“Faced with a decreasing number of healthcare providers and growing patient volume as the Baby Boomer generation ages, 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. These findings were released in the first edition of Rheumatology Insights, a research-based report published by Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions. Based on surveys with more than 100 U.S. rheumatologists, Rheumatology Insights focuses on key trends impacting one of the fastest-growing areas of specialty medicine.
“Hiring more APPs (57%) was the most frequently cited solution for managing growing patient demand, but adoption of telemedicine (34%) and investments in other technology (34%) were also commonly cited as strategies to address the shortage of providers and create more time for patient care. Participating rheumatologists also indicated that increasing administrative duties are the biggest challenge facing their practice…”