Introduction: According to data from the V. A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, 75% of patients suffering from rheumatic diseases become disabled before retirement age [1]. Early diagnosis of rheumatic diseases is often challenging for many specialists [2]. Frequently, the reasons for late diagnosis include a lack of awareness among doctors about the symptoms of the diseases, the variety of their clinical manifestations, as well as patients' delayed requests for medical assistance. This study analyzed questionnaires from 100 patients over 18 years old with confirmed rheumatic diseases. Objective of the study: To identify subjective reasons affecting the timing of diagnosis in patients with rheumatic diseases in outpatient settings, according to the patients themselves, using the examples of spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and methods: The study included 100 patients aged 18 to 91 years who were under the care of a rheumatologist with a confirmed rheumatic diagnosis and who voluntarily agreed to participate in this study. The average duration of the disease from the onset of the first symptoms to the visit to the rheumatologist and the establishment of the rheumatological diagnosis was calculated, along with the percentage of referrals to related specialists and the reasons for the delayed detection of rheumatic diseases and late visits to the rheumatologist, according to the patients themselves. Results: The average duration of the disease from the onset of the first symptoms to the visit to the rheumatologist and the establishment of the rheumatological diagnosis was 6.88 ± 1.8 years. According to patients, the reasons for the late detection of rheumatic diseases are: personal oversight 39%, oversight by physicians 80%, lack of opportunity to visit a rheumatologist 1% (multiple responses were allowed).

rheumatology, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, delayed diagnosis, reasons for late detection of rheumatic diseases according to patients, questionnaires, patient surveys in rheumatology, detection of rheumatic diseases..