21 Things to Know About Finding a New Rheumatologist / Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist
What to look for in a rheumatologist:
- Asks questions, listens for answers.
- Makes eye contact. Shakes hands gently.
- Education is recent or up to date. Attends American College of Rheumatology (ACR) meetings every year or so.
- Encourages patients to become informed, educated about RA.
- Welcomes friend or family member as an appointment companion.
- Views you as the manager of your treatment plan, seeing you as a partner.
Where to look for a rheumatologist:
- Ask friends, other doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and hospital staff. (I had medical records clerk warn me about a particular surgeon with a reputation for being abusive. Eventually, I witnessed it myself. I should have listened to her. )
- Use a wide radius: be willing to drive an hour or two.
- Try to use a university or teaching hospital. The doctor will be more up to date on current studies and treatment.
- Search doctor rating websites for lemons and gems. Trysites like angieslist.com, RateMDs, Vitals, Vimo.
- Use the phonebook to call rheumatology offices, asking pertinent questions.
- Cross check credentials, education, or pertinent questions online. Try Google, Facebook, MySpace.
What to do when you see a new rheumatologist:
- Make an appointment, saying that you are hoping to find a new rheumatologist. (Yes, this sounds like you are trying them out. That is the point.)
- Obtain all records and make copies for the new doc’s office. Offer to pre-send your records if the doctor prefers.
- Fill out as much paperwork as possible ahead of time and try to arrive early.
- Type up a summary of past and current RA-related issues and treatments. Include lists of current medications and all past RA-related medicines.
- Be appreciative, cheerful, and polite. Try to make friends with the staff.
- Bring someone with you to help understand & remember what was said.
- Listen to the doctor’s opinions, even taking notes. Ask pertinent questions.
- If you are treated very well, consider sending brownies or flowers. (Good people deserve to be recognized, even if they are just doing their job.)
- Do not go back if you are treated disrespectfully. Tell them why you cannot come back.
Recommended reading:
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Medication: Are Natural Medicines Better?
Mistaken beliefs about an RA blog?
Copyright © 2009-2010 Kelly Young, All rights reserved.
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Good post. Could I add:
*check your insurance company’s website for rheumy’s covered on your plan
*if you like your PCP, tell your PCP that you’re going to be looking for a new rheumatologist and wonder if he has any recommendations (or warnings)
*over at Ask an MD, Doctor D did a four-part series on how to find a primary doctor. Many of his tips might also be helpful in finding a rheumy
The university/teaching hospital tip needs to be stressed again. My first rheumy was not affiliated with a teaching hospital but my new one is. The difference is absolutely incredible, my new rheumy is up on all the latest treatments and is willing to sit down and take the time to explain them to me. She’s also up on the latest tests, such as ultrasound. My X-rays aren’t showing joint damage, but she ordered an ultrasound of my fingers and toes and the damage was clear as day. I’m not even sure if my first rheumy was aware they could do joint ultrasounds!!! It certainly was never mentioned in more than a year of visits with her. I have to drive a little further for this doctor but it’s worth every extra mile!
You are correct; many docs don’t even know about ultrasound. I called about 20 offices one day to ask whether they ever referred for US for RA. None did. Here is a 3 part series on Ultrasound for RA which I wrote recently. I’m so glad that it gave you answers. Like the blood tests, it doesn’t yet work for everyone, but someday…