UK study | Arthritis Information

 

I'm posting a site and study done in the UK about treatment parameters and RA.  It seems to be a study that was supported by the PM and the UK arthritis foundation.  I don't want to offend anyone but I felt it was important for people to review.  Our waiting time for appts. in many parts of the U.S. can be long.  I haven't seen a study on waiting times for people with RA.  If I run across something I'll post or if someone on the forum has a study, please post.  Lindy My doc was onto it straight away, appointment to the specialist took 3 weeks after that. I know my delay didn't come from the diagnosis stand point or getting into a rheumatologist it came from me not going to see a drI've never had a problem getting into seeing my RD even though he was one of two RDs for a population of about 130,000.  We've decided to settle down in another state and are moving into a house next week.  I called my old RD and I got an appt. next week.  Initially, many years ago, I was seen right away within just a few days of my internist making the appt. for me.  I have no idea what it's like in other cities; it will be interesting to read other's input.  Lindy

There are a shortage of Rheumatologists in the UK and this is the reason for delays  but I have never experienced this delay on seeing mine. I was diagnosed by  my G.P. He had an interest in Rheumatology so I was lucky. I ws then sent to see a RD within a week. I saw this RD for a while but wasnt happy with him for various reasons and on a visit to the hospital I met my present RD. I saw him within a few hours, then my follow up was in 4 days.

First RD was seen the day I called him.. but he was a friend of a friend and an idiot (said I had a virus) ....... MY second RD was seen in 3 weeks of my calling......... and he is always prepared any day if I need an emergency appointment to squeeze me in that day (provided I call early of course) That is actually how I got my official DX.. he knew I had RA but no markers makes it hard to officially DX... and I called on a day of extreme symptoms and swelling!!!!  and he saw me in two hours and drew fluids to examine..... The only delay I have experienced was of my own making: I delayed making an appointment with my PCP until the stiffness and pain had me nearly immobile.

There is definitely a shortage of rheumatologists in the area where I live. One who comes once a month. Most people travel 2-4 hours to see a RD.

Like Babs, I was seen by my RD when my symptoms were at their height, after physical examination, fluid was drawn from my knee and although I cannot remember what the findings were exactly, the RD said the assay was typical of RA.

I know that I have read posts where people were waiting what seemed to me to be extraordinary lengths of time to see an RD for an initial evaluation and then again for follow-up. I suppose I should count myself lucky to be able to make an appointment and be seen in short order, even though it means arranging for transportation.

Good topic Lindy! Thanks for introducing it.
[QUOTE=Spelunker]I know that I have read posts where people were waiting what seemed to me to be extraordinary lengths of time to see an RD for an initial evaluation and then again for follow-up. I suppose I should count myself lucky to be able to make an appointment and be seen in short order, even though it means arranging for transportation.

Good topic Lindy! Thanks for introducing it.
[/QUOTE] My opinion from reading a lot of posts over the years is that people with the longest waits for an initial appt often don't look any further than the name their PCP referred them to.  They often don't call their PCP back to say there is a delay in getting an appt.  Grsanted there are areas in the country with shortages of rheumatologists but sometime you have to be willing to be flexible or travel to get a timely appt [QUOTE=buckeye][QUOTE=Spelunker]I know that I have read posts where people were waiting what seemed to me to be extraordinary lengths of time to see an RD for an initial evaluation and then again for follow-up. I suppose I should count myself lucky to be able to make an appointment and be seen in short order, even though it means arranging for transportation.

Good topic Lindy! Thanks for introducing it.
[/QUOTE] My first RD appt was within just a few days of diagnosis by my internist because my internist called and talked with the RD and made the appt.  I've found that if the referring doctor makes the appt. you'll get in sooner to see the specialist.  It's something called professional courtesy. 
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