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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis | Research article

Majority of new patient referrals to a large pediatric rheumatology center result in non-rheumatic diagnosis

Authors: Daniel D Reiff, John M Bridges, Eileen C Rife, Victoria L Gennaro, Linda McAllister, Annelle Reed, Carolyn Smith, Bethany Walker, Peter Weiser, Emily A Smitherman, Matthew L Stoll, Melissa L Mannion, Randy Q Cron

Published in: Pediatric Rheumatology | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Objective

Pediatric rheumatology faces a looming supply-demand crisis. While strategies have been proposed to address the supply shortfall, investigation into the increased demand for pediatric rheumatic care has been limited. Herein, we analyze new patient visits to a large tertiary care pediatric rheumatology center to identify emerging trends in referrals and areas for potential intervention to meet this increased demand.

Methods

All patients referred to and seen by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Pediatric Rheumatology Division between January 2019 and December 2021 for a new patient evaluation were identified. Patient data was retrospectively abstracted, de-identified, and analyzed to develop trends in referrals and frequency of rheumatic disease, non-rheumatic disease, and specific diagnoses.

Results

During the study period, 2638 patients were referred to and seen in by the pediatric rheumatology division. Six hundred and ten patients (23.1%) were diagnosed with rheumatic disease. The most common rheumatic disease was juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at 45.6%, followed by primary Raynaud phenomenon (7.4%), recurrent fever syndromes (6.9%), vasculitides (6.7%), and inflammatory eye disease (6.2%). Of the 2028 patients (76.9%) diagnosed with a non-rheumatic condition, benign musculoskeletal pain was the most common (61.8%), followed by a combination of somatic conditions (11.6%), and non-inflammatory rash (7.7%).

Conclusion

In this analysis of new patient referrals to a large pediatric rheumatology center, the majority of patients were diagnosed with a non-rheumatic condition. As a worsening supply-demand gap threatens the field of pediatric rheumatology, increased emphasis should be placed on reducing non-rheumatic disease referrals.

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Title: Majority of new patient referrals to a large pediatric rheumatology center result in non-rheumatic diagnosis
Authors: Daniel D Reiff
John M Bridges
Eileen C Rife
Victoria L Gennaro
Linda McAllister
Annelle Reed
Carolyn Smith
Bethany Walker
Peter Weiser
Emily A Smitherman
Matthew L Stoll
Melissa L Mannion
Randy Q Cron
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Musculoskeletal Pain
Joint Pain
Published in: Pediatric Rheumatology / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1546-0096
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12969-023-00910-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Majority of new patient referrals to a large pediatric rheumatology center result in non-rheumatic diagnosis

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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