The satellite arthritis clinic.

For nine years an Arthritis Consultation Clinic has served a large community that did not have a rheumatologist. A university-based rheumatology section from another city, a local hospital, the United Way, a chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, and the County Medical Society have all contributed to the operation of the clinic. Such a clinic may be viewed as a stage in the regional development of rheumatologic care. Although primarily intended as a community service program, the clinic may also be useful in professional education on several levels.