What is a rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in arthritis and related diseases. Most often, a patient is referred to a rheumatologist by their primary care physician after presenting symptoms of arthritis. When preparing for the first appointment with the rheumatologist, there are primarily three things for the patient to consider:
What should you take?
Take your insurance cards and a photo I.D. so that the office personnel can begin to build a medical file. Be prepared to fill out a medical history. Bring along information about medicines, herbs, and supplements you take including:
Know the dates of pertinent visits to other doctors related to your current situation (i.e. orthopedic surgeons, internal medicine doctors). Be able to describe your current symptoms and the date of onset. If you have prior x-rays which are related, acquire the x-rays and/or reports so the information can be included. Present information about past surgeries (procedures, dates, and name of surgeons).
What can you expect?
You will be taken to an examining room by a nurse. The nurse will take your vital signs and ask you to briefly explain your symptoms and why you have been referred to the rheumatologist.
After making a few notes, the nurse will tell the rheumatologist you are ready for the consultation/examination. The rheumatologist will again ask you to explain your symptoms, in more detail, while examining you. Based on your answers and the findings during the examination, the rheumatologist will order more diagnostic tests.
What questions will the rheumatologist ask?
According to The Collaborative Arthritis Research & Education Services Program, expect the rheumatologist to ask:
- When and where does it hurt?
- When did you begin to feel the pain?
- Is the pain dull or sharp?
- How long does the pain typically last?
- Do you have swelling or redness of any joints?
- Do your symptoms affect your ability to perform any daily tasks?
- Have you injured the affected joint(s), been in an accident, or recently overused the joint(s)?
- Do any family members have the same or similar problem?
What will the rheumatologist look for?
During the physical exam, the rheumatologist will look for visible evidence of arthritis including:
The range-of-motion of your joints will also be assessed.
The combination of your medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic test results will help the rheumatologist decide whether or not you have arthritis and what type of arthritis you have. Arthritis is not a single disease, there are over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.
What questions should you ask?
Following the examination and interview by the rheumatologist, you will have the opportunity to ask questions. Have your questions pre-planned as much as possible and written down so you will be less likely to forget. Preparedness will afford you the best chance of leaving your initial visit with the rheumatologist armed with a plan. Consider asking your rheumatologist the following questions:
- Do I have arthritis?
- What type of arthritis do you suspect?
- What treatment will be tried initially?
- What is the action of each medication prescribed? (i.e. Is it a painkiller? Is it an anti-inflammatory drug?)
- When should I expect to notice an improvement?
- If this treatment plan does not work, what would be my next option?
- How will you monitor my progress or the possibility of adverse effects?
- Will I require routine blood tests?
- What other avenues should I consider for better management of my arthritis? i.e.
Early diagnosis and proper management of arthritis is imperative. A good relationship with your rheumatologist is an integral part of the process. A successful initial consultation can set you in a positive direction.
