Timely diagnosis is critical for better patient outcomes. Yet many patients face wait times of several months to see a rheumatologist—and some aren’t referred at all unless they advocate for themselves.
Dr. Aryeh Abeles saw this firsthand in his own private practice. Now, through the Foundation’s Community Practice Innovation Award, he’s leading research to better understand challenges patients and rheumatology practices face today. His work aims to provide a detailed snapshot of the current practice landscape, track consolidation trends, and inform decisions around workforce planning and patient access.
This research has the potential to improve referral pathways, support independent practices, and help ensure patients are diagnosed and treated earlier.
Medscape highlighted this pressing issue and shared how the Rheumatology Research Foundation, the American College of Rheumatology, and rheumatologists like Dr. Abeles are working to address it in a recent article. Read more here.