Physician - Rheumatology

The Rheumatologist is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, vasculitis, osteoporosis, and related disorders. This physician provides comprehensive specialty care in the outpatient setting and, as needed, consultation support for hospitalized patients. The Rheumatologist performs detailed histories and physical examinations, orders and interprets laboratory and imaging studies, develops individualized treatment plans, and manages complex medication regimens including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologics, and other immunomodulatory therapies.

Working collaboratively with primary care providers and other specialists, the Rheumatologist delivers evidence-based care focused on symptom control, disease modification, functional improvement, and long-term patient education. This position supports quality improvement, accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, and the organization’s mission to provide accessible, patient-centered care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are those tasks, duties, and responsibilities that comprise the means of accomplishing the job’s purpose and objectives. Essential functions are critical or fundamental to the performance of the job. They are the major functions for which the person in the job is held accountable. The following are the essential functions of the job:

• Evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with rheumatic, autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal disorders in accordance with current standards of care.
• Obtain comprehensive medical histories, perform detailed physical examinations, and assess disease activity, functional status, and treatment response.
• Order, interpret, and integrate laboratory testing, imaging studies, bone health assessments, and other diagnostic data to support clinical decision-making.
• Develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, lifestyle counseling, and referrals when appropriate.
• Prescribe and manage disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologic agents, corticosteroids, and other therapies while monitoring efficacy, side effects, and medication safety.
• Perform office-based procedures within scope of practice, such as joint injections, aspirations, and other rheumatology-related procedures as clinically indicated.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment options, medication risks and benefits, disease self-management, and long-term follow-up needs.
• Collaborate with primary care providers, specialty physicians, nursing staff, rehabilitation professionals, and other team members to coordinate comprehensive care.
• Provide timely consultation, follow-up, and clinical recommendations, including review of referral information and communication of care plans.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the electronic medical record in accordance with organizational, payer, and regulatory standards.
• Support quality improvement, patient safety, utilization management, and evidence-based practice initiatives related to rheumatology care.
• Participate in call coverage, peer collaboration, committee work, and organizational initiatives as assigned.