Oregon Rheumatology Alliance: Mission
The Oregon Rheumatology Alliance is a state-wide non-profit advocacy group of rheumatology specialists dedicated to patient care and education. ORA members include nearly all of the rheumatologists in Oregon and some rheumatologists in southern Washington as well. ORA was formed in October, 2000 and incorporated in February 2001 by a group of physicians who saw a need:
To provide Advocacy, Education, and Quality Healthcare for All Patients with Rheumatic Disease
ORA is organized for the purpose of providing improved medical care and treatment for rheumatic disease patients by educating patient health care professionals and insurance providers regarding appropriate treatments for rheumatic disease. The alliance encourages an open discourse between physicians, patients, insurance providers and industry representatives on rheumatology issues so that all patients with rheumatic disease are afforded quality healthcare.
Membership to ORA is offered to all board eligible or board certified rheumatologists and academic faculty rheumatologists in Oregon and southern Washington. Other affiliated physician groups are developing around the country. Because of their commitment to improved patient care, we maintain close ties to organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation (AF), the Oregon Arthritis Coalition (OAC), and the Oregon Coalition of Health Care Purchasers (OCHCP). For information on corporate sponsorship, please write to ORA at ora@efn.org. ORA continues to advocate throughout the state providing educational lectures for patients and healthcare purchasers, initiating physician/ industry representative policy discourses, and hosting ORA member conferences in order to address current rheumatology issues and solutions. To see current projects organized by ORA, go to Projects.