[The practice guideline 'Rheumatoid arthritis' (first revision) from the Dutch College of General Practitioners: a response from the perspective of rheumatology].

The guideline from the Dutch College of General Practitioners regarding the early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is in agreement with present concepts in rheumatology that emphasise a small window of opportunity for the effective treatment of (early) rheumatoid arthritis. Aggressive treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis is indicated, including early referral from the general practitioner to the rheumatologist.