Research has shown that while patient response to different medications may vary, those with chronic illness universally require social support and human empathy to achieve the best physical and emotional outcomes. From the 2006 PACO focus groups, we learned that RA patients' greatest concern was social isolation, that almost all had never talked with another person with RA, and that they feel alone dealing with the challenges of the disease. Psychosocial support is a seminal aspect of disease management since interpersonal relationships are often affected by the fatigue and physical disability of the disease and self-efficacy by the resulting loss of independence. The purpose of this study is to further patient care by providing social support services to better arthritis outcomes and patient satisfaction. In this pilot initiative called PARASS Patient-to-Patient Connection, patients will be able to connect with fellow patients who have similar concerns and fears and can find empathy and understanding based on personal experience. Buddy systems matching patients with similar needs or interests have been successful in addiction rehabilitation and oncology treatment, and group sessions have long been used as teaching and support tools in diabetes management. Rheumatology, however, has to date focused largely on providing patients with tools to improve the more physical manifestations of pain, swelling and fatigue. Furthermore, efforts to enhance self efficacy through leader initiated self help courses have not produced expected improvements in clinical outcomes. The purpose of this initiative is to develop a novel method of patient empowerment using peer support in order to better arthritis outcomes and patient satisfaction. To our knowledge, no rheumatology clinics in the United States have developed or instituted organized programs for peer social support or group informational discussion.