Criteria for referral to public hospital specialist clinic services

• 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.

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided:

• Description of joints affected and onset, characteristics and duration of symptoms
• Details of previous medical management including the course of treatment and outcome of treatment
• Full blood examination
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Details of skin conditions (if referral relates to psoriatic arthritis)
• Current and complete medication history (including non-prescription medicines, herbs and supplements)
• If the patient is pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Provide if available:

• Rheumatoid factor (RhF) levels
• Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody levels
• Relevant x-rays
• Liver function tests
• Urea and electrolyte results
• How symptoms are impacting on daily activities (e.g. work, study, or carer role)
• Previous rheumatology assessments or opinions
• If symptoms are thought to be linked to probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection or Long COVID.

Additional comments

The Summary and referral information lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

As inflammatory arthritis is chronic or progressive condition that requires ongoing specialist advice the referral should request partnership care between the patient, their general practitioner and the health service.

The referral should note if the request is for a second or subsequent opinion as requests for a second opinion will usually not be accepted.

Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

Not applicable.