A rheumatology practice is more than a business, it’s a lifelong profession where every decision affects the health and well-being of patients and staff. Practices empower physicians to deliver high-quality rheumatology care in their communities while offering the agency to create an environment of productivity, profitability and overall patient and staff satisfaction.
To operate a successful practice, physicians must answer tough questions and make crucial decisions. Serving as a resource to answer these questions, the Business of Rheumatology Manual offers ACR and ARP members a comprehensive guide to the essentials of practice management. Since it was first published in 2010, the manual has guided members on all aspects of practice management, including deciding to start or join a practice, financial operations, marketing and more. The ACR’s Committee on Rheumatologic Care (CORC), in partnership with the Community Practice Council and Insurance Subcommittee, is now revising the handbook to reflect an evolving healthcare landscape.
As a community rheumatologist in Paducah, Ky., Chris Phillips, MD, understands the opportunities and challenges that come with private practice. In his current role as CORC chair, Dr. Phillips wants to “provide the best possible educational resources and support for members who are in the thick of dealing with the business of medicine, and for those just starting out who need guidance.”
Handbook chapters will be released individually beginning in the fall of 2024. The full manual, to be released in 2025, will cover the subject areas including:
- Practice type information;
- Considerations when starting a practice, joining a practice or transitioning practice types;
- Building an effective care team with advanced practice providers;
- Strategic marketing using social media and other digital tools;
- Choosing and optimizing an electronic medical record to meet practice needs;
- Ancillary implementation, including expanded discussion on offering in-office infusion services;
- Human resources and financial operations management; and
- Insurance contracting tips, tricks and nuances.
All ACR/ARP members are invited to submit comments and suggestions regarding Business of Rheumatology Manual content to [email protected].
