New Research Shows How Rheumatologists Plan to Handle Growing Demand for Care

According to the newly released first edition of Rheumatology Insights, a research-based report published by Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions, surveyed rheumatologists said they plan to hire more advanced practice providers (APPs), expand patient care with telemedicine, and invest in technology to manage the increased demand for services. This is due to a decreasing number of healthcare providers as well as a growing volume of patients.

Based on a survey taken by over 100 U.S. rheumatologists, hiring more APPs (57%) was the most frequently cited solution for managing growing patient demand. Following, the adoption of telemedicine (34%) and investments in other technology (34%) were also cited as potential solutions.

This research was conducted just before the onset of COVID-19 in the U.S., suggesting that rheumatologists were already thinking about more virtual-oriented services like telemedicine even before it became mainstream.

The survey also explored rheumatologists’ attitudes about value-based care and biosimilars. It suggested that rheumatologists are familiar and comfortable with biosimilars, but are also concerned about the economics of prescribing them. They also report positive financial performance under MIPS (Merit-based Incentive Payment System), but remain skeptical about the broader goals of value-based care.

The findings in Rheumatology Insights are based on web-based surveys conducted in February and March 2020. More than 100 rheumatologists from a mix of community- and hospital-based practices participated in the research.

For more information on the full report, click here.