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Fifty-three percent of readers responding are experiencing managed care mandates in their states that put limits on the duration and reimbursement of and increase co-pays for immunotherapy.

ACAAI Annual Meeting a Vade Mecum for the allergist
The 63rd ACAAI Annual Meeting is Nov. 4-9, 2005, at the Anaheim Convention Center and the Hilton Anaheim Hotel, in Anaheim, Calif.

“The theme of the meeting is Vade Mecum,” said Program Chair William K. Dolen, M.D. “This Latin phrase has a dual meaning. Its literal translation means ‘Go with me,’ and is a reference to the College motto – ‘Follow the Leader into the Future.’ A Vade Mecum also is a book that functions as a concise source of practical information and guidance. It’s a manual, a handbook, a constant and invaluable companion.

“A Vade Mecum is something that you would take with you everywhere you go. What phrase better describes the College and its devotion to the interests of its members, most of whom are practicing allergists?” Dr. Dolen asked.

A state-of-the-art Rhinosinusitis Collegium will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3, jointly sponsored by the European Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (EAACI). This intensive, full-day program is designed especially for clinicians. Divided into four parts, it will cover: 1) Defining rhinosinusitis 2) Clinical nuances including its relationship with IgE mediated allergy, nasal polyposis and the asthma-aspirin connection 3) Allergic fungal sinusitis, and 4) Controversies in management, encompassing the role of endoscopic sinus surgery, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapies and a pragmatic approach to recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis.

“Included in our meeting are plenary sessions that address daily concerns of practicing allergists. These topics include evolving concepts in allergen immunotherapy, eosinophilic disorders, skin and mucosal diseases, immunodeficiency in the office and socioeconomic issues. Sharks will again be circling at the return of the Asthma Raft Debate – as the audience determines who makes the best case on how to follow a patient with asthma,” Dr. Dolen said.

A dynamic curriculum of symposia, developed by Daniel Ein, M.D., and his committee, will present the latest developments and state-of-the art methods of diagnosis and treatment. Topics of interest include findings on asthma in women and other subpopulations; allergic rhinitis with nonallergic triggers; and the emerging science of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway.

The meeting will conclude with an intense half-day collegium on the most clinically challenging aspects of fungal allergy and the toxic mold controversy.

Save the dates for the allergy-immunology Vade Mecum including the Rhinosinusitis Collegium on Nov. 3, and the ACAAI Annual Meeting, Nov. 4-9. Look for more details in ACAAI eNews and ACAAI News.

In Memoriam: Dr. Claude A. Frazier
Claude A. Frazier, M.D., Asheville, N.C., ACAAI Fellow since 1951, died March 4, 2005, after a brief illness.

Dr. Frazier practiced medicine in Asheville for 50 years, serving on the staff of both St. Joseph Hospital and Memorial Mission Hospital. He was past editor of the Allergy Section of the Southern Medical Association, and he served on several committees for both the College and the Academy.

His work in the field of allergy is well-known nationwide. His own personal crusade, waged through his writings and public appearances, led the American Medical Association to draft a model bill to allow trained laymen, such as teachers, forest rangers and emergency personnel, to administer epinephrine injections to anyone suffering from an allergic reaction to an insect sting. Over half of the states passed the legislation, saving the lives of many people.

Allergy Practice Tip: Refill Reflex
Advice from The Patient-Centered Allergy Practice
Phones ringing off the hook? Cut call traffic by proactively addressing prescription refills during patient appointments. Typically, up to 40 percent of the calls you get about refills are from patients you saw in the office in the past week. Take care of it during the visit to save them – and you – a call. For more advice on phone management in the allergy practice, visit www.PatientCenteredAllergyPractice.com.

These tips are drawn The Patient-Centered Allergy Practice, a CME Series in Practice Management, supported through an educational grant from sanofi-aventis Group and endorsed by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Did you vote in the eNews poll? Your vote matters!
Opinion polls conducted on the ACAAI eNews provide insight into the thinking and practices of College members. Poll results give members an opportunity to influence ACAAI actions, and help leadership make decisions on important issues.

Your vote and your comments are important. Be candid. Tell us what you think.

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