Why did Hospital for Special Surgery start the EAC?
Hospital for Special Surgery is the largest rheumatology program in the United States, with 41 rheumatologists. Many spend most of their time taking care of patients, and some spend almost all their time in research. The Early Arthritis Center reflects the collaboration between these two physician groups at Hospital for Special Surgery. The latest research, some of which has been done at Hospital for Special Surgery, has shown the critical importance of early treatment of arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory types of joint pain. However, many rheumatologists have waiting lists which are months long and many patients are missing out on being seen as early as they should. The EAC is a way for HSS to focus its energies on getting patients treated early and properly.
