Background/Purpose: I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 1999. In 2015 and 2019, two surgeons independently diagnosed me with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) following two extensive spinal surgical interventions.

In December of 2021, my long-time rheumatologist informed me that he planned to retire in March of 2022. I was not surprised, but I was saddened just the same. What ensued was a four-month search for a rheumatologist who would accept my insurance, was accepting new patients to their practice, and who understood my case.

I knew I was entering my search while the United States faced a significant and worsening shortage of rheumatologists. (It is estimated that by 2030 the demand for rheumatology practitioners will exceed “the supply by 102%.[1]) This shortage was already impacting my specific needs, so I knew I had to be deliberate in selecting my new rheumatologist.

Reference
1. Miloslavsky EM, Bolster MB. Addressing the rheumatology workforce shortage: A multifaceted approach. 2020;50(4):791-96 doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2020.05.009

Intervention: In searching for a new rheumatologist, I used the following resources:

• American College of Rheumatology – “Find a Rheumatologist directory”
• Referral from my retiring rheumatologist
• Spondylitis Association of America – “Rheumatologist Directory”
• Arthritis Foundation – “Find a Doctor Directory”
• List of those practicing rheumatologists within my hospital system
• Recommendations from my infusion nurse

In addition, I had to consider my pending insurance change on June 1, 2022, and my urgent need to schedule my infusion shortly after that. These factors made the scheduling complicated.

To find the perfect fit, I developed a list of the characteristics I most desired in a rheumatologist. Those characteristics included:

• Someone who is knowledgeable. My new doctor had to be a member in good standing with the American College of Rheumatology.
• Someone who gets me. Humor is essential, and it is an important trait I look for in members of my healthcare team.
• Someone who is willing to be my consultant, not my manager. My best interactions with health care providers are collaborative.
• Someone likely to remain in practice long term. I like stability, especially when it comes to my healthcare.
• Someone who has a professional front office staff. After all, they are the first – and sometimes the last – person we speak to when walking into the physician’s office.

Maintenance: To find a new rheumatologist, I reviewed the careers and hospital affiliations of eight physicians. I then scheduled appointments with two of them and explained that I was searching for a new rheumatologist and wanted to be sure they felt they could work with me and vice versa.

Both physicians were very accommodating. We discussed my case, the challenges of living with ankylosing spondylitis, and what they saw as their immediate path forward if they took my case.

Quality of Life: My search led to a rheumatologist who is a recent graduate and who came highly recommended by both my former rheumatologist and infusion nurse. She is a member of the American College of Rheumatology and is on staff within my healthcare system. After three meetings, I find her to be an excellent practitioner. I am hopeful we will have a long association.

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