About Us
United Rheumatology is the pre-eminent rheumatology care management organization empowering rheumatologists to advance the standard of care while leading in the development of value-based precision medicine.
“The goal was to grow the UR network to the size where it could bend the dial in a meaningful way when working with payors and policymakers on any of the different innovations aimed at proving value in healthcare: providing cost effective care with prioritization of getting the proper care for each individual patient.“ – Dr. Max Hamburger, Founder and Executive Chairman
Our History
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2014
After over three decades in private practice at Rheumatology Associates of Long Island, Dr. Max Hamburger identified the need for physicians to be seated at the table for medical policy discussions and decisions. Upon learning about the value of an MSO (Management Services Organization), he established United Rheumatology in May of 2014. Its mission to become the pre-eminent rheumatology care management organization has come to fruition over the years. They empower rheumatologists and payers to advance the standard of care while providing an unparalleled network and platform to develop coordinated care pathways.
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2015
United Rheumatology holds its first national meeting in Miami, Florida. With an immediate, initial membership of 70 rheumatologists, UR has continued to grow at a rate of more than 20% each year.
At this meeting, United Rheumatology launched their GPO, the first of its kind in rheumatology. UR’s GPO continues to bring value to rheumatology practices, large and small. With nearly 75% of United Rheumatology members practicing in groups of 3 or less, this program joins them together using their collective size to bring equal value to all.
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2015
United Rheumatology establishes their Medical Policy Committee and Practice Administrators Committee in 2015. Together these committees draft our clinical pathways for patient care and manage a central resource for personalized information and education around best practices and regulatory requirements.
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2019
The development of Capricorn and Primero, United Rheumatology’s information management platforms, commenced. The platforms enable a bidirectional exchange of information between UR and our member physicians, patients, and payers to leverage EMR data and support implementing an array of value-based contracts.
In 2018, Jim Albano joined United Rheumatology, bringing decades of executive-level experience to the team as the organization sought to work with payors on behalf of UR physician members and their patients.
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2020
United Rheumatology’s membership represents 25% of the country’s independent practice rheumatologists, with more than 600 members in hundreds of practices across nearly 40 states.
UR launched a value-based agreement with Horizon, the Blue Cross carrier in New Jersey, in the fall. This agreement was the first contract with a significant payor, leading to implementing multiple pilots modeled after this care plan across the country.
Our Leadership
United Rheumatology’s leadership team is a seasoned group of professionals with clinical, payor, technology, analytics, and practice administration expertise. Each member of the UR leadership team is committed to sustaining the role of independent rheumatology.
Executive Vice President, Business Development and Pharma Relations
kjewett@unitedrheumatology.com Click Here to View Bio
Our Team
Medical Policy Committee
United Rheumatology’s Medical Policy Committee (UR-MPC) consists of dozens of the country’s leading community rheumatologists, representing various perspectives and practice sizes. The MPC is responsible for drafting and updating UR’s Clinical Pathways, which represent UR’s commitment to advancing the standard of care. Our Pathways are drafted from the perspective of the community physician and his/her patients and provide our members with actionable guidelines for the diagnosis and management of a wide array of rheumatologic disorders. View the list of committee members >>
Practice Administrators Committee
The Practice Administrator’s Committee serves as a central resource, offering members and their practices information and education regarding best practices in office administration and helping members adapt to changes in policies, plans, and actions from commercial payors and CMS. View the list of committee members >>
What We Offer
Whether you have an established practice, you’re fresh out of your fellowship, or you’re a hospital-based rheumatologist considering private practice, United Rheumatology offers the resources and services you need to advance your career and your clinic.
Group Purchasing
Discounted pricing for biologics, capital equipment, medical and office supplies, recruiting services, and in-office laboratory equipment
Practice Solutions
A central resource for personalized information and education around best practices and regulatory requirements
Resources for rheumatologists
Ever-expanding portfolio of purchasing, contracting, and practice administration resources built specifically for and by independent rheumatologists
Value based care
Targeted and comprehensive Rheumatology Care Management programs to improve quality and reduce costs for payers and patients
Clinical pathways
Member-developed best practices for patient care across a spectrum of rheumatologic conditions
Value based contracting
Platform for innovative contracting with managed care companies
We Value Your Feedback
United Rheumatology is committed to advancing the success of all rheumatologists while maximizing the quality of care for their patients.
Please help us further our mission by completing this 2-minute survey.
Become a Member
Whether you have an established practice, you’re fresh out of your fellowship, or you’re a hospital-based rheumatologist considering private practice, United Rheumatology offers the resources and services you need to advance your career and your clinic.
Find a UR Rheumatologist Near Me