Community rheumatology practice in Thunder Bay: a Canadian experience from northwestern Ontario.
The practice experience of a rheumatologist in Thunder Bay, within the well-defined, relatively isolated area of Northwestern Ontario, is described. The population base of approximately 200,000 results in a waiting period for elective consultations of 3 months. (The number of other consultants for musculoskeletal problems in the community compares favorably with national and provincial ratios.) The majority of patients had well-defined rheumatic diseases. Nonarticular rheumatism comprised a relatively small proportion of visits. A ratio of 1 rheumatologist: 100,000 population would seem to be a realistic one.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D002170:Canada; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006123:Group Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D012219:Rheumatology