The role of the rheumatologist in managing arthritis.
When and why should a patient with arthritis see a rheumatologist? To establish or confirm the diagnosis: aim for diagnosis within six weeks of onset. To plan an optimal management program: early, aggressive treatment is essential to achieve the best outcome in patients with inflammatory arthritis. To assess the response to treatment: failure to respond to treatment requires a change in drug regimen--objective measures of disease activity should be used.
Clemens
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Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC. lclemens@netspace.net.au
D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010819:Physician's Role; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012219:Rheumatology