OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between general measures of function and well-being, as measured by the 8 domains of the SF-36, with arthritis specific measures of function and symptom frequency. METHODS: We identified 606 patients from a longitudinal, observational study of RA (RAPOLO). Patients completed telephone interviews about arthritis specific function (HAQ, RA Status and Symptoms ), the SF-36 domains, Physical and Mental Summary Scores (PCS, MCS) and the Arthritis Specific Health Index (ASHI). We present correlations between the SF-36 domains, PCS, MCS and ASHI with selected arthritis measures. All correlations are presented as absolute values. RESULTS: All correlations were in the anticipated direction. A correlation >0.6=good – excellent, and <0.4=below average. The HAQ was highly correlated with the SF-36 physical scales, and had weak correlations with the emotional function scales and the ASHI. Other arthritis specific scales (joint swelling, joint pain, morning stiffness, RA fatigue and RA pain) were strongly correlated with the ASHI, the SF-36 pain, physical function, role function-physical and energy/fatigue scales; and had weak correlations with the emotional functioning and general health scales. CONCLUSIONS: In RA patients, the SF-36 measures aspects of functioning and well-being not covered by the arthritis specific measures, especially in the areas of emotional functioning. This is indicated by the moderate to weak correlations between the arthritis specific measures and the domains of emotional function, role emotional function, and mental health and the MCS