Understanding Barriers in the Pathway to Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Results From a US Survey of 1690 Physicians From 10 Specialties

OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remains challenging because of the high prevalence of chronic back pain in patients initially treated by nonrheumatology health care providers (HCPs). We assessed the patient pathway to rheumatology referral, including HCP recognition of inflammatory back pain (IBP) and other features suggestive of AS, diagnostic workup, treatment, and referral to a specialist with the goal of identifying barriers to patient referral to a rheumatologist. METHODS: US HCPs from 10 specialties were invited to participate in a cross‐sectional web‐based survey on clinical characteristics and diagnostic measures leading to IBP suspicion and the subsequent referral process. Eligible HCPs were actively practicing and had referred a patient with suspected IBP or ocular findings (ophthalmology only) within 12 months. Data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Of 1690 HCPs, 61% identified morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, 29% sleep disturbance due to back pain, and 28% pain that improves with activity as features suggestive of IBP. Nearly two‐thirds of primary care HCPs reported that they were the first HCPs consulted by patients with suspected IBP. Among HCPs ordering diagnostic blood work, approximately 90% selected antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid factor, whereas 76% selected human leukocyte antigen B27. Almost 40% would treat patients with suspected IBP themselves. HCPs cited lack of adequate specialists nearby (35.1%), insurance restrictions (47.1%), and long wait time (77.0%) as barriers to early referral. CONCLUSION: Most HCPs had difficulty identifying features suggestive of IBP and indicated insurance restrictions and long wait times as barriers to early referral of patients with potential AS.