How Rural Rheumatologists Are Coping with Passage of Affordable Care Act, Changes in Reimbursement, Payment Systems

“Critical access hospitals and Qualified Federal Healthcare Centers are found in many rural settings,” says Dr. Jackson. “They are allowed to reimburse physicians at a fee-for-service rate. So working with these facilities means patients who are money losers in urban settings can actually make money when seen in rural and dependent areas.”

Kurt Ullman is a freelance writer based in Indiana.

Editor’s Note

ACR staff is available to assist members as they navigate the changes in Medicare reimbursement and quality reporting. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit Practice Quality.

References

1. American College of Rheumatology. Press Release: Shortage of rheumatologists—In some U.S. regions closest doctor may be 200 miles away. 2013 Nov 6.