Sharing Our Success

Rheumatology Practice Management December 2013 Vol 1 No 2
Iris W. Nichols
Founding Editor-in-Chief, Rheumatology Practice Management
Practice Administrator, Arthritis and Osteoporosis Consultants of the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC

After months of preparation, the National Organization of Rheu­matology Managers (NORM) 8th Annual Conference was held the weekend of September 13-14, 2013, in Long Beach, CA.

This year’s conference brought together managers from 150 practices in 35 states. We had our first practice from Hawaii represented this year.
The conference began with a welcome reception where new and established members, vendors, sponsors, committee members, and board members were identified by unique ribbons on their badges. Many of our members had asked for a better way of identification and this proved to be very successful. Organizational leaders were able to identify all of the participants and then network appropriately. By coming together as peers, we were able to share information. Sharing, as a noun, is defined as using or enjoying something with others. We were probably introduced to the concept of sharing in our childhood throughout our preschool years, but as adults it takes time to become comfortable with that process. NORM serves as a sharing conduit by which members from all aspects of the rheumatology practice come together to share their thoughts and expertise. Some of the benefits gained through sharing will improve clinical operations, enhance compliance, and streamline patient flow throughout the clinic by implementing defined procedures and protocols.

Sharing information through this conference has moved far beyond the desire of our parent organization, the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO). CSRO is a group of state and regional professional rheumatology societies that was formed to advocate for excellence in rheumatic disease care and to ensure access to the highest quality care for the management of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. This physician-based entity had the wisdom to create an organization that would afford their mangers the same professional opportunity at a national level. Together the physician and manager can and have partnered in developing a “gold standard practice.”

On NORM’s website, www.normgroup.org, in the “About” section, it states, “NORM provides rheumatology practice managers, administrators, and managing physicians countless opportunities to network with colleagues through its ListServ and annual conferences. The varying levels of expertise among our many members along with the diverse sizes and services of the practices they represent offer a myriad of benefits to the overall membership. NORM has succeeded in developing a network of rheumatology professionals, one that has improved our lives personally and professionally. Together we face and conquer the many operational challenges of our practices. We have achieved much and are enthusiastic about our continued future growth and progress.” This year’s conference personified that commitment to excellence in the management of rheumatology practices.

The program began with a motivational speaker who presented a lighthearted approach to our management roles. “Gladys Friday” put a different twist on the sharing of information, with characters such as “Ima Gossip.” The audience was able to laugh but also able to identify with the imaginary characters that are all too real in most of our offices.

Programs in areas such as healthcare reform, communicating a leadership persona, “spying the lie,” the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, interviewing skills, and finding leverage in payer negotiations all contributed to sharing the skills necessary to meet the challenges in our healthcare environment. These programs were helpful for the new managers as well as the seasoned ones. The program evaluations were very supportive of the content and members found there is always work to be done as we strive to keep the puzzle pieces of our business connected.

As our specialty continues to evolve and change, we must remain engaged and networked to remain strong. Education is the only means for us to do so. Our NORM Education Committee (NEC) premiered the first of what will become our education modules at the conference. This committee was formed as a result of the need of sharing ideas, skill sets, and basic operation management tools for rheumatology practices. The NEC is comprised of a diverse group of managers from different practice sizes and styles. We are very excited about the content and design of this platform and everyone will benefit from this product. The outline of protocols and procedures can be customized to your practice style. The first module is almost complete and will launch in January.

I believe that sharing information through educational opportunities will be the success and viability of our specialty in the coming days, months, and years. The partnership between NORM and Engage Healthcare is an avenue by which this information can be passed on to managers and physicians. As we close out 1 year and look forward to the next, I wish you all great success in sharing, and hope to see you all at next year’s NORM conference.

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