It begins with your GP
If you’ve just been diagnosed with arthritis, or if you're trying to get answers, you might be feeling unsure about what comes next.
Having a trusted relationship with your GP can make a big difference. They are the gateway to referrals, medications, and the care you’ll need to manage your arthritis well. Together, you can create a personalised plan that reflects your goals and supports you.
For non-inflammatory arthritis like osteoarthritis (OA), your GP may work closely with allied health providers to help you stay active, reduce pain, and delay or avoid surgery. In some regions, there are dedicated non-surgical OA pathways to support you.
If you’re living with inflammatory arthritis, advanced OA, or complications from gout or lupus, your GP will often refer you to a rheumatologist, orthopaedic service, or another specialist.
How referrals to specialists work
Your GP will usually send an electronic referral letter to the specialist team. This letter explains your symptoms, the tests you’ve had, and why a referral is needed. That information helps the specialist service prioritise how quickly you should be seen – urgent, semi-urgent, or routine.
Only medical practitioners like GPs or specialists can make referrals. Physiotherapists or osteopaths can’t usually refer directly to public specialist services.
Once your referral has been received, it will be reviewed and triaged. Within about 15 working days, you and your GP should hear back. The response may:
- Accept your referral and offer a First Specialist Assessment
- Request more information from your GP before deciding
- Decline the referral if it doesn’t meet current criteria
If your referral is accepted, you’ll receive a letter with your appointment details. The clinic may ask you to confirm or reschedule, and it’s important to contact them if your circumstances change so that others who are waiting to see a specialist might be able to take your spot if you can no longer make that date and time. If you miss more than one appointment without notice, you may need to start the referral process again.
Waiting times and what to expect
Public specialist services aim to see people within four months of referral, but this isn’t always possible due to demand. The rising number of people with arthritis in New Zealand and ongoing workforce pressures mean wait times can vary.
If waiting too long affects your overall wellbeing, you might consider seeing a private specialist if you have the means to do so. While this often means shorter wait times, costs can be high, especially if you’re not insured. If you do have private insurance, your provider may guide you on who to see.
Accessing arthritis medications
If you have an inflammatory form of arthritis, your rheumatologist will talk with you about the best medication options. Most people start with a medicine called methotrexate, which is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It’s used to reduce inflammation and slow the condition.
If methotrexate doesn’t work for you or causes too many side effects, there are other options. When necessary, your specialist can apply for advanced medications called biologics through a system called Special Authority. This process is managed by Pharmac and Medsafe in accordance with best practices.
You won’t be expected to move to these medicines unless they’re really needed. Your care team will help you weigh up the benefits and side effects so you can make the right choice for you and your whānau.
You're not alone
Getting a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. There are pathways, people, and resources in place to support you.
At Arthritis NZ, we’re here to help you live well with arthritis, from understanding the arthritis diagnosis pathway to connecting you with peer support, education, and practical tools for daily life.
