Assessing the Value of Rheumatoid Factor Assays in a DoD Medical Facility
Jeffrey A. Feinstein, MD, Maj., USAF, MC, Synya Balanon, MD, Capt., USAF, MC, Ramon Arroyo, MD, Col., USAF, MC, and Daren Scroggie, MD
Maj. Feinstein is a board-certified rheumatologist, Capt. Balanon is a board-certified internist, Col. Arroyo is the program director for the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Care Consortium Rheumatology Fellowship, and Dr. Scroggie is a board-certified rheumatologist, all in the department of rheumatology, Wilford Hall Medical Center (WHMC), Lackland Air Force Base, TX. At the time of this study, Maj. Feinstein was a senior rheumatology fellow at WHMC.
For better or for worse, this assay tends to be used as a screening tool for rheumatoid arthritis in patients with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. Is this use warranted?