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

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

SUBMITTER: Reiff DD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10571278 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature