Dr. Worthing went on to describe the economic toll of these diseases, noting that the CDC estimates rheumatic diseases contribute $128 billion in health costs annually, including $80 billion in annual medical expenditures and $47 billion from indirect costs, such as lost earnings.
“On a more personal level, many of our patients—even those with decent health insurance—have a very difficult time getting affordable care and treatments,” Dr. Worthing said.
“Expensive copays for specialty therapies and frustrating insurance requirements make it hard for many arthritis patients to access timely and effective healthcare. We’re also facing a growing workforce shortage in the rheumatology specialty as many practicing rheumatologists are approaching retirement age and there aren’t enough new doctors completing fellowships in rheumatology to meet the steadily increasing number of arthritis patients in the U.S.,” he said.
“But there is good news,” continued Dr. Worthing. “Early intervention by a trained rheumatologist can greatly improve our patients’ quality of life and significantly reduce long-term costs by helping patients effectively manage pain, slow disease progression and avoid long-term disability.”
“We also have remarkable drugs at our disposal, called biologic therapies. Just a few decades ago, these drugs would have seemed like science fiction. With access to care and treatments like these, many people living with arthritis can lead full and productive lives.”
“But we cannot do it alone,” Dr. Worthing concluded. “We need policies that support a thriving rheumatology workforce, help our patients access the care and treatments they need and that, ultimately, help reduce long-term health costs.”
Impact on the Military
Dr. Edgerton spoke next, discussing the need for a standalone arthritis medical research program within the Department of Defense.
“Arthritis is the leading disease-related cause of discharge from the U.S. Army—second only to injury—and it is a huge cost to the Department of Defense, with very little research looking at ways to prevent it,” Dr. Edgerton began.
Many soldiers are “operating at the level of professional athletes,” Dr. Edgerton explained, which means these service members are especially prone to high-impact injuries that can lead to arthritis. “Imagine carrying more than 100 lbs. of weapons and gear and then jumping into a ditch,” he said. “Maybe something doesn’t feel right, but you grin and bear it and press on. Fifteen to 20 years down the road, you’re looking at a knee replacement at the age of 40.”
Dr. Edgerton stressed that research and prevention efforts within the military system are key to avoid the costly and life-changing injuries that often lead to post-traumatic arthritis. He described the success of a DoD-funded injury prevention lab at Fort Campbell, on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, which integrated physical therapy into basic training programs to give soldiers tools to prevent injury. “That program was highly effective, because there was buy-in from within,” Dr. Edgerton explained.
