CRA) partnered with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to provide 1-day Bootcamps to educate and prepare CRA members for the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10. The training seminars tought coding professionals how to become proficient in the ICD-10 coding system.

Objectives included:

  • Evaluate, revise and focus physician educational efforts and queries to meet documentation requirements for ICD-10-CM
  • Recognize how ICD-10-CM documentation requirements will affect principal diagnosis selection, additional diagnosis reporting, and diagnosis sequencing
  • Identify solutions that will maximize efficiency and limit productivity losses during and after the transition

CRA members benefited from discounted registration.

10th Annual Medical & Scientific Meeting

Hotel Nikko San Francisco

The California Rheumatology Alliance’s 10th Annual Meeting was held at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco, California, May 17 – 18, 2014.

In addition, rheumatology practice managers attended a practice managers’ meeting held in conjunction with the CRA 10th Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Hotel Nikko.

9th Annual Medical & Scientific Meeting

May 18 – 19, 2013
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

The California Rheumatology Alliance’s 9th Annual Medical and Scientific Meeting was held at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, California, May 18 – 19, 2013.

CRA partnered with the National Organization of Rheumatology Managers (NORM) to create a meeting for rheumatology practice managers held in conjunction with the CRA 9th Annual Meeting.

8th Annual Medical & Scientific Meeting

May 19 – 20, 2012
Omni Hotel San Francisco

The California Rheumatology Alliance’s 8th Annual Medical and Scientific Meeting was held at the Omni Hotel in San Francisco, May 19 – 20, 2012.

Fellows participated in a workshop, while practice managers attended a breakout session jointly sponsored by NORM.

7th Annual Medical & Scientific Meeting

May 21 – 22, 2011
Omni Hotel Los Angeles at California Plaza

The California Rheumatology Alliance’s 7th Annual Medical and Scientific was held Meeting May 21 – 22, 2011 at the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The course featured a wide range of interesting and timely topics from national thought leaders in rheumatology.  New this year were additional talks on issues affecting community practice (such as defining “meaningful use” of EHR and Accountable Care Organizations), a payer roundtable and a hands-on workshop on musculoskeletal ultrasound.

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