Background/Purpose: To plan a quality improvement project, we need to
understand the practice patterns of physicians. We undertook an online survey
of physicians  (MDs)
(Rheumatologists, Nephrologists and General practitioner) taking care of SLE patients
through the Lupus Society of Illinois (LSI) to determine the patterns of
medical care provided to SLE patients.

Methods:
A 13-item survey was designed to collect data using item development guidelines
for surveys. A cover letter explaining the study purpose, improving patient
care, was emailed by LSI, and included the link to the survey. This was sent
electronically to Rheumatologists and Nephrologists. All data obtained were
tabulated; descriptive and stratified data were analyzed using chi square tests
and p²0.05 on two-tailed tests.

Results:
86 MD’s completed the survey, 97% were Rheumatologists; 46 MDs practiced in
academic setting, 27 in private practice, and the remainder in both settings. Mean
(SD) age was 55 (12) years. Descriptives for the whole group and stratified by
academic or private practice are shown in Table 1. Laboratory tests ordered at
each follow up visit were significantly different among academicians as
compared to private practice MD’s (Table 1). In 8-11% of patients seen in
private practice, the laboratory tests ordered routinely at each SLE patient
care visit may be unnecessary or avoidable.

Conclusion:
There may be avoidable costs associated with laboratory tests ordered at each
SLE patient care visit. Physician education about indications for serial
routine testing for ANA, ENA and Sjogrens autoantibodies may be indicated to
reduce health care costs.