Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiaries with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had lower dual-care utilization than previously reported for the general VA population, with few patients receiving dual rheumatology care or non-VA RA medications, a recent study found. Through a questionnaire mailed to RA patients at 3 VA sites, veterans reported medical services by non-VA primary care and subspecialty providers, comorbidities, non-VA medications, and hospitalizations. Of the 510 participants surveyed, 318 (62%) responded. Researchers found:

• Respondents were older (69 vs 66 years), more likely non-smokers (80% vs 67%), and had lower disease activity than non-respondents (n=192, 38%).
• The respondents with a non-VA provider (n=130, 41%) were older (71 vs 68 years) and had more education (14 vs 13 years) than non-dual care users.
• Only 6% of respondents reported having a non-VA rheumatologist, with 2% receiving a non-VA prescribed biologic or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug.