GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The rheumatology program is being shut down by University of Michigan Health-West because of a lack of doctors and long patient wait times. The center in Grand Rapids will close on October 31 and several patients and staff members are upset.
Rheumatologists do essential work for patients, treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that can affect joints, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, the skin and more. It’s a treatment that can last throughout people’s lives.
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An internal email from medical group president Raki Pai says they know the closure will be disruptive for patients and was an incredibly difficult decision to make. “Regrettably, this will have an adverse impact on Rheumatologic patient care in our community,” Pai wrote. “It will be disruptive for our patients. Just know, these challenges made this decision incredibly difficult, but it is the right decision for the organization.”
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