Rheumatology

• Life- or organ- threatening rheumatic disease, E.g. Vasculitis including Giant Cell Arteritis and severe Autoimmune Connective Tissue Disease 
• Note: Suspected septic arthritis should be directed to  orthopedic surgery

Process

• Phone 902-473-2220 to speak with the Rheumatologist on call 

Facilitators (if indicated by clinical presentation)

• CBC, CRP, creatinine, urinalysis, plus other as per discussion with Rheumatologist on call

• Acute and chronic inflammatory arthritis
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Autoimmune connective tissue disease

Process

• Fax referral to 902-425-6466

Facilitators (if indicated by clinical presentation)

• CBC, CRP, uric acid, creatinine, urinalysis, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ANA, x-rays of affected joints, physical exam findings

• Transfer of care for established inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune connective tissue desease
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Rule out spondyloarthritis

Process

• Fax referral to 902-425-6466

Facilitators (if indicated by clinical presentation)

• CBC, CRP, x-rays of affected joints

• Non-inflammatory conditions such as:
  • Chronic pain syndromes including fibromyalgia
  • Hypermobility syndromes including Ehlers Danlos
  • Osteoarthritis including "erosive OA"
  • Regional pain syndromes incuding tennis elbow or non-specific back pain

Process

• We are not able to provide consultations for these indications due to the waitlist for inflammatory diseases
• If you are unsure, you can discuss with the Rheumatologist on call (page at 902-473-2220)