JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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In 2005, the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) introduced a quality measure to assess the receipt of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ Among Medicare managed care enrollees carrying a diagnosis of RA between 2005 and 2008, 63% received a DMARD. Receipt of DMARDs varied based on demographic factors, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and health plan.