Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk for avoidable hospitalizations, particularly for cardiovascular complications, compared to healthy individuals. A study presented at ACR Convergence 2024 showed that patients with RA are at a higher risk for hospitalizations 3 and 5 years after diagnosis. Access to ambulatory care is crucial in minimizing hospitalizations for individuals with RA. Factors such as increasing age, not seeing a physician since diagnosis, living in a rural area, and having comorbid conditions contribute to the risk of avoidable hospitalizations. The study highlights the importance of ambulatory care access for patients with RA.
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Patients with rheumatoid arthritis at higher risk for ‘avoidable’ hospitalization
