When should you see a rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating inflammatory (rheumatic) conditions and autoimmune diseases. Rheumatologists diagnose, treat, and manage a broad range of conditions including arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and osteoporosis. Dr. Daniel Cirino, a rheumatologist with UNC Health Appalachian at AppRheumatology, explains everything you need to know about seeing a rheumatologist.
What type of medical training do rheumatologists undergo?
Rheumatologists undergo extensive training and years of education to gain licensure and certification. “A rheumatologist must complete four years of medical school, a three-year residency program in internal medicine, followed by an additional two years of specialized training in rheumatology,” says Cirino.
What type of conditions do they treat?
Conditions that rheumatologists treat include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Lupus
- Gout
- Osteoporosis
- Metabolic bone disease
- Scleroderma
- Sjogren’s syndrome
When should you see a rheumatologist?
“In general, you should see a rheumatologist if you experience symptoms of an inflammatory or autoimmune condition. For example, a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is joint pain that lasts longer than six weeks,” explains Cirino.
Other symptoms of autoimmune or rheumatic diseases can include, but are not limited to:
- Stiffness or swelling in more than one joint
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Skin lesions
- Hair loss
“In addition, blood tests and/or imaging tests may suggest an autoimmune or inflammatory condition. Therefore, an abnormal lab workup can indicate the need to see a rheumatologist,” says Cirino.
Do you need a referral to see a rheumatologist?
A referral from a primary care provider (PCP) is required to see a rheumatologist. “Your PCP will refer you to a rheumatologist when he or she suspects that you have an autoimmune or inflammatory condition,” says Cirino.
To prepare for your appointment with a rheumatologist, Cirino recommends that you document your medical history, including an accurate list of medications and supplements that you are currently taking. It is also important to complete new patient forms and documents prior to your appointment time.
Rheumatologists treat a range of conditions and develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient based on their medical history, family history, physical exam, bloodwork results, and symptoms, to improve quality of life. “Like most rheumatologists, I enjoy creating genuine, long-term relationships with my patients, and the opportunity to treat them from the beginning of their diagnoses to, hopefully, finding a low-disease or remission state,” says Dr. Cirino.
