Home Featured Discussion Newly Diagnosed Why a Rheumatologist?

In this discussion: 9/22/00 Feature Links & Recommended Reading 9/21/00 What players are on your Healthcare team? 9/20/00 The First Rheumatology Appointment &  Fears 9/19/00 What kind of doctor should be treating your arthritis? A rheumatologist! Find out why. 9/18/00 Think no one knows how you feel? Wrong! You Aren't Alone!

Why A Rheumatologist?

Have your joints been hurting for a while? Is your doctor running out of options? Its time to see a rheumatologist. We believe that a rheumatologist should evaluate any joint pain that lasts longer than six weeks despite treatment. Why? Because they know arthritis.

With over 170 different types of arthritis it is almost impossible for a general practitioner to be up on current treatment options. Most general practitioners or internists learn about rheumatic diseases in medical school but thats about it. They do not participate in regular continuing education programs about arthritis. On the other hand, a rheumatologist completes the normal four years of medical school and three years of training in internal medicine or pediatrics, THEN spends an additional two to three years in specialized rheumatology training. I dont know about you, but I wouldnt even consider having a general practitioner handle my arthritis.

Of course, there may be times when a rheumatologist isnt needed to treat certain forms of arthritis. But there are many arthritic diseases that are systemic, difficult to manage and sometimes even life threatening. There is the risk of deformity and disability to consider. Some of the DMARDS can have significant side effects that require careful and competent monitoring. In these cases a doctor with special training in rheumatology is a must.

If we havent convinced you yet, listen carefully. A recent survey by the Arthritis Foundation shows that GPs and rheumatologists consider the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis successful if patients resume their daily activity and say their pain has been reduced. Thats great, but rheumatologists are three times more likely than GPs to look for complete remission as a sign of treatment success.

Tina Underwood 
Page last updated on September 18, 2000