TY - JOUR T1 - A New Form of Communication Between Rheumatology and Primary Care: The Virtual Consultation JO - ReumatologĂ­a ClĂ­nica (English Edition) T2 - AU - Tejera Segura,Beatriz AU - Bustabad,Sagrario SN - 21735743 M3 - 10.1016/j.reumae.2015.03.001 DO - 10.1016/j.reumae.2015.03.001 UR - https://www.reumatologiaclinica.org/en-a-new-form-communication-between-articulo-S217357431500043X AB - In recent years, the prevalence of rheumatic diseases has increased. The virtual consultation of rheumatology could help to avoid unnecessary visits and attend those who need an early visit. The virtual consultation is associated with telemedicine and telecommunication. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of all virtual consultations performed in the Rheumatology Service during a one year period. More than a 50% were resolved without giving the patients an appointment. With virtual consultation we have achieved: (1) a closer contact with primary care, (2) rapid resolution of doubts about rheumatic disease in patients, (3) improvement of training in rheumatic disorders and (4) prioritizing those patients requiring early assessment by a rheumatologist. ER -