Business of Rheumatology Sessions Answer Common Questions about Clinic Operations

The business side of caring for rheumatology patients is well-represented in the ACR Convergence 2023 program.

“There are sessions on understanding salary models, contract negotiations, and promotion. These are major points of interest for anyone who has or is currently looking for a position. Understanding these concepts is very important and applies to a broad spectrum of attendees,” said Roneka Ravenell, MD, Chair of the Business of Rheumatology Team for the Annual Meeting Planning Committee (AMPC) and a practicing rheumatologist at Lake Cumberland Rheumatology.

She said the Sunday, Nov. 12, session Making the Clinic a One-Stop Shop: In-Office Dispensing, beginning at 11 a.m. PT in Room 30D-E of the San Diego Convention Center, will address an increasingly popular topic.

“In-office dispensing and medically integrated dispensing are examples of ancillary services. However, they may also provide patients with easier access to their medications. While initially modeled in academic settings, it has become of great interest in other clinical settings, particularly independent practice,” Dr. Ravenell explained. “This session features a clinical pharmacist, two rheumatologists, and a practice administrator who will describe both models and discuss their experience integrating them into their clinics.”

The Tuesday, Nov. 14, session Practice Basics: Setting Up Your Private Practice addresses common questions rheumatology providers have about establishing an independent practice. It will begin at 12 p.m. in Room 26A-B and feature speakers who will share the knowledge they have gained from opening and managing a private practice.

“The great majority of rheumatologists graduating fellowship do not enter academia. They enter community practices working at healthcare organizations or private practice. During fellowship training, the focus is on clinical training. While rheumatologists are equipped with the necessary clinical knowledge, there are often limited resources available to help navigate the business aspect of healthcare.” Dr. Ravenell noted.

Additional business of rheumatology sessions

Sunday, Nov. 12

• Optimizing Patient Care Delivery Through Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, 8:30­–9:30 a.m., Room 26A-B
• Challenges in Access to Care: Payor Issues, Prior Authorizations, and Practice, 12–1 p.m., Room 26A-B

Monday, Nov. 13

• Contracting, Promotion, and Negotiating to Win-Win, 12–1 p.m., Room 26A-B
• Understanding Salary Models, 4–5 p.m., Room 26A-B

Tuesday, Nov. 14

• Optimizing Access to In-Office Treatments, 9–10 a.m., Room 26A-B
• What Your Practice Managers Wish You Knew, Presented by NORM, 4–5 p.m., Room 26A-B

“Many sessions will focus on areas of interest for those in community practice, specifically independent practice; however, many of the sessions will reach a broader audience as understanding current trends in business is a part of practicing medicine,” Dr. Ravenell said. “The speakers are representative of academic and community practice, administration and legal services.”

New this year, the Business of Rheumatology Networking Lounge will provide an outlet for attendees in San Diego to convene and share knowledge with like-minded individuals and those on a similar career path.