Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Primary Care Setting

The current framework for rheumatoid arthritis care aims to identify RA at earlier stages, better control complications, and reach the goal of remission in more patients. The problem is the majority of RA care is provided by specialists -- and our country is now realizing a significant shortage of rheumatologists.

As fewer and fewer primary care clinicians felt comfortable managing RA, they routinely deferred to specialists. But the disparity in the number of RA patients and rheumatologists is now affecting clinical outcomes – with significant delays in diagnosis and treatment, and more patients realizing long term joint damage. In reality, primary care physicians are uniquely qualified to manage chronic disease, as demonstrated with the shift in diabetes management.

The defining features of primary care - continuity, comprehensiveness and coordination - match the needs of chronically ill patients. With fewer specialists, new knowledge about the timeliness of diagnosis, and growing awareness of extra-articular manifestations, PCPs must take on the lion’s share of RA care. In fact, it is essential that you understand the barriers to positive results, best practices in RA management, and current guidelines.

Part 1 available until November 10, 2010
Physicians: .5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^™
Nurses: .5 contact hours

Part 9 available until April 8, 2011
Physicians: .5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^™
Nurses: .5 contact hours

Part 1- New Onset Polyarthritis
Credit Hours	Credit Type
.5	AMA PRA
.5	CNE

 

Part 9 – 2008 ACR Guidelines for RA Care
Credit Hours	Credit Type
.5	AMA PRA
.5	CNE

 

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