Skip to main content
ACR Convergence 2025 Main banner
Final Program


Schedule at a Glance
Legend
Program: Scientific Session
General Topic: Business of Rheumatology

Starting a Rheumatology Practice: Tips to De-Mystify and De-Intimidate the Process

Sunday, October 26, 2025
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Central Time

    Moderator(s)

  • SC

    Sanjay Chabra, DO

    Texas Arthritis Center
    El Paso, Texas, United States

    Disclosure(s): AbbVie/Abbott: Consultant (Ongoing), Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); Amgen: Consultant (Ongoing), Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); ANI: Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); AstraZeneca: Consultant (Ongoing), Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); Aurinia: Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); Eli Lilly: Consultant (Ongoing), Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); GlaxoSmithKlein(GSK): Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); Mallinkrodt: Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); Novartis: Consultant (Ongoing), Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); Pfizer: Consultant (Ongoing), Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); Sanofi: Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing); UCB: Speaker/Honoraria (includes speakers bureau, symposia, and expert witness) (Ongoing)

    • Session Coordinator(s)

  • HG

    Haidy Galous, MD

    UTSW
    Southlake, Texas, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

Starting a rheumatology practice is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. This session will provide a comprehensive overview by experienced rheumatology practice owners for those interested in starting their own rheumatology practice. From business planning and financial structuring to legal considerations, staffing, patient acquisition, and navigating insurance networks, this session will cover all the critical elements needed to successfully establish and grow a thriving rheumatology practice. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to lay the foundation for success, build a sustainable practice model, and effectively manage the day-to-day operations as the practice grows. With insights from a panel of experts, participants will gain practical advice that can be immediately applied to ensure long-term success in their new rheumatology practice.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain insights into the legal and regulatory requirements for starting a rheumatology practice, including licenses, certifications, and insurance requirements
  • Learn about the physical infrastructure needs of a new practice, such as selecting a location, office design, purchasing medical equipment, and managing IT systems
  • Discover best practices for recruiting, hiring, and training a team, including rheumatologists, APPs, nursing staff, and administrative personnel
  • Gain practical tips on negotiating contracts with insurers, managing payer relationships, and ensuring adequate reimbursement for services

Presentations:

  • 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM Central Time
    The Legal, Regulatory, and Contracting Requirements in Independent Practice

    Speaker: Nancy Ellis, MBA – Piedmont Arthritis Clinic

  • 1:20 PM – 1:40 PM Central Time
    Operationalize and Staff Your Independent Practice

    Speaker: Ashok Jacob, MD, RhMSUS – Annapolis Rheumatology LLC

  • 1:40 PM – 2:00 PM Central Time
    Panel Discussion

    Panelist: Ashok Jacob, MD, RhMSUS – Annapolis Rheumatology LLC

    Panelist: Nancy Ellis, MBA – Piedmont Arthritis Clinic