President’s Corner: The Practicing Rheumatologist

Independent, community-based rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals represent a critical part of the ACR and ARP.

My immense respect for clinicians grew while watching my husband, who joined an independent practice after completing rheumatology fellowship. With admiration, I saw how he and his two dedicated partners cared for patients while simultaneously managing overhead and striving to assure job security for their valuable staff, and doing so within the framework of variable reimbursement rates and authorizations from private insurances and Medicare.

Since my first observations, the challenges facing clinicians have continued to grow, pulling them in different directions and demanding more of their time and effort. In the midst of the many pressures being placed on clinicians, it is understandable for people to ask, “What is the ACR doing for me?” The College offers many resources and strives to support members who serve patients in a clinical practice environment.

Committee on Rheumatologic Care

The ACR Committee on Rheumatologic Care (CORC) focuses on economic, technical and ethical issues that bear on the practice of rheumatology. CORC initiatives are facilitated not only by the committee and its staff, but also through its subcommittees and partnerships. CORC offers a number of resources directed toward the business of rheumatology. An update of the Business of Rheumatology Manual, available on the ACR website, will be released in the third quarter of 2025. ACR Convergence 2025 will offer Business of Rheumatology sessions, plus a new pre-meeting option, the Practice Innovation Summit, which includes the return of the coding course.

CORC position statements cover a range of topics reflecting the policy of the ACR on issues impacting patients and providers. In addition to developing new statements when needed, previous statements are reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure relevance to current practice.

The Insurance Subcommittee helps clinicians navigate insurance-related issues, including resources to assist with insurance grievances, complaints and denials. Members can access information on filing a state insurance department complaint, and template letters to help protect access to physician-administered therapies and to secure insurance approval for off-label uses frequently seen in rheumatology practices. The ACR website also includes fact sheets providing information on current critical issues, including underwater biosimilars and the G2211 code. Further information about these resources can be found at https://rheumatology.org/insurance-advocacy, which includes phone and email contact information for specific questions members may have about insurance-related concerns.

The Community Practice Council (CPC) was  founded in 2023 with the goal of ensuring the ACR is addressing the needs of, and providing value to, practicing clinicians. The CPC includes rheumatologists in private, solo, or small group practice from around the country who meet monthly to address issues confronting ACR members in small and independent practices. CPC members are happy to answer questions or concerns from colleagues in practice or from fellows considering a career in private practice. The CPC can be contacted by email at [email protected].