Tactics for Bolstering the Rheumatology Workforce

Dr. Tesser

Dr. Tesser believes persuading more advanced practice clinicians to enter rheuma­tology can fill the gap, and do so relatively quickly.

Based on recent reports, Dr. Tesser crunched the numbers.^8-10 He estimated the percentage of rheumatologists employing advanced practice clinicians is between 25% and 50%. “That number is already rising. I think 10–15 years ago that number was only 5–10%,” said Dr. Tesser.

Using Arizona Arthritis and Rheuma­tology Associates’ advanced practice clinicians to rheumatologist ratio of 2:1, the potential total advanced practice clinician workforce increase would be 6,910. Assuming advanced practice clinician productivity to be 0.9 of a rheumatologist, that would add the equivalent of 6,220 rheumatology professionals. “Adding those 6,220 [providers] to the estimated total 2030 rheumatologist workforce of 3,455 (3,455 plus 6,220) increases the total potential rheumatology workforce to 9,675. This far exceeds the 8,184 need forecast,” Dr. Tesser stated.

Dr. Tesser, whose practice has eight office locations in Arizona and features 15 rheuma­tologists and 26 advanced practice clinicians, said, “I would submit we are the largest practice of rheumatology clinicians in the country. [The practice] has just exploded in the past four to six years because we can offer more care.” He says the group employs a team approach to care; each team features a rheumatologist, one or two advanced practice clinicians and an administrative medical assistant. “Multiple brains working with a patient are better than one,” said Dr. Tesser. 

Mike Fillon is a healthcare writer living in the Atlanta area.

References

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