Evidence-Based Rheumatology for Primary Care Providers

Preface The United States is facing a significant shortage of rheumatologists, which poses a growing challenge in the management of patients with rheumatic diseases. In 2021, there were approximately 5,500 adult rheumatologists across the country, but projections estimate that this number will decrease to 4,700 by 2030. This decline is occurring at a time when the demand for rheumatologic services is on the rise due to the aging U.S. population and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and gout. With fewer rheumatologists available to provide care, more and more patients with rheumatic diseases are turning to primary care providers (PCPs) for the management of their conditions. In this context, it is crucial for PCPs and other midlevel providers to have a solid foundation in basic rheumatology to effectively care for these patients and improve their outcomes. This book, Evidence-Based Rheumatology for Primary Care Providers, aims to bridge that knowledge gap and empower PCPs to confidently manage common rheumatologic conditions. The book is divided into four parts, each designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the most important aspects of rheumatology, from the basic immunology, pathophysiology, diagnosis of diseases to evidence-based treatment approaches, and long-term management strategies. It is our hope that this resource will serve as a practical guide to improving the quality of care for rheumatology patients in primary care settings. Huynh Wynn Tran, MD, FACP, FACR Associate Professor of Medicine and Pharmacy CEO/Founder of Wynn Medical Center Clinics Los Angeles, California, USA