Rheumatic disorders in the Swedish population and health care system

Rheumatological diagnosis encountered at 3 levels of the health care system primary care, district hospital and specialized centers, were registered. The prevalence of rheumatic disorders was calculated from a population survey. Back complaints were the predominant diagnosis of primary care physicians, while inflammatory diseases were the major diagnostic group seen in specialized rheumatology centers. Among in-patients at the district hospital level, back disorders and inflammatory diseases each constituted 1/2 of cases. The utilization of primary care for patients over 65 yr of age decreased for back disorders but was higher for all other types of rheumatic disorders. Young and middle aged patients were seen more frequently by specialists than older patients. Awareness of the high frequency of noninflammatory rheumatic disorders in the population and at all levels of care is important in the planning of health services for the rheumatic disorders.