title: [Family physician and connective tissue disorders].
abstract: The exact place of the family physician in the diagnosis and management of connective tissue disease is poorly studied moreover will essentially depend on the health system and the organization of medical network of each country. Connective tissue diseases are rare and complex diseases that require in all cases referral to specialists for their diagnosis as well as monitoring. All patients must still keep a family doctor whose importance increases more and more as our specialized treatments prolong survival of patients who become chronically ill with multi-organic sequelae. A closely interaction between the various specialists and family physicians is necessary to ensure a good long-term follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Service de rhumatologie, médecine physique et réhabilitation, Département de l'appareil locomoteur CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. pascal.zufferey@chuv.ch
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zufferey
mesh_terms: D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013038:Specialization