Rheumatologists are delivering high-quality care for RA patients, and the current treatment gaps are largely attributed to factors outside the professional rheumatology community. Yet rheumatologists are best poised to lead the efforts to improve the quality of care for older rheumatoid arthritis patients at a public health level. “As a profession, it’s time to start thinking more creatively about how we disseminate our expertise in the current system of healthcare,” notes Dr. Solomon. “Whether it’s collaborating more, and exploring co-management models with primary care, our expertise needs to be more broadly applied.”
Heather Haley is a medical writer based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
ad goes here:advert-1
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE
References
- Schmajuk G, Trivedi AN, Solomon DH, et al. Receipt of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Medicare managed care plans. JAMA. 2011;305:480-486.
- Polinski JM, Mohr PE, Johnson L. Impact of Medicare Part D on access to and cost sharing for specialty biologic medications for beneficiaries with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61:745-754.
- Deal CL, Hooker R, Harrington T, et al. The United States Rheumatology Workforce Study: Supply and demand, 2005–2025. Arthritis Rheum. 2007; 56:722-729.
