What to Expect at a Rheumatology Appointment

When seeing a specialist called a rheumatologist for any muscular skeletal, autoimmune disorder or arthritis symptoms, it is best to know what to expect at the rheumatology appointment. The first appointment with a rheumatologist will likely be the longest, because they cover medical history, symptoms that have been occurring and ordering lab tests.

Medical History

An elaborate medical history is typically taken at a first rheumatology appointment. There are many factors involved in a rheumatic condition, and many of these are brought on by genetics. If there is a strong family history of rheumatoid arthritis, and the symptoms that are present are conducive of a person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, the rheumatologist will explore that route further with lab tests. Medical family history is as important as personal medical history, and these are both usually covered at a first visit.

Symptom Analysis

The Rheumatologist will likely take a thorough assessment of the physical symptoms that the patient is experiencing. It is best to be prepared with a symptoms journal. Many people have been successfully diagnosed, because they are able to provide the doctor with the symptoms journal that includes how often the symptoms occur, what time of day they occur and the intensity of the symptoms or whether they have gotten worse or lessened over time.

Lab Tests

The final step that generally takes place during a rheumatology appointment is the doctor takes into careful consideration all of the information collected during the appointment, and orders laboratory tests to help confirm a diagnosis. There are many lab tests that can be taken, and most of these are blood tests. Some x-rays can be used as a helpful diagnostic tool for rheumatologists in addition to blood tests. The blood tests are usually the first line of testing that is performed.