Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory arthritis that affects the axial skeleton. Due to an aging population, declining number of rheumatologists, and limited access to care, care for patients with AS is suboptimal and it is critically important that primary care can optimally recognize and manage these patients. AS is challenging to diagnose and has a 5-10 year delay in diagnosis, the longest diagnostic delay among rheumatic diseases. Studies have shown that patients with shorter disease duration have better response to treatment. A diagnostic delay may cause patients to miss the chance of early appropriate treatment and consequently have poorer prognosis, increased disability, limitation of spinal and hip movements, pain, poor quality of life, and poor functional status.
This CME Outfitters recorded symposium features expert faculty and aims to improve confidence in practitioners that will lead to improved screening, evaluation, and early treatment of individuals with AS.
CME Outfitters, LLC, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. 1.50 contact hours (0.15 CEUs) Universal Activity Number: