What to Expect for the Early Arthritis Clinic at AOCBV

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects nearly 2.5 million Americans and can lead to significant joint damage, disability, co-morbidity, and even premature death. Research has conclusively shown that delays in diagnosis or therapy can lead to hazardous outcomes. Early, aggressive therapy with the goal of inducing remission has a favorable effect on outcomes. These findings have led us to establish an Early Arthritis referral Clinic (EAC). The purpose of the clinic is to initiate a rapid evaluation, provide a timely and accurate diagnosis, and implement an effective therapeutic plan. This clinic is modeled after other successful programs across the US and Europe (Cush & Kavanaugh, 1995, Professional Communications, Inc.) and follows the guidelines published by Emery et al.

About the Early Arthritis Clinic (EAC)

Patients of the Early Arthritis Clinic will be seen and evaluated within two weeks. The patients with confirmed RA will be seen every 2-3 weeks until remission is achieved. You may be considered to have Early RA if you have any of the following:

• 3 or more swollen joints
• Joint symptoms for > 6 weeks but < 6 months
• Morning stiffness > 30 minutes

We hope that this rapid referral clinic will assist our patients in providing appropriate, highly effective therapy in a timely fashion. The recent availability of new therapies (Enbrel, Remicade, Kineret, Humira, Rituxan, Orencia, Simponi, Cimzia, Actmera) have helped make it possible for our patients to manage this once crippling disease. Please feel free to contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment with AOCBV today!