Consider referring a patient with Behçet's disease to a specialist when they present with severe or refractory symptoms, particularly involving complex systemic manifestations such as ocular inflammation (e.g., uveitis), neurological involvement, or vascular complications. Specialist referral is also warranted if the diagnosis is uncertain or if the patient requires immunosuppressive therapy beyond primary care capabilities.
Specifically, urgent ophthalmology referral is indicated for acute anterior uveitis symptoms (eye pain, redness, photophobia, or vision changes), which can occur in Behçet's disease and requires specialist management to prevent vision loss.
Referral to rheumatology or other relevant specialists should be considered for systemic disease control, especially if there is persistent or severe mucocutaneous ulceration, arthritis, or other organ involvement that is not responding to initial treatment.