Common Conditions Treated
by Rheumatologists
Rheumatologists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that rheumatologists help patients manage:
What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting a rheumatologist.
Your First Visit
- Comprehensive medical history including symptom onset, pattern, and duration, plus family history of autoimmune diseases
- Review of current medications, previous treatments, and any imaging or lab work already completed
- Detailed physical examination of all joints for swelling, tenderness, warmth, and range of motion
- Examination of skin, nails, and eyes for signs of systemic autoimmune disease
- Assessment of muscle strength and evaluation for systemic symptoms (fatigue, fever, weight loss)
- Discussion of how symptoms affect daily activities and quality of life
- First rheumatology visit typically lasts 60-90 minutes
Diagnosis & Testing
- Blood tests: Complete blood count, inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), autoantibodies (ANA, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, anti-dsDNA), uric acid levels, and HLA-B27
- Joint fluid analysis (arthrocentesis): Examining fluid from swollen joints for crystals, infection, or inflammatory cells
- X-rays: Evaluate joint damage, bone erosions, and structural changes in affected joints
- MRI and ultrasound: Detect early inflammation, soft tissue changes, and joint damage not visible on X-rays
- CT scans: Assess lung involvement in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma
- Dual-energy CT (DECT): Specialized imaging to detect uric acid crystal deposits in gout
- Bone density scan (DEXA): Assess osteoporosis risk, especially in patients on long-term corticosteroids
Treatment Options
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib for pain and inflammation relief
- Corticosteroids: Prednisone for rapid inflammation control, used short-term or for flares
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine to slow disease progression
- Biologic medications: TNF inhibitors (adalimumab, etanercept), IL-6 inhibitors, B-cell depleting agents, and IL-17/IL-23 inhibitors for moderate to severe disease
- JAK inhibitors: Oral medications (tofacitinib, upadacitinib) for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
- Joint injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections for localized joint symptoms
- Physical and occupational therapy: Maintain joint function, strengthen muscles, and learn joint protection techniques
- Lifestyle modifications: Exercise programs, weight management, smoking cessation, and stress reduction
Tip for Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your rheumatologist provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Choose the Right Rheumatologist
Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a rheumatologist.
Credentials to Verify
- Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in Rheumatology
- Completed accredited fellowship training in rheumatology (2-3 years minimum)
- Active, unrestricted medical license in your state
- Experience with your specific condition (lupus, vasculitis, or other complex autoimmune diseases)
- Training in musculoskeletal ultrasound for joint assessment and guided injections
- Member of professional organizations like American College of Rheumatology (ACR) or Arthritis Foundation
Important Considerations
- Expertise in your specific condition - some rheumatologists specialize in lupus, vasculitis, or pediatric rheumatology
- Experience prescribing and monitoring biologic medications if you have moderate to severe disease
- Access to infusion center for IV biologic treatments if needed
- Accepts your insurance plan and is in-network
- Office location and accessibility for regular visits
- Availability for urgent issues and flare management
- Communication style and willingness to explain treatment options thoroughly
- Coordination with other specialists (dermatologists, nephrologists, pulmonologists) for multisystem disease
- Use of musculoskeletal ultrasound for diagnosis and guided injections
- Patient reviews and recommendations from other patients or referring physicians
Quick Tip
Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple rheumatologists before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.
Cost and Insurance Information
Understanding the costs associated with seeing a rheumatologist can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Average Costs (Without Insurance)
Initial Visit
$250-$450
Follow-up Visit
$125-$300
Common Procedures
Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.
Insurance Coverage
- Most health insurance plans cover rheumatology visits with specialist copay (typically $30-$75)
- Diagnostic tests are usually covered when medically necessary, though prior authorization may be required
- Biologic medications often require prior authorization and step therapy (trying less expensive drugs first)
- Many biologic manufacturers offer patient assistance programs to reduce out-of-pocket costs
- Specialty pharmacy may be required for biologic medications, affecting copay amounts
- Many plans require referral from primary care physician for specialist coverage
- Joint injections are typically covered but may have separate procedure copays
- Out-of-network rheumatologists may have significantly higher out-of-pocket costs
- High-deductible plans require meeting deductible before coverage begins, which can be significant for biologics
Medicare Information
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary rheumatology visits, diagnostic tests, and procedures. Medicare typically covers 80% of approved costs after the Part B deductible is met. Part B covers infused biologics (like infliximab) administered in a medical setting. Part D covers self-injectable biologics (like adalimumab) and oral medications with varying copays depending on the plan formulary tier.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Always verify your rheumatologist is in-network before scheduling
- 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
- 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
- 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
- 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses
Questions to Ask Your Rheumatologist
Being prepared for your appointment helps you get the most out of your time with your doctor. Here are important questions to consider asking a rheumatologist:
What type of arthritis or autoimmune condition do I have, and what is causing it?
What are all my treatment options, including medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes?
What are the goals of treatment - symptom relief, preventing joint damage, or achieving remission?
What are the potential side effects of the medications you're recommending, and how will we monitor for them?
How long will it take to see improvement from my treatment?
Will I need to take medications long-term, or can I eventually stop them if my disease is controlled?
What symptoms should prompt me to call your office or seek emergency care?
How often will I need follow-up appointments and lab work?
