The National Organization of Rheumatology Managers (NORM) is a relatively new organization and we are comprised of members from across the country who are involved daily in the care of patients with rheumatologic disorders. We are a subsidiary of the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO).

We held a 1 1/2 day meeting in September 2005 that, as far as anyone knows, was the first one exclusively for Rheumatology Managers. There were more than fifty (50) managers and physicians in attendance. Everyone was delighted to be able to share rheumatology specific management experiences with colleagues. As a result of that meeting and the desire to fill the void, the National Organization of Rheumatology Managers was formed.

During the course of the September 2005 meeting, managers were able to share information on how they solve the problems that each of us sees in our practice each day. Given this networking opportunity, we discussed billing, operations, clinical research, budgeting and use of mid-level providers both in formal presentations and in the informal networking activities that were associated with the meeting. NORM will be a forum for this type of information sharing and ‘leveling of the playing field’ that is essential to making a livelihood in the business of medicine today.

Our 2006 Conference in St. Petersburg, FL saw a thirty-five percent (35%) increased in membership for our organization. This conference once again offered the managers and managing physicians an opportunity to discuss practice management issues with their colleagues as well as experts in the various areas. The attendees also had an opportunity to network with our fifteen (15) plus exhibitors.

The 2007 Conference will be held September 28th and 29th in St. Louis, MO. We hope to see you there. For additional information please choose the link below to the NORM website.