Updated projections suggest that arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitation will remain large and growing problems for clinical and public health systems, which must plan and create policies and resources to address these future needs. By 2040, the number of U.S. adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis is projected to increase 49% to 78.4 million. Can the healthcare system accommodate these projected increases? Not without changes. By 2025, the expected demand for rheumatologists is expected to exceed supply by 2,576 adult and 33 pediatric rheumatologists…
Implementing Successful Care Management Programs for High-Cost Patients
As healthcare delivery increasingly moves from volume-based care to value-based care, providers are needing to adopt new practices to meet what is now commonly referred to as the triple aim of healthcare delivery—improving the patient experience of care (which includes satisfaction and quality), improving the health of populations and reducing cost.1 Among the most difficult…
Hospital for Special Surgery Focuses on Measuring, Adding Value
Value is the ratio of quality to cost. The delivery and measurement of healthcare quality, however, is complex. “We first need to understand and define the health outcomes that are important to patients. Then we need to put into place care pathways that will lead to those outcomes, and finally we need mechanisms to measure…
Opinion: Rheumatologists Cautioned Against Wasteful Testing to Find Rare Diseases
What rheumatologist doesn’t love the good old zebra hunt? You know—the pursuit of diagnosing the extraordinarily rare disease purely through pluck and wits. The zebra hunt is almost a tradition, a perennial topic of polite, but subtly boastful, conversation among peers and the subject of numerous career-building case reports. The hunt also happens to be…
The ACR’s Current Healthcare Policy Priorities
The ACR advocates on behalf of rheumatologists, rheumatology health professionals and the rheumatology community through involvement in federal and state legislation and regulatory action, participation in hearings and education of lawmakers on issues important to rheumatologists, health professionals and patients. Through robust federal and state advocacy programs, the ACR engages lawmakers and informs them of…
The ACR’s Legislative Action Center Ensures Rheumatology’s Voice Is Heard in Washington
It’s easier than ever to become a part of advocacy efforts at the federal and state levels. Visit the ACR’s new Legislative Action Center to send a personalized message to your lawmakers, asking them to give patients access to treatments, to provide funding for biomedical research and to prevent insurer practices from interfering with treatment…
Pros, Cons of Provider-Based Conversions
When the local hospital approaches you about selling your practice and converting it to a provider-based outpatient department, you may want to hear them out. There are many benefits to becoming a department of the hospital, but what would it mean for you and the practice you worked tirelessly to build? What Does It Mean…
What the Healthcare System Can Learn from the World of Bees
Bees’ natural instinct to promote health of whole colony could inspire healthcare professionals to work together toward common good
Rheumatologists May Not Benefit from Hike in Healthcare Spending
Experts predict specialists treating chronic conditions may become cost-cutting targets
Global Perspectives on Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Addressed at the 2013 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting
Poverty, poor access to healthcare, cultural myths present challenges for rheumatologists caring for patients with RA in developing economic regions