A rheumatologist is an internist, i.e., a physician of internal medicine or a pediatrician qualified to diagnose and treat arthritis and other illnesses that affect the joints, bones, and muscles. They also treat certain auto-immune and inflammatory diseases. When at risk of developing conditions like lupus, arthritis, and fibromyalgia, seeing a rheumatologist is a key step for getting an early diagnosis. Below you can learn more about finding the best rheumatologist:

Seek recommendations
A good doctor-patient relationship requires being able to trust the doctor. One of the best ways to ensure you find a reliable doctor is if they are recommended by a close friend or a family member. Your friends and family members will be able to recommend a doctor taking into account your requirements. They can also offer insight into their own experience with the specialist and what to expect. Alternatively, you can also seek referrals from your primary care physician. This can be a great arrangement as your primary care doctor and the rheumatologist can work with each other and share expertise to give you a holistic treatment.

Look up credentials
As rheumatology requires dual board certification (in internal medicine and rheumatology), it is wise to check the credentials of the doctors near you before choosing the best option. Their credentials can help you shortlist specialists that have completed the necessary training and education in their field and can provide appropriate treatment to you. Also, you should look up key details regarding the doctor’s professional history and ensure there are no malpractice claims or issues like pending disciplinary actions.

Check the doctor’s experience and expertise
When dealing with unusual or constantly changing arthritis symptoms, rare diseases, or complex issues, it is important to find a doctor with the right experience in dealing with such concerns. So, during initial consultations, it is wise to ask doctors questions about the kind of treatments they have recommended for a specific condition, its side effects and how to deal with them, and if any complications can arise during the procedure. Such details can come in handy when choosing the best rheumatologist.

Ask about hospital affiliations
While rheumatologists may have their own practice or clinics, it is also wise to check for hospitals they are affiliated with to understand the complete set of services they can offer. Also, if they are affiliated with a reputable hospital or where you are already seeking treatment or care, you can get procedures or treatments that require a well-equipped healthcare facility. This is a valid advantage if you require specific procedures that are best suited to bigger facilities.

Assess communication skills
While professional expertise is a key factor, you should also choose a rheumatologist with whom you can easily interact. During the first consultation, make sure you ask all necessary questions and also keep an eye on how the doctor handles the queries. See if they are able to explain complex medical procedures to you. Also, note if they are attentively listening to your concerns. These are crucial factors to consider, as a good rapport can help build trust and ensure a long and satisfactory doctor-patient relationship.

Look for telehealth services
This has recently become a key factor in choosing a doctor. Telehealth is not a complete substitute for in-office visits, but the service can come in handy for a quick consultation on days when you cannot see the doctor in person. A virtual visit makes the clinic and doctor more accessible and can be a convenient option when you cannot travel too far to address a minor concern or get a check-up. Also, you should check if there is any difference in consultation fees when seeking in-person and telehealth services. You should also see if your insurance can cover the charges for a virtual consultation.

Read patient reviews
You can easily find reviews and ratings of doctors online today, so use this feature to your advantage. Go through patient reviews to get an insight into their experience with the rheumatologist you are considering. Also, see if former patients have left feedback or criticism for the doctor or clinic and if the clinic has responded to or accepted the feedback. Reviews don’t just discuss the doctor but also the clinic staff and infrastructure. You can learn more about aspects like wait times, ease of scheduling appointments, office environment, staff behavior, convenience of billing, and other factors that affect the experience of seeing a doctor.

If you want ease of access, you can look up rheumatologists or specialists near you or find top-rated rheumatology clinics near you.