A multi-dimensional health assessment questionnaire (MDHAQ) and routine assessment of patient index data (RAPID3) scores are informative in patients with all rheumatic diseases.

Although indices have been developed for many rheumatic diseases in usual care, they are rarely used in usual care. In most visits to rheumatologists, the only quantitative data collected are laboratory tests. Patient history data often are more important in management of patients with rheumatic diseases than other diseases. A two-page multidimensional health assessment questionnaire (MDHAQ) can be completed by the patient in 5 to 10 minutes and reviewed by the physician in 10 seconds, with RAPID3 scored in 5 to 10 seconds. The MDHAQ is useful in rheumatic diseases, to improve management documentation and outcomes. MDHAQ data for physical function, pain, global status, and RAPID3 scores appear preferable to no quantitative data.