Musculoskeletal complaints are among the most common presentations in primary care, yet early signs of rheumatologic disease are often subtle, nonspecific, and easily overlooked. Delayed recognition can lead to irreversible joint damage, systemic complications, and missed opportunities for early intervention.

In this session on “Rheumatology in Primary Care: When to Suspect and When to Refer,” the discussion will focus on helping frontline clinicians identify red flags that warrant deeper evaluation or specialist referral. Through practical frameworks and real-world insights, key topics will include differentiating inflammatory from non-inflammatory conditions, recognizing early markers of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and SLE, and understanding when timely referral can change outcomes. This session aims to simplify decision-making and strengthen the bridge between early suspicion and specialist care.