Patients at rural hospitals and clinics often face gaps in specialty care access, including rheumatology. Specialty Training at Rural Sites-Rheumatology (STARS-R) helps rural health care providers build skills to assess and treat conditions like arthritis and lupus while strengthening connections with UW academic rheumatologists. This means patients can get more timely, advanced care close to home.
How It Works
Through STARS-R, providers build skills for rheum and musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment, and make connections for ongoing support. In turn, their patients access timely, advanced specialty care without leaving their communities.
Mini-Fellowship
Providers visit UW–Madison for hands-on rheumatology training to become the local PCP-rheumatology resource.
Preceptorship
A UW rheumatologist joins monthly clinic visits to guide care for rheumatology patients.
Skills Retreat
Providers spend a day at UW–Madison learning key skills, including ultrasound and injections.
STARS-R Impact
“Through the STARS-R program, we’re improving knowledge, strengthening professional satisfaction and expanding access to care for people across Wisconsin.
It’s been a deeply fulfilling way to support the clinicians doing this work every day, and we’re already seeing meaningful improvements, not only in knowledge, but in satisfaction, with a level of reciprocity that will continue to benefit communities over time.”
By the Numbers
- 100% of providers felt professionally fulfilled by the end of STARS-R
- 28% increase in rheumatology patients treated on site at rural hospital
- 100% of providers recommend STARS-R
In Their Own Words: Rural Physicians on STARS-R
- “Our ability to care for patients with rheumatology concerns is at an all-time high”
- “Increased comfort level in treating advanced rheumatologic diseases; all physicians involved are at a much better place.”
STARS-R Rural Partners
The Richland Hospital and Clinics (TRHC), in Richland County, Wisconsin, partnered with the Orion Initiative to expand access to rheumatology care. Eight TRHC primary care providers co-designed and participated in the Orion Initiative’s Specialty Training at Rural Sites-Rheumatology (STARS-R) grant program.
Through STARS-R, family medicine physicians collaborate with University of Wisconsin (UW) academic rheumatologists to receive hands-on rheumatology training. As a result, patients can now receive rheumatology care on site at TRHC. This means reduced travel time, better access to timely specialty care and stronger health outcomes for patients. The program also established a sustained connection between UW and TRHC clinicians, supporting high-quality, team-based care in a rural community.
“This past year we’ve seen an immediate impact on how specialty patient care is delivered. And that’s a good thing for all of us.”
“Musculoskeletal ultrasound isn’t usually something found in a rural hospital, but here we are. It allows us a clear look at what is happening in our patients’ bodies. The access to answers is incredible. It’s like finding a light switch in a dark room.”
Vernon Health is located in Viroqua, Wisconsin, in Vernon County. The hospital is a 25-bed rural critical-access hospital.
“Vernon Health is proud to launch its participation in the STARS-Rheumatology project, further expanding our team’s expertise in rheumatology care. Through this program, our physicians will enhance their skills, collaborate with UW specialists, and deliver more advanced, timely care for patients throughout the region.”
Mile Bluff Medical Center is located in Mauston, Wisconsin, in Juneau County. The hospital is a 40-bed acute care, rural critical-access hospital.
“STARS-R impressed us with its unique focus on strengthening the skills of rural physicians in areas that often require specialty care. The STARS-R project will help us deliver high-quality care more quickly and closer to home for patients in our community.”
Interested in STARS-R?
Support through the STARS-R program can make a lasting difference for rural hospitals and the communities they serve. The Orion Initiative is expanding STARS-R to help more rural hospitals build rheumatology and musculoskeletal specialty care expertise.
