For almost 30 years, I have been in private practice in a single-specialty rheumatology group in Dallas and am an investigator at the Metroplex Clinical Research Center, which performs phase 1 through phase 4 clinical drug trials. I am also a clinical professor of internal medicine at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. I did basic bench work research early in my career. Thus, I have been personally involved with the ACR’s triad of education, treatment and research. Advocacy has also become an increasingly important function of the ACR, and that is something that I have substantial experience and interest in.
Challenges & Opportunities for the Coming Year
The practice of medicine is forever evolving. However, the current times are especially trying. We should consider the present challenges as potential opportunities to improve the delivery of healthcare for our patients.
Implementation of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) will be front and center for our members as the new year starts. The MACRA final rule is massive. Our regulatory team has reviewed the final rule and prepared a summary for us focused on the members’ needs and the impact on rheumatology. This information will be translated into detailed user resources for our members. The ACR is also investigating the feasibility of a physician-led healthcare future by designing an alternative payment model (APM) for better patient care, lower spending and financially viable physician practices. If successful, this could provide our members another avenue for practice besides either joining ACOs or participating in MIPS.
Speaking of MIPS, the ACR’s Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) Registry is also a Qualified Clinical Data Registry, which is approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Therefore, participation in the RISE Registry can help members fulfill some of the MIPS requirements under MACRA. Another benefit of participating in RISE is the ability to get feedback on one’s practice compared with that of colleagues, both regionally and nationally. Participation in RISE is a valuable member benefit.
Outside of MACRA, with a new administration in Washington, D.C., starting in January, additional changes will be proposed to the healthcare delivery system in our country. The ACR will stay vigilant in watching new developments. As these developments arise, it is imperative that the ACR have access to our elected officials to share the rheumatology voice on what is best for our patients. To gain this access, it is critical that we all support RheumPAC. Our contributions to RheumPAC come back to help our practices and improve the care of our patients.
