Managed Care Strategies for Improving Patient Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Incorporating the Treat-to-Target Concept in Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…11 With the use of DMARDs and biologic agents soon after diagnosis, clinicians can now more effectively decrease pain, swelling, and progressive joint damage in order to improve function and quality of life and to preserve the patients' roles in society. 12 The use of treatment targets to improve outcomes has been implemented in clinical practice for the management of patients with various conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. For the care of these patients, clinicians monitor blood pressure and use laboratory tests for blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, cholesterol, and triglycerides and modify treatment accordingly; patients are informed of these clinical tests and their treatment targets, respectively.…”