Hospitals face ongoing difficulties in delivering specialized care for chronic conditions, with new obstacles emerging every quarter. In 2019, US Medicare reported that 5,667 clinically active adult rheumatologists were practicing across the US, yet only 5% of the active doctors practice in rural regions. This limited workforce is feeling the strain as caseloads increase. The National Library of Medicine predicts the number of U.S. adults diagnosed with arthritis will rise 49% by 2040, further intensifying the demand for rheumatology care. Beyond arthritis, rheumatologists also manage various complex conditions, making their expertise even more critical.
The reliance on in-person clinicians is becoming increasingly unstable as more third-party providers transition to outpatient care settings. As this trend continues, hospitals must reassess their approach to maintaining stable, high-quality rheumatology services. The question is: How secure is your clinical support for rheumatology?
The Journey to Clinical Stability
The American College of Rheumatology predicts a severe workforce shortage by 2030, making it increasingly difficult for hospitals to rely on full-time specialists. At the same time, the prevalence of chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis is rising, particularly among aging populations. This growing need for specialists and decreasing workforce creates a growing gap between the demand for rheumatology care and the availability of providers, putting additional pressure on hospitals to find effective solutions.
Initially, incorporating local clinicians helped lessen the load, but today, third-party providers are transitioning their focus to outpatient care, leaving hospitals grappling with the challenge of growing staffing gaps.
One solution is adopting a hybrid healthcare model, which combines in-person and virtual care. This approach allows hospitals to maintain consistent, quality rheumatology services without solely relying on in-house or third-party specialists.
A Financially Sustainable Solution
For hospital leaders and CMOs, quality is vital, but so is sustainability. Tele-Rheumatology offers a cost-effective solution that helps hospitals manage growing patient volumes without the financial strain of expanding full-time teams.
Reducing Overhead Costs and Maximizing Resources
Traditional, in-person rheumatology requires dedicated specialists, office space, and administrative support, costs that can strain hospital budgets. Tele-Rheumatology reduces these overheads by allowing hospitals to tap into a network of remote specialists, reducing the need for physical infrastructure and lowering staffing costs. According to a 2023 report, hospitals implementing telemedicine programs saw a 17% reduction in overall costs while maintaining high patient satisfaction rates.
Avoiding Costly Delays in Care
Delayed diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases can lead to severe complications, including joint damage and disability, which increase long-term healthcare costs. Tele-Rheumatology provides hospitals and their patients with timely access to specialists, reducing the risk of complications and costly readmissions. Research shows that early intervention in rheumatoid arthritis reduces long-term disability and joint damage. Optimal management consists of early identification and rheumatologist-prescribed targeted combination therapy.
As the demand for rheumatology services continues to rise and third-party clinic providers increasingly shift towards outpatient care, hospital leaders face the critical task of assessing the stability of their clinical support. Tele-Rheumatology presents a strategic and adaptable solution, enabling hospitals to sustain specialized care while cutting costs and enhancing long-term patient outcomes. By embracing a hybrid healthcare model incorporating Tele-Rheumatology, hospitals can broaden access to care and ensure their specialist services remain financially viable. The pressing question for CMOs and hospital leaders is not whether telemedicine represents the future but how swiftly they can integrate it to stay ahead of the curve. If you want to learn more about Tele-Rheumatology, contact an Eagle Telemedicine representative today. We can build a custom plan to meet your needs and exceed your organizational goals.
Related Posts:
Addressing the Dual Crisis in Endocrinology
5 Reasons to Implement a Hybrid Care Model
