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Plaque Psoriasis
Patients Face a Challenging Journey and May Benefit From Close Contact With Healthcare Providers1,2
The journey from diagnosis to treatment can be physically and mentally challenging1
DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES
- Visiting a primary care physician, then a dermatologist, then a rheumatologist
- Being open with a physician about symptoms can be uncomfortable
- Patients may be told that their condition is just dry skin or misdiagnosed with eczema
- It may be challenging for people of color to find a physician with experience treating black and brown skin
TREATMENT CHALLENGES
- Settling for inadequate treatment
- Learning about biologics
- Dealing with medication side effects
- Rheumatologists may not accept the patient's health insurance
- Stable patients changing medication due to pricing
- Long waiting list to see a rheumatologist
- Asking for communication between rheumatologist and primary care team
Prompt intervention is recommended as part of treatment guidelines2
Early diagnosis and treatment may help mitigate disease progression and comorbidities such as diabetes and liver disease.
Patient engagement in care may positively impact the patient journey2
Guidelines recommend involving patients in their care and shared decision-making with the clinician. Patients should be made aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of each treatment modality. Patients should be provided with educational materials and informed about advocacy and support groups.
Explore a program to help patients along their plaque psoriasis journey