“There is a dire workforce shortage in rheumatology, and this will continue for the next 10 to 15 years as there are more rheumatologists retiring than there are graduating,” Dr. Soloman says. “There is a push now to expand programs and create new ones to train more rheumatologists. However, this will take at least 15 years to play catch-up. With the rising aging population, we need to meet the demand. APPs are a quick way to do so.”
His practice currently uses a ratio of one physician to two APPs, which has allowed them to keep their wait times for new patient evaluations to about two to four weeks. They also can do same-day urgent appointments.
Dr. Melton
Gwenesta Melton, MD, vice president of the Association of Women in Rheumatology, always had an APP throughout 20 years in a private practice and praises what APPs can offer a practice. Dr. Melton will address the topic during her presentation, How to Onboard APPs and Integrate Them into Your Workflow.
Among other pearls, Dr. Melton will encourage attendees to assess as best they can an APP’s commitment to rheumatology. It can be frustrating to train an APP for several months if they then decide to leave for a better-paying specialty, such as orthopedics. Questions like, “What made you interested in rheumatology?” can help dig deeper into a candidate’s rheumatology commitment. Obtaining a one-year commitment from a new APP hire can also help ensure a longer-term relationship, she says.
