Gout and Crystal Arthropathy Center

About the center

With accurate early diagnosis and appropriate acute and long-term treatment of gout and other crystal arthropathies, patients can expect to maintain good control of their arthritis so that they can lead productive lives free of joint pain. Our Center collaborates very closely with specialists in many different areas to provide the most comprehensive care possible to our patients, including screening and management of comorbidities that often co-exist with gout. As necessary, we will coordinate your care with providers in:

• Radiology
• Cardiology
• Diabetology
• Nutrition
• Nephrology
• Primary care
• Physical and occupational therapy

What to expect

Diagnosing gout or other crystal arthropathy requires a careful review of a patient’s symptoms, physical findings, and relevant testing. During a patient’s first appointment at the Gout and Crystal Arthropathy Center, we will review his/her medical history, perform a physical examination, and decide what additional tests are necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. We will also conduct a careful review of the patient’s medical records; therefore, we ask all patients to bring their previous medical notes, as well as related test results, including available imaging evaluations. Once a diagnosis of gout or crystal arthropathy is established, we are able to assist in both the acute and chronic management of these conditions.

Our care approach

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, we deliver optimal gout care with a coordinated long-term strategic approach that involves several key components that go beyond initiation of anti-gout medications. This gout care strategy consists of patient education, individualized lifestyle advice, and appropriate use of anti-gout medications (typically, medications that lower serum urate levels) to achieve and sustain treatment targets of disease control and a potential cure (i.e., sustained serum urate control, absence of gout symptoms, improvement in quality of life). Over a one-year period, this approach can lead to more than 90% of patients achieving the primary treatment target of serum urate < 6mg/dL as recommended by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) guidelines.

Aside from routine clinic evaluations, we offer the following services at the Gout and Crystal Arthropathy Center:

• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Our experts in musculoskeletal ultrasound can provide real-time and dynamic evaluation of joints as well as perform ultrasound-guided procedures for targeted and often rapid pain relief.
• Electronic Visits: Our Center offers electronic visits which include some educational materials as well as a secure online questionnaire to determine whether any treatment changes need to be made in between clinic visits.
• Patient Gateway: Our Center encourages close communication between patients and providers by using Patient Gateway, our online portal.