Risk is involved with becoming a partner in private practice. Big events, such as a fire, a hack into the electronic medical records system and other unforeseen circumstances, can affect the practice. Reimbursement changes are also a continuous threat to revenue.
“Learning what those risks are [is important], and if you are with other like-minded rheumatologists, you learn how to mitigate those risks,” he said.
Daily Life in a Community Practice
When he was building his practice, Dr. Abraham initially saw about 18–20 patients per day. That’s now down to 15–16 patients a day, which includes three new patients daily. This workload is in addition to administrative tasks and shifting some work to his medical assistant.
“At this point in my life and my career, I can handle that, and I can spend that much more time with the patient,” he said.
On occasions when Dr. Abraham has to pick up a daughter who is sick, that is possible to do within his current work setting. “The scheduling flexibility that we have is amazing because I know the numbers. If I need to take care of my wife for something or go to a medical appointment, I can do it and it’s not a big deal,” he said.
Although the practice initially covered a hospital when he first joined, that no longer happens due to the associated scheduling challenges.
For vacations, having the backup of seven other rheumatologists, as well as one mid-level practitioner, enables Dr. Abraham and colleagues to actually take that time off.
Professional Goals
Dr. Abraham encourages rheumatologists deciding what type of practice setting works best for them to be loyal to themselves and their professional goals and desires.
“I hope doctors can think of themselves not only as physicians, but [also] as folks who [bring] value to where we are. That value is not only providing excellent medical care, which is an honor, but that value is also a business value and a financial value,” he said.
To better understand community practice rheumatology, Dr. Abraham recommends the ACR’s Community Practice Council (CPC) as a good resource. He is a member of the CPC. Contact the council via email at [email protected].
Editor’s note: Learn more about community practice.
Vanessa Caceres is a medical writer in Bradenton, Fla.
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