Conclusion
Dr. Bill Arnold observed, “The problems rheumatologists face are ours to solve because how we deliver care is the primary problem.”
These problems can be solved if, and only if, we improve our productivity by providing care for many more patients per physician, on time and at a lower per patient cost. The RAPP project documents that this is realistic—and our only realistic solution. We can make this happen.
The affiliations of Drs. Erin and William Arnold, Gary Crump and David Sikes are within the article. Andrew Johnson is the principal of PopMed Solutions LLC, Washington, D.C., and Dr. Timothy Harrington was the principal of Harrington Consulting LLC, prior to his death in June 2020.
Editor’s note: See p. 21 in this issue for Dr. Harrington’s obituary.
References
- American College of Rheumatology. Position statement. Access to care. 2019 Sep.
- Deal CL, Hooker R, Harrington T, et al. The United States rheumatology workforce: Supply and demand, 2005–2025. Arthritis Rheum. 2007 Mar;56(3):722–729.
- Academy for Academic Leadership. 2015 Workforce Study of Rheumatology Specialists in the United States. Atlanta. 2016.
- Arnold E, Arnold W, Conaway D, et al. Rheumatoid Arthritis Practice Performance project spots problems in RA management. The Rheumatologist. 2015 Jun;9(6):44–46.
- Harrington T, Arnold E, Arnold W, et al. Help wanted: The rheumatology workforce shortage revisited. The Rheumatologist. 2016 May;10(5):38–39,53.
- Harrington T, Johnson A. Great Health Care Value: Chronic Diseases, Practice Teams, and Population Management. Madison, Wis.: Self-published, 2019.
- Great Health Care: Making It Happen. JT Harrington JT, Newman ED (eds.). New York: Springer, 2011.
