What is a rheumatologist?

A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissues, often called rheumatic diseases.

What's the difference between a rheumatologist and an orthopedist?

Rheumatologists treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting joints and muscles, often with medication, while orthopedists primarily deal with injuries, deformities, and surgical treatments for bone and joint problems.

How long does it take to get a diagnosis?

Diagnosing rheumatic conditions can sometimes take time, involving multiple visits, blood tests, and imaging, as symptoms can be complex and overlap with other conditions.

Can diet affect rheumatic conditions?

While diet alone cannot cure rheumatic conditions, certain foods can trigger inflammation in some people, and a healthy, balanced diet is generally recommended to support overall health.

Will I need lifelong treatment?

Many rheumatic conditions are chronic, meaning they require ongoing management. However, treatment plans are personalized and can evolve over time to help you maintain a good quality of life.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring a list of your symptoms, a complete medical history, all current medications, and any previous test results, like blood work or X-rays, to your first rheumatology appointment.

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Finding the right rheumatology care is a big step toward feeling better when you're dealing with conditions that affect your joints, muscles, and bones. Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in these kinds of problems, which are often called rheumatic diseases. These conditions can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and even damage if not properly managed.

You might be wondering if a rheumatologist is the right doctor for you, or what to expect during your visit. This page is here to help you understand more about what rheumatologists do and how they can help improve your quality of life. We’ll cover common conditions they treat, what services they offer, and important questions to ask when choosing a doctor. Our goal is to make it easier for you to find the care you need and take control of your health.

Conditions treated

Rheumatoid arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Lupus
Gout
Osteoarthritis
Fibromyalgia
Ankylosing spondylitis
Scleroderma
Vasculitis
Sjögren's syndrome

Common procedures

Joint injections
Disease monitoring
Medication management
Imaging interpretation
Blood tests
Physical exams
Biologic therapy
Synovial fluid analysis

When to see a rheumatology

If you have persistent joint pain or stiffness.
If swelling in your joints lasts for several weeks.
If you have unexplained muscle weakness or pain.
If you experience fatigue along with joint symptoms.
If a family member has a rheumatic condition.
If your primary doctor suggests seeing a specialist.

First visit

During your first rheumatology visit, the doctor will review your medical history and symptoms, perform a physical exam focusing on your joints and muscles, and likely order blood tests or imaging studies to help with diagnosis.

Typical cost

With insurance, typical out-of-pocket costs for a rheumatology visit can range from a $20 to $75 co-payment, though it can be higher depending on your plan and deductible.