When should I see a specialist?
When should I see a specialist?
A multidisciplinary team that includes the primary care physician, the rheumatologist, the physical therapist, and other members of the health care system will bring about a coordinated treatment program that is both safe and effective. The primary care physician or internist commonly works in partnership with a rheumatologist. Referral to a specialist in rheumatology most commonly occurs in the following situations:
When the diagnosis is in question;
At the start of therapy, in order to craft the optimal medication and physical therapy regimen;
During the course of the illness to define response to or alteration in the treatment regimen;
In the setting of possible medication side effects;
Progressive disease despite therapy;
A single joint that is leading to significant functional limitation;
The presence of fever, marked fatigue, or weight loss;
Prior to orthopaedic surgery.