Rheumatology
(joint, muscle, soft tissue and autoimmune diseases)
We care for patients who have disorders affecting their joints, muscles, bones, ligaments and immune system.
Our services
We specialise in:
- rheumatoid arthritis – a type of arthritis associated with inflammation and swelling of multiple joints
- psoriatic arthritis – a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis (skin condition)
- ankylosing spondylitis – a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine
- gout – build-up of uric acid crystals in joints which can cause attacks of pain and swelling in joints
- osteoarthritis – a type of arthritis associated with the breakdown of joint cartilage
- scleroderma – a connective tissue disease
- systemic lupus erythematosus – an autoimmune connective tissue disease which may affect skin, kidneys, joints or other organs
- vasculitis – an autoimmune disease causing inflammation of blood vessels.
We provide a range of diagnostic and treatment services to people suffering severe musculoskeletal disease. These include:
- medicine-based treatments for many types of arthritis
- local corticosteroid injections
- advice to GPs on arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.
Please note we do not perform surgical procedures.
How to access this service
To access this service, your GP or medical practitioner will need to send a referral letter to the hospital.
If there is a waiting list, you will receive a confirmation letter and be advised on what to do next. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your appointment. Wait times will vary at our outpatient clinics with urgent appointments seen as soon as possible.
We also accept inpatient referrals (urgent only) from the hospital.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient:
Rheumatology referral guideline
GP and Specialist Hotline:
1300 364 938
What to bring
- Your Medicare card
- Private health insurance card (if you have one)
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
- Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
- Glasses, hearing aids and mobility aids
- your sleep equipment – machine and accessories (CPAP or bilevel)
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
- Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
- Something to read or do while you wait
- An adult carer to support you and take you home
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney (if you have one)
- A jacket or cardigan in case you get cold
- A dressing gown or cardigan, sleepwear or comfortable day clothes
- Slippers and shoes (low heel, closed-in, non-slip, adjustable and firm fitting around the foot)
- Your toiletries and personal items
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney if you have one
- Something to read or do during your stay
- Medical devices required for your care (e.g. CPAP machine)
- Do not bring large amounts of cash or valuables such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you
- Medications that are due whilst admitted for your sleep study
Clinics
Contact us
Specialist Outpatient Clinics
Location: Main Building, Ground floor, The Prince Charles Hospital
Phone: (07) 3139 4207
Fax: (07) 3139 5065
Email: TPCH_Call_Centre
Need help outside hours?
For non-urgent medical issues call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your GP.
In an emergency call 000.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient to this service, view the Rheumatology referral guideline.
GP and specialist referral hotline: 1300 364 938