When selecting a rheumatologist -- | Arthritis Information

Do you think the older doctors are just as effective as the new doctors? I want a doctor that knows what is going on in the newest treatments, etc.

My mom had an older doctor that has since retired that had her on nothing but prednisone for two years. She had a lot of damage done during that time because she didn't know any better.

Do you all have older doctors that are still as effective and good as a modern doctor? I would love feedback because I am nervous about getting a new doctor and am praying for a good one that is out to help me and do his/her best.

Mine has a research staff that keeps all the doctors up-to-date on all the latest research. They are also actively involved in new studies. I got mine from a referral by my Cardiologist.

If I had to start again, I wouldn't want someone too young because they haven't seen all the manifestations of RA yet. But I wouldn't them old school like with your mom's doctor.

Some hospitals have referral numbers. But if you get a list of RDs that take your new insurance and call your present doc's office, they will probably make a recommendation.

I am so happy you have passed milestone. It's so scary not having insurance.

I believe there are good and bad for both old and young. A older Dr. can keep up on new treatments and draw on past experience. It is very important for you to find a Dr. you are comfortable with and does a good job. Self-education about RA treatments is very important and will help you know whether or not your Dr. is doing a good job. You also definitely need to have a Rheumatoligist if you have RA.

My RD is in his late 50's and works at Ohio State University Hospital. He has several doctors in with him and there are some younger ones there too. When he recommends something he always has info to pass along with it and tells me what the side effects, etc are. I feel comfortable with him but I have only seenhim about 3 times.

The RD I had before this one was an older doc as well but when I went to see him after the ministroke he gave my husband and I the impression taht he was afraid to treat me anymore. He was in the exam room under two minutes, gave rx for nortiptalyne anad told me to come back in three months. Hubby and I were both furious.

Make sure you are comfortable with your doctor and don't be afraid to ask questions.

My doctor is fairly young (early 30's). She's up on all of the latest studies, drugs, etc., and is a lot more knowledgeable about symptoms, more willing to listen to suggestions than many older doctors. I trust her to know or find out whatever I ask.

I think the most important thing is that she, like many others, is linked to a teaching hospital.I don't know that his/her age is the determining factor, as much as continuing education and an open mind. Every now and again, I run into a doctor who thinks bloodletting is the right answer for everything (well, not quite). I'd say not too old and not too young. If on the younger side it would nice to be associated with an older more experienced rheumy. I think it's a personal fit issue. You have to feel comfortable with their expertise and you have to be able to communicate with them easily. They have to be accesable too.

Yes, accessible is very important. You don't want to have to wait four months to be seen for the first time, not with what you have described going on. Almost all of them will make you wait a month, but be persistent and insistent that you need to be seen. If you initially have a hard time getting in, tell them that you will be willing to be worked in.

At first, I thought I needed to wait until each scheduled appointment. That cost me. Once you are seen as a first patient, then you should be able to make appointments at anytime in the future. Sometimes, you might have to be seen by the nurse practioner, but they are used to having to get people in with serious stuff going on. If they are not flexible in this, then they are not going to helpful in the long run.

You just have to let us know how this turns out for you. It is exciting that something is going forward in your life after you have been struggling so hard.

One of the reasons I like my rheumatologist is because he can drain and inject joints without it hurting - it's an art! (My family doctor had a go once and I nearly hit the roof with the pain.)

It actually depends on the doctor.

I have had old ones that are set in their old style of treatments and I have had new ones who think they know everything and only do select things.

It just depends on who they are inside that determines what they will be like with the patient.

I agree with everyone else. I worked with surgeons and anesthesiologist for years. It all depends on the person. Just as with any dr. some young ones are great some suck. Older dr.'s do at least have experience behind them.

Good luck with your search!