It’s time to head back to the Bay Area for our upcoming 18th Annual Meeting in May! We’re looking forward to seeing you both in-person and virtually as we’ll be offering a hybrid experience for this year’s meeting. Check back and bookmark this page for more information as we’ll be updating details as they’re released.
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
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 6pm PT
This webinar has been postponed to a later date TBD. Stay tuned!
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.
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!
POSTPONED TO: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 AT 6PM
We invite you to RSVP for our upcoming CRA webinar titled “A COVID-19 Vaccine Conversation” presented by Michael Dutro, PharmD/Pfizer where we’ll discuss any updates to the Pfizer vaccine and how to encourage and build your patients’ confidence in getting vaccinated to protect themselves from COVID-19. Q&A will follow.
We invite you to join us for a 1-hour webinar presented by Dr. Leonard Calabrese where he will discuss the role of IL-6 in RA, chronic low grade inflammation and the epidemic of non-communicable disease and Cytokine Release Syndrome.
Join us for a 1-hour webinar as Drs. Leonard and Cassandra Calabrese discuss how COVID19 has impacted immunology/rheumatology and how we’ll need to adapt to properly treat our patients safely.
Registration is free for all 2020 current dues paying CRA members! Click the button below to Register Now!
You’re invited to join us for a 1-hour webinar as Dr. Vaneet Sandhu discuss COVID19 and her findings in treating COVID positive patients. There will be an opportunity to share your experiences regarding the step therapy process as well as Q&A.
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:
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.
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!
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!
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.
Chicago, IL
Monday, October 22, 2018
12:30pm – 2:30pm
Marriott Marquis Chicago
San Francisco, CA
May 5-6, 2018
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES: 2018 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.
Sacramento, CA
April 16, 2018
Monday, November 6, 2017 at 2pm
Room: Aqua 300 the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel
May 8, 2017
Sacramento, CA
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!
“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
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:
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:
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.
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.
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:
CRA members benefited from discounted registration.
April 10 – 12, 2015
Marina del Rey Marriott
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.
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.
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.
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.