BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects over 1 million people in the United States. Although the emergence of new medications has substantially improved treatment options and outcomes for patients with RA, the disease is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In addition, significant barriers to adherence characterize RA medication management. A reasonable approach to improving RA patient outcomes entails interprofessional, multidisciplinary models of care. Working with rheumatology specialists, RA multidisciplinary care teams may comprise case managers, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, physiatrists, orthopedists, or other health professionals. Experience and evidence have supported the value of interprofessional, coordinated care models for patients with various chronic diseases. However, potential drawbacks include the costs associated with implementation of such approaches, the extra time required for their administration, and the lack of incentives for clinicians to adopt collaborative care approaches.