“One of the true advantages I see to collaboration is the idea that you can remain independent by creating long-term … ongoing relationships with payers,” said Dr. Jenkins.
Adapt, Survive, Thrive
Panel members say super groups are one way for rheumatologists to adapt, survive and, hopefully, thrive in the changing world of medical care delivery and how it’s financed.
“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good,” concluded Dr. Jenkins. “Outside forces are doing a lot to manipulate how care is delivered by manipulating how it is paid for, and we need to be able to adapt to those types of changes.”
The idea of the discussion was to explore ways to continue giving total care to patients while allowing independent rheumatology practices to survive in the current economy. The hope with super groups is that physicians can join together to “achieve something that will help us in the long run,” said Dr. Feldman. Super groups, such as U.S. Oncology, have shown that the model can be successful, he said.
When asked to comment, Dr. Feldman said he knows few details about what went wrong with the South Florida deal after the conference and that he has not had a chance to discuss it with Dr. Schweitz.
“I was sorry to hear this occurred, but I am confident that Dr. Schweitz will continue to be a champion of independent rheumatology practice and play a significant role in South Florida, as well as throughout the country to make that happen,” said Dr. Feldman via e-mail. “We have formed our group in Southern California, and it is continuing to grow and functions well so far.
“My opinion is still that a large, multisite, single-specialty super group is the best option rheumatologists have to survive and succeed, now and in the future, to be able to offer their patients the option receiving independent local care.”
Catherine Kolonko is a medical writer based in California.
