Inflammatory arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis — referral criteria for Rheumatology services.

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed inflammatory arthritis with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Patients with acutely painful, hot, swollen joint(s) especially if febrile

Suspected sepsis in a patient with previously diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis

Unexplained illness or fever in a patient being treated with biologic or immunosuppressant medicines

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Suspected or diagnosed inflammatory arthritis (including psoriatic arthritis) with active symptoms

Previously diagnosed inflammatory arthritis for review of management plan, monitoring or management of toxicity associated with treatment