Should I see any other specialists for my condition (dermatologist, physical therapist, etc.)?
Are there any clinical trials or newer treatments I should consider for my condition?
Pro Tip
Write down your questions before your appointment and bring them with you. Don't hesitate to take notes during your visit or ask for written instructions.
Rheumatologist vs. Other Specialists
Understanding the differences between medical specialists helps you choose the right provider for your needs. Here's how rheumatologists compare to similar specialists:
Not sure which specialist you need?
Your primary care physician can help determine the right specialist for your condition and provide a referral if needed.
Sources & References
Information about rheumatologists is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and the following authoritative organizations:
Last updated: December 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a rheumatologist and an orthopedic doctor?
A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions affecting joints, muscles, and connective tissues using medications and non-surgical approaches. An orthopedic doctor (orthopedist) is a surgical specialist who treats bone, joint, and musculoskeletal injuries through surgical and non-surgical means. Rheumatologists focus on conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout, while orthopedists handle fractures, torn ligaments, and perform joint replacement surgeries. Many patients see both - the rheumatologist manages the underlying disease, while the orthopedist may perform surgery if joints are severely damaged.
Do I need a referral to see a rheumatologist?
It depends on your insurance plan. HMO plans typically require a referral from your primary care physician to see a rheumatologist for coverage. PPO and POS plans often allow you to see specialists without a referral, though you may pay lower copays with a referral. Medicare doesn't require referrals for specialists. Because rheumatic conditions can be complex to diagnose, getting a referral can be helpful as your primary doctor can share relevant medical records, blood work, and imaging with the rheumatologist.
How long does it take to get an appointment with a rheumatologist?
Wait times for rheumatologists can be significant, often ranging from 4-12 weeks for new patients, as there is a nationwide shortage of rheumatologists. In some areas, waits can exceed 3-4 months. For urgent symptoms (severe joint swelling, suspected vasculitis, rapid disease progression), your primary care doctor may be able to expedite the referral or communicate urgency to the rheumatology office. Some practices have triage systems to prioritize patients with more urgent conditions.
What blood tests will a rheumatologist order?
Common blood tests include: antinuclear antibody (ANA) to screen for autoimmune conditions, rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP) to assess inflammation levels, complete blood count (CBC) and metabolic panel for overall health, uric acid for gout, and specific antibodies like anti-dsDNA for lupus or SSA/SSB for Sjogren's syndrome. Your rheumatologist will order tests based on your symptoms and suspected diagnosis.
What are biologic medications and why are they used?
Biologic medications are advanced drugs made from living cells that target specific parts of the immune system involved in inflammation. They include TNF inhibitors (adalimumab, etanercept), IL-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab), B-cell depleting agents (rituximab), and IL-17/IL-23 inhibitors. Biologics are used when traditional DMARDs (like methotrexate) aren't adequately controlling disease activity. They can dramatically reduce symptoms and prevent joint damage in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and lupus. They're given as injections or infusions and require monitoring for infection risk.
Can rheumatic diseases be cured?
Most autoimmune rheumatic diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis) cannot be cured but can be effectively managed and controlled with modern treatments. Many patients achieve remission, meaning minimal or no disease activity with treatment. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment significantly improve outcomes and can prevent permanent joint damage. Some conditions like gout can be effectively controlled with long-term urate-lowering therapy, preventing future attacks. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, prevent damage, and maintain quality of life.
What should I bring to my first rheumatology appointment?
Bring a complete list of your current medications (including supplements), any previous lab results or imaging studies related to your joint symptoms, a list of your symptoms (when they started, what makes them better or worse, which joints are affected), your family medical history (especially autoimmune diseases), photographs of rashes or swelling if they come and go, and a list of questions for the doctor. Also bring your insurance cards and photo ID. Consider writing down your symptoms ahead of time, as it's easy to forget details during the appointment.
Why does my rheumatologist want me to get regular blood tests?
Regular blood tests serve multiple purposes: monitoring disease activity through inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), checking for medication side effects (liver function, kidney function, blood counts), ensuring medications are working effectively, and screening for complications of both the disease and treatment. Some medications like methotrexate require monitoring every 1-3 months. Biologic medications require periodic testing for tuberculosis and hepatitis. These tests help your rheumatologist adjust treatment to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
Can diet and lifestyle changes help with rheumatic diseases?
Yes, lifestyle modifications can complement medical treatment. An anti-inflammatory diet (Mediterranean-style with fish, vegetables, olive oil, and whole grains) may help reduce inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints. Regular low-impact exercise (swimming, walking, yoga) maintains joint flexibility and muscle strength. Adequate sleep, stress management, and smoking cessation are important for all autoimmune conditions. While lifestyle changes alone cannot replace medication for inflammatory conditions, they can improve symptoms and overall health outcomes.
How often will I need to see my rheumatologist?
Visit frequency depends on your condition and how well it's controlled. Newly diagnosed patients or those starting new treatments may need visits every 1-3 months. Once disease is stable and well-controlled, visits may be every 3-6 months. Patients on biologic medications typically need quarterly visits for monitoring. During flares, more frequent visits may be necessary. Between visits, your rheumatologist may have you get lab work done to monitor medication safety. Patients with well-controlled disease on stable therapy may eventually be seen 1-2 times per year while maintaining regular lab monitoring.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
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