Magnitude and characteristics of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions on ambulatory medical care visits, United States, 1997

Objective. To describe ambulatory medical care utilization, defined to exclude injury-related visits, for persons with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. Methods. National estimates, rates, and other characteristics of ambulatory care visits were calculated from a national sample of patient visits to physician offices and acute care hospital outpatient and emergency departments. Results. An estimated 36.5 million ambulatory care visits were related to arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. Visit rates increased with age and, overall, were twice as high among women as men. Rates of visits by race varied by ambulatory care setting. Soft tissue disorders (9.3 million), osteoarthritis (7.1 million), nonspecific joint pain/effusion (7.0 million), and rheumatoid arthritis (3.9 million) were the most common diagnoses. Conclusions. Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions account for about as many ambulatory care visits as cardiovascular disease or essential hypertension. These visits serve as excellent opportunities to counsel patients regarding prevention messages for arthritis.