21 Things to Know About Finding a New Rheumatologist / Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist

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.

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.

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.