How to Locate a Rheumatologist

Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in treating diseases affecting muscles, bones and joints. These include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, vasculitis and autoimmune diseases. If you have joint or muscular swelling and pain that doesn't go away after a few days, you may need to see a rheumatologist. Locating a rheumatologist is a simple process.

1. Consult with your primary care physician for a diagnosis. Get a diagnosis from your primary care physician to determine if you need to see a rheumatologist. The problems you are having may be a symptom of other medical conditions.


2. Determine when you need to see a rheumatologist. Depending on what your diagnosis is, you and your doctor can decide if your condition requires consultation with a rheumatologist. If you are having minor aches and pains, your primary care doctor can give you treatment for those. If you don't get better or the problem worsens, then your doctor will probably refer you to a rheumatologist.


3. Ask your doctor to recommend a rheumatologist. If your situation needs the expertise of a rheumatologist, you need to ask your primary care doctor for a recommendation. Ask him to suggest a rheumatologist to whom he would recommend to his own family or friends. Sometimes, your doctor may also be able to set up your appointment with the rheumatologist. Depending on the type of insurance plan you have, your insurance company may require you to obtain a referral from your primary care physician.


4. Contact your health insurance company. Most health insurance providers maintain directories of physicians on their databases. Go to your insurance provider's website and search for an in-network rheumatologist.


5. Find a rheumatologist through professional organizations. You can use the resources provided by professional organizations such as The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association and The American College of Rheumatology to find a rheumatologist. Visit their websites and use their search tools to find a rheumatologist.


6. Visit popular health information sites. You can also visit well known sites such as Wellness.com and UCompareHealthCare.com to find a rheumatologist for your situation.