However, telehealth is only a partial solution to the rheumatology access issues now and in the future. “In addition to a lack of physicians, many of our rural areas have internet infrastructure problems,” Dr. Harner says. “Without access to high-speed broadband, providing telehealth isn’t an option in many areas.”
As one possible solution to this, UNC Health Southeastern began placing telehealth kiosks in rural areas of the state earlier this year. The kiosks are designed to offer telehealth services to North Carolina residents who live in rural areas and have spotty internet service.
Connecting with Rheumatology Colleagues
Dr. Wolfe praises the camaraderie and sense of community provided by the NCRA.
“I’ve been a member for the past five years, and it’s wonderful to meet other colleagues from across the state and discuss systemic problems, such as insurers denying drug reimbursements,” she says. “We learn ways we can advocate for our patients and support our colleagues who continue to maintain private practices.”
As more rheumatologists opt to join academic hospitals or larger medical groups, Dr. Wolfe sees an important role of the rheumatology community in supporting private practices, which are a vital part of the economy.
“It’s important to keep a diversity of practices and help our colleagues sustain their private medical practices,” she says. “One way I do this is to refer patients to private practice rheumatologists who may have an office closer to where the patient lives and works.”
Looking Ahead
Other healthcare organizations in North Carolina are also working to address the looming physician shortage. This past January, the Cape Fear Valley Health System, Fayetteville, broke ground on a new Center for Medical Education and Research building, which it claims will produce 900 physicians over the next 10 years. The building is expected to open in late 2022 and will allow Cape Fear Valley Health’s residency program to double in size, attracting more physicians and specialists to the area.²
Looking to the future, Dr. Harner would like to see the NCRA become more involved in advocacy efforts for patients and to continue to grow its base, attracting more rheumatologists, PAs and NPs, and finding ways to get more medical students interested in pursuing a rheumatology career, as well as increasing the number of available fellowships.
“There are more medical students who want to complete fellowships in rheumatology than there are spots in the programs,” he says.
