The general practitioner (GP) has a unique role in the care of people with rheumatic disorders. The main possibilities lie within early detection of the rheumatic disease and knowledge in how to diagnose and treat common co-morbidities. The GP could also be a link between specialised rheumatology care and paramedical resources in primary care. There are however great differences in how care is organised in different countries and thus how the possibilities within primary care are utilised. Lessons could be learned from how GPs work in collaboration with rheumatologists and other caregivers in different settings, with the patients' best in focus.