http://rawarrior.com/21-things-to-know-about-finding-a-new-rheumatologist-rheumatoid-arthritis-specialist/ Bringing information & encouragement to fight RA Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:45:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 http://rawarrior.com/21-things-to-know-about-finding-a-new-rheumatologist-rheumatoid-arthritis-specialist/comment-page-1/#comment-2807 Kelly Young Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:22:34 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1472#comment-2807 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.<a href="http://rawarrior.com/2009/11/ultrasound-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-part-1/"> Here is a 3 part series on Ultrasound for RA which I wrote recently.</a> I'm so glad that it gave you answers. Like the blood tests, it doesn't yet work for everyone, but someday... 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…

]]> http://rawarrior.com/21-things-to-know-about-finding-a-new-rheumatologist-rheumatoid-arthritis-specialist/comment-page-1/#comment-2801 Amanda Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:23:47 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1472#comment-2801 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! 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!

]]> http://rawarrior.com/21-things-to-know-about-finding-a-new-rheumatologist-rheumatoid-arthritis-specialist/comment-page-1/#comment-1573 WarmSocks Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:19:15 +0000 http://rawarrior.com/?p=1472#comment-1573 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 <a href="http://askanmd.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-choose-primary-doctor-series.html" rel="nofollow">how to find a primary doctor</a>. Many of his tips might also be helpful in finding a rheumy 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

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