The importance of the German Rheumatological Database for the improvement of rheumatological care

The uniform database of the German Collaborative Arthritis Centers is an im portant instrument for health services research, the observation of outcome s of daily rheumatological care, and for quality assessment in rheumatology . Deficits concerning modern medical and comprehensive therapy in non-speci alized outpatient care were shown. The data give evidence of the benefits o f the initiation of rheumatological care. Data of practice variation in rhe umatology are used for internal quality assessment.