Dr. Siddharth Tambar, an expert in rheumatology and regenerative medicine, shares insights on what patients should expect when visiting a rheumatologist and how to prepare for the appointment.

What is a Rheumatologist?

A rheumatologist is a specialist who focuses on musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. These include conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and vasculitis. They also treat osteoarthritis, tendonitis, peripheral nerve entrapments, and osteoporosis non-surgically.

Preparing for Your Appointment

To make the most of your appointment, come prepared with:

• Relevant medical records: Include notes from any doctors you’ve seen, such as your primary physician, orthopedic surgeon, or previous rheumatologist.
• Lab results: If you’ve had antibody testing or other relevant labs, bring copies.
• Imaging tests: Bring imaging reports related to your condition, like an MRI of your knee if that’s the issue.

Having this information will help your rheumatologist avoid repeating tests and focus on providing the best care.

What Happens During the Appointment?

Your initial visit will include:

1. Medical history: Expect questions about your symptoms, general health, and any other health conditions. Autoimmune issues in one area, like the joints, could be linked to inflammation in other parts of the body, such as the skin or eyes.
2. Family and social history: Your rheumatologist will ask about any related conditions in your family or relevant lifestyle factors.
3. Physical examination: A thorough examination will check for signs of inflammation, tenderness, or swelling in the joints and other areas.
4. Lab and imaging review: The doctor will go over any prior lab results or imaging and decide if further testing is necessary.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Based on the evaluation, your rheumatologist may provide a diagnosis during the visit. If additional tests are needed, they will be ordered. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is discussing treatment options. This includes:

• Determining if you’re a good candidate for treatment.
• Discussing the benefits and risks of treatment.
• Engaging in shared decision-making, ensuring you understand and agree with the treatment plan.

Final Thoughts

To get the best outcome from your rheumatology visit:

• Bring all relevant medical records.
• Ensure your rheumatologist thoroughly evaluates your condition.
• Ask questions to understand the treatment plan fully.
• Make informed decisions about treatment.

Dr. Tambar emphasizes the importance of being proactive and involved in your care. If this guide helped you, feel free to reach out with any questions.