GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Wood) — The University of Michigan Health West has informed patients that it is closing its rheumatology program due to long wait times and lack of access. In an internal email obtained by News 8, the medical group’s president described a “broken” specialty and described a department struggling to work with the organization.

Center at 4055 Cascade Rd. The SE in Grand Rapids will be closing his October 31st. The medical group revealed the news to the patient in his letter dated July 15.

Kentwood’s Debbie Bukovietski has been consulting rheumatologists around the world for nearly 50 years. When she heard that UM Health-West’s Rheumatology program was ending, she couldn’t believe it.

Bukowiecki told News 8:

“They listen well,” she continued. “They have worked with me and her daughter. I know other patients who have been there.”

rear Report published on September 19, News 8 heard that several other patients and staff were upset about the decision. Sent. Another worker confirmed the memo’s authenticity.

In an email, Pai acknowledged the potential impact of the closure.

“Unfortunately, this will have a negative impact on the care of rheumatism patients in our community,” Pai wrote. It’s been incredibly difficult, but it’s the right decision for the organization.”

Rheumatologists perform essential work for their patients, including treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that can affect joints, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, skin, and more. It is a treatment that can last a person’s lifetime.

Bukovietski said rheumatism was “notoriously underfunded”. Finding a good doctor is essential, she added.

“That’s the hallmark of rheumatologists. They’re not alone… they’re with you for this long journey, this long struggle,” Bukowieczky said.

Email: “I struggled to find common ground”

“We struggled to find common ground and compromise when working with departments,” said Pai in particular.

“As we introduce new clinical services into our system, these new service lines are most effective when leadership, primary care, and specialty care physicians work closely together to support patients in our established health system. ,” writes Pai.

In a statement earlier this week, a spokesman for the medical group told News8 that the decision to close “was made necessary due to long wait times leading to lack of access.”

“All decisions at UM Health-West are based on what is best for our patients,” said a spokesperson.

In an internal email, Pai called rheumatology a “broken medical specialty,” with not enough doctors to meet high demand. He said new patients have to wait “several months to a year before being seen.”

“As many of you know, this is a difficult time for rheumatoid arthritis nationwide and in western Michigan,” Pai wrote.

Bukovietski disagrees with the logic of terminating the program.

“I don’t know if long wait times mean shutting everything down,” she said. It seems like a correspondence.”

Pai told a colleague he recognizes that “this is hard news to receive.” But with these challenges over the past four years, Pai said he sees no viable avenue for the clinic. He also assured staff that no further clinic or service line closures were planned.

The medical group told News 8 it is connecting patients with other providers.

“If patients have different preferences, we will help them connect to other programs available in their area,” the spokesperson said. “In the meantime, we are coordinating communications between patients, primary care providers, and preferred rheumatology providers to ensure a seamless referral process. , we are working diligently to ensure a warm transition for all our patients.”

The Group’s infusion centers will remain open and continue to serve rheumatism patients and others.