Breaking Free from Fragmented Rheumatology Care
Why Direct Specialty Care Brings Patients Back to the Center
The Problem with Insurance-Based Care
For patients living with autoimmune and rheumatic disease, the traditional insurance system creates delays, stress, and unpredictability.
- Wait times too long: New-patient rheumatology visits often take 3–6 months to schedule.
- Administrative hurdles: Prior authorizations and insurance denials slow down critical treatment.
- Fragmented experience: Care is split between clinics, pharmacies, labs, and infusion centers with little coordination.
- Unclear costs: High deductibles and surprise bills leave patients unable to plan.
How Insurance Consumes Care
Physicians in insurance-based systems spend almost twice as much time on paperwork and insurer demands as they do directly with patients. This leaves less space for thoughtful care and shared decision-making.
A Different Path: Direct Specialty Care
Direct Specialty Care (DSC) removes unnecessary middlemen. Patients contract directly with their rheumatologist through a transparent membership model.
This means:
- Faster access — days, not months
- Longer visits that allow for real conversations
- Predictable pricing with no hidden bills
- Continuous care guided by one physician, not fragmented providers
Why This Matters
In rheumatology, time is everything. Earlier diagnosis and treatment lead to less joint damage, fewer flares, and better long-term outcomes. Direct specialty care is designed to provide this timeliness—while restoring the personal relationship between patient and physician.
At Remission Rheumatology, our goal is clear: care that is accessible, transparent, and centered on your quality of life, not insurance bureaucracy.
References
Arthritis Foundation. The Rheumatologist Shortage. Arthritis.org. Published 2022. Accessed September 12, 2025. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/health-care/insurance/the-rheumatologist-shortage
Baraf HS. Alternative rheumatology practice models aim to avoid traditional limitations. MDedge. Published October 23, 2017. Accessed September 12, 2025. https://www.mdedge.com/content/alternative-rheumatology-practice-models-aim-avoid-traditional-limitations
American College of Rheumatology. The ACR advocates for drug coverage, payment policies to protect rheumatology patients, practices. The Rheumatologist. Published March 2019. Accessed September 12, 2025. https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/the-acr-advocates-for-drug-coverage-payment-policies-to-protect-rheumatology-patients-practices/
Direct Specialty Care Alliance. Improving access to rheumatology care: the role of telehealth and direct specialty care. DSC Alliance. Published 2023. Accessed September 12, 2025. https://dscalliance.org/improving-access-to-rheumatology-care-the-role-of-telehealth-and-direct-specialty-care/
Calin A. Direct specialty care: what is it and why do I need it? Rheumatologist OnCall. Published February 3, 2022. Accessed September 12, 2025. https://rheumatologistoncall.com/2022/02/03/direct-specialty-care-what-is-it-and-why-do-i-need-it/
