Question: What can patients expect at their first visit with a rheumatologist?
Answer: Most patients who see a rheumatologist are referred by their primary care provider, but others may be self referred. In either case, the initial office visit is the same for both. This is a long visit when the rheumatologist must listen to symptoms, perform a full musculoskeletal examination, identify the patients problem, and determine whether additional diagnostic studies are needed. Blood specimens and x-rays are usually ordered. In addition procedures such as joint aspirations and injections may be indicated. Since the office visit is time limited, it is important that the referring physician make sure that your complete pertinent records including laboratory tests, and x-rays are available to the rheumatologist for the initial visit. If self referred, it would be very helpful to provide the rheumatologist with a complete written record of your musculoskeletal history, including past and current symptoms, response to previous treatment, and results of any diagnostic testing. The more help the patient can give to the doctor, the more help the doctor can give to the patient. (Answer provided by the late Dr. Raymond Federman, aka Dr. Bones, who passed away on September 2, 2003. The care of his patients even in retirement was always his joy.)
