Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO)

The initial development of CSRO began in 2002 when several state society presidents met and discussed common concerns over issues that were impacting practicing rheumatologists around the country. Formal planning started after a second larger informal gathering of state society presidents occurred in the fall of that year and again discussions gravitated to the same topic. The CSRO was then founded on June 9, 2003, with formal incorporation following several weeks later.

Mission:
The Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO) is comprised of 32 state and regional professional rheumatology societies whose mission is to advocate for excellence in the field of rheumatology, ensuring access to the highest quality care for the management of rheumatologic and musculoskeletal disease.

To aid rheumatologists in protecting their patients and their livelihood, CSRO actively advocates on the state and national level, focusing on educating legislators, government officials and the corporate community on the impact that policy and procedural changes may have to the patient’s quality of care and disease management options. CSRO also collaborates with patient organizations and other national societies to elevate awareness and provide a forum for an exchange of ideas, fostering a collaborative environment.

CSRO is dedicated to empowering rheumatologists and their practices with resources to proactively increase patient access to rheumatologic care and medication; supporting the formation of new state societies and encouraging active societies to incorporate advocacy into their normal activities; and providing a network for state societies to exchange.