Based on a nationwide workforce survey in rheumatology, for this study researchers wanted to investigate parameters linked with rheumatologists’ clinical work hours and patient volumes. Adult rheumatologists who took part in a workforce survey in 2015 (n = 255) were included. The univariate study looked at the link between demographics (gender, age, academic vs. community practice, billing fee for service vs. other plan, years in practice, retirement plans) and workload (total hours and number of ½-day clinics per week) (number of new and follow-up consults per week). Multiple linear regression models were employed to examine the connection between practice type, gender, age, working hours, and clinical volumes.
In comparison to females, male rheumatologists had more ½-day clinics (p = 0.05) and saw more new patients each week (p = 0.001). Community rheumatologists had more ½-day clinics and had newer and follow-up visits per week (all p < 0.01). Fee-for-service rheumatologists had more weekly ½-day clinics (p < 0.001) and follow-ups (p = 0.04). Workload did not differ according to age, years of experience, or retirement plans. Community practice remained independently related with larger patient volumes and more clinics per week in multivariate analyses. Female rheumatologists reported fewer clinics and follow-up patients per week than male rheumatologists, but this had no effect on working hours or new consultations. Work volumes or hours were not related to age.
When reviewing rheumatologist workforce needs, practice type and rheumatologist gender should be considered, since the number of female rheumatologists has risen over time and alternative billing procedures have been implemented in many centers.
