Rheumatology
We care for people suffering from arthritis, inflammatory connective tissue disease and other musculoskeletal disorders.
What we do
The Rheumatology Unit provides inpatient and outpatient services for patients who suffer from arthritis, inflammatory connective tissue disease and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Services include:
- inpatient consultations
- inpatient admissions
- joint aspiration
- outpatient clinic consultations for diagnosis and management
- rheumatological ultrasonography.
Where to find us
Outpatient Clinics are held at two different locations. Check your appointment information to confirm where to go.
Rapid access clinics are held daily for emergency referrals.
Royal Adelaide Hospital
Level 3 (ground floor)
Check screens on arrival at the RAH for specific location. Check in with reception staff.
Go to mapLevel 1/21 North Terrace, Adelaide
Opposite the RAH
Check in with reception staff on arrival.
Go to mapWho we are
The team consists of consultants, nurses, allied health and research professionals applying evidence-based, best practice care.
We also work closely with other specialist units to provide a comprehensive service for the multi-systemic complications of rheumatological diseases.
Consultants
- Prof Susanna Proudman – Head of Unit
You need a referral from a GP or medical practitioner to access this service.
Once your referral has been received it will be triaged according to clinical urgency.
If your referral is accepted, you will either:
- receive a letter, phone call or text message confirming your appointment time, date and location
- receive a letter confirming you have been waitlisted for an appointment.
If the referral is declined, your GP or referring medical practitioner will be notified.
Outpatient services
Find out information about specialist outpatient appointments, how to be referred, plus information when attending an outpatient clinic.
Your outpatient appointment
Contact us to:
- change your appointment time
- cancel your appointment
- find out triage status
- general outpatient enquiries.
If you need to cancel or change your appointment time, let us know as soon as possible.
Preparing for surgery
The healthier you are going into surgery, the stronger you will be coming out. Find tips and resources to help you get ready for surgery.
Resources
We accept GP and specialist referrals to this service.
eReferrals are preferred.
Use the Clinical Prioritisation Criteria (CPC) as a referral guide.
To ensure timely triage, include all demographic and clinical details.
The service triages referrals according to clinical urgency.
Urgent and serious referrals
If you are concerned about the appointment being delayed or if the patient's condition is deteriorating, contact the registrar to discuss.
Registrars are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Patients requiring immediate assessment should be sent directly to the Emergency Department.
Discharge guidelines
Patients whose medical condition has stabilised or resolved, and where no further appointment has been made, will be formally discharged.
If medical assessment is required again, a new referral should be made explaining the reason.