Two days later, Dr. Smith contacts Mrs. Evan, summarizes the test results, and reports that an acute infection has been ruled out. Dr. Smith asks Mrs. Evan if she has had any change in her symptoms and if she has ever been seen by a rheumatologist.
Dr. Smith explains that given the symptoms, history, physical exam, and diagnostic test results, she feels Mrs. Evan has a rheumatic condition that needs further investigation by a rheumatologist. She provides Mrs. Evan with the names of three local rheumatologists and will provide referral information along with a complete set of records to the one Mrs. Evan chooses. In addition, Dr. Smith checks to see that Mrs. Evan has no drug allergies and prescribes Vioxx® [since 2004 removed from the US market].