A recent study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that the more informed patients are and those who have a greater ability to make decisions in regards to their medical care, the more satisfied a person was with their treatment. In addition, this correlated to better health.

The study, entitled, "Rheumatology care: Involvement in medical decisions, received information, satisfaction with care, and unmet health care needs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis" concludes, "The results indicate a need for a more flexible and patient centered care model, in which patients to a larger degree can decide which services they need and how these services should be delivered."

The authors reached this conclusion after finding that nearly 1/3 of the participants were unsatisfied with the care they were receiving.

Locating a Rheumatologist
Finding a rheumatologist who is right for you can be a challenge. Getting the correct medical care for spondylitis is a necessity. Here at SAA, we have some information you may wish to review when you are searching for, or are changing, doctors: