HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR RHEUMATOLOGIST
For proper treatment of your rheumatoid arthritis, you will need to have a rheumatologist on your medical team. Rheumatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of joint diseases. You will probably need a referral from your primary care physician, but depending on your insurance coverage, you may be able to schedule an appointment yourself. Follow these steps to find the right rheumatologist for you:
- Check with your insurance provider: Ask your provider for a list of rheumatologists in your plan. Find out whether you will need a referral or whether you can schedule the consultation yourself. You may elect to perform your own search online or with local hospitals if you decide you want the freedom to choose your own specialist even if you have to pay out of pocket for an evaluation.
- Ask your primary care provider (PCP): Your PCP will want you to get the best care possible, and will tend to give you good recommendations that you can then research yourself.
- Confirm that your rheumatologist is board certified: This is a requirement because board certification means that your specialist maintains the proper level of expertise.
- Be prepared to travel: Consider making the drive to a nearby city for a rheumatologist if you live in a small community that doesn’t have good local options.
- Consider seeing more than one rheumatologist until you find one that properly meets your needs.
Other Topics That Interest You
