[The practice guideline 'Rheumatoid arthritis' (first revision) from the Dutch College of General Practitioners: a response from the perspective of general practice].

In the revised guideline on rheumatoid arthritis of the Dutch College of General Practitioners, in contrast to the previous guideline, particular emphasis is given to an early diagnosis. Moreover, rapid and maximal suppression of the disease process is recommended to delay or prevent damage to the joints. This policy however does not take into account the lack of evidence with regard to improvement of prognostic disability parameters. A careful, individualized referral indication is necessary so as to reduce the chance that patients are referred and treated but later turn out not to have had rheumatoid arthritis.