rheumatologist / What is a Rheumatologist?

What is a Rheumatologist?

Smiling doctor

A rheumatologist is a specialist in internal medicine or pediatrics who received additional training in the diagnosis (detection) and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions usually called rheumatic diseases. These diseases can affect the joints, muscles and bones; They cause pain, inflammation and deformity.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system sends inflammation to areas of the body when it is not needed, which causes damage or symptoms. These diseases can affect the eyes, the skin, the nervous system and internal organs. Rheumatologists treat joint diseases in a way similar to that of orthopedic surgeons, but do not perform surgeries. Among the common diseases that rheumatologists treat, are osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis and lupus.

Many rheumatologists also conduct research to find the cause and best treatment for a rheumatic disease.
How is a rheumatologist trained?

A rheumatologist must complete four years of medical education followed by three years of residency training, either in internal medicine or pediatrics. Some rheumatologists are trained in both specializations. After residency, you must enroll in a rheumatology specialization for two or three years to learn more about chronic autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions and their treatment.

Then, rheumatologists take a medical school exam to receive certification in rheumatology. This certification or examination must be renewed every ten years. Physicians must also participate in certain ongoing medical training in formal annual.
Where do rheumatologists work?

Rheumatologists work mainly in outpatient clinics. Health care providers or other doctors can refer you to a rheumatologist for an exam. Some rheumatologists do not require a referral from other doctors for consultations. Usually, rheumatologists join a hospital, where they must evaluate patients who are hospitalized because of a rheumatic disease.
When should I see a rheumatologist?

We all feel pain in the muscles and joints from time to time. When pain in the muscles and joints does not resolve as expected, additional evaluation may be needed. Normally, the attending physician is the first one to be called for an evaluation. If there is an underlying rheumatic disease, you will refer it to a rheumatologist for an evaluation.

Referral should be made sooner if you have relatives with a rheumatic or autoimmune disease (as these diseases recur in families) or if the symptoms worsen considerably in a short time. Some signs and symptoms may temporarily improve or resolve when they are started, but may return when the medication is stopped. If the symptoms are recurrent, an evaluation by a rheumatologist may be necessary. Although treatment should not be delayed while waiting for a consultation with the rheumatologist, certain medications can improve symptoms and make diagnosis difficult.

Joint damage can occur if joint pain symptoms are ignored or not treated properly for a period of time. These damages can not always be reversed with treatment, and they may be permanent. Do not delay the corresponding evaluation.
What should I expect from my consultation with the rheumatologist?

Rheumatic diseases are complex in nature and difficult to diagnose, so rheumatologists will gather a complete medical history and perform a physical examination to look for signs and symptoms of inflammation throughout the body and the locomotor system. Family history can also be very important in diagnosing rheumatic disease and will also be evaluated.



The rheumatologist will review the results of all previous examinations that have been performed on the patient, and may request additional laboratory tests, to evaluate inflammation or additional production of antibodies in the blood flow, and radiographic tests (x-rays, ultrasound, tomography computerized or magnetic resonances), to assess musculoskeletal abnormalities.

All these results will be combined to determine the origin of the patient's symptoms and establish a personalized treatment plan. Therapeutic recommendations can be medications, referrals to physiotherapy, other specialists, or injections in the tendons or joints. Some rheumatic diseases can be difficult to diagnose, and it may take several visits to the rheumatologist to fully understand the underlying process.

During follow-up visits, rheumatologists can treat relapsing conditions or talk with patients about medications, mechanisms to cope with the disease, techniques to avoid a disability or regain a function, and ways to improve the quality of life.
What should I take to my first consultation with the rheumatologist?

Bring the following to your first consultation:

    All laboratory tests, X-rays, MRI exams, and ultrasounds that you have previously done (The doctor who makes the referral usually sends the medical records, but sometimes, despite their best intentions, they are not found. repeat tests to confirm the result).
    An updated medication list with the specific doses you take (Include a list of medications you have already tried to reduce duplication of previous treatments).
    A list of allergies to medications
    Your family history, with known rheumatologic or autoimmune diseases that your family members have suffered

Is the attention of a specialist more expensive?

In general, the insurance co-payment is higher by consulting a specialist than a general practitioner. You may be surprised to learn that specialized care can save you time and money in the long term, as well as reduce the severity of the illness. A rheumatologist has special training to detect evidence in the history and physical exams, which can contribute to an early diagnosis, and is knowledgeable about performing tests that can save you unnecessary procedures and money.