Rheumatology is the study and non-surgical treatment of joints and connective tissues. This definition was expanded to include diseases of the immune system and the musculoskeletal system, which commonly affect the joints and connective tissues, according to the American College of Rheumatology. Although many physicians treat conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia selecting a Board Certified Rheumatologist assures you that the doctor specializes in this area of medicine.
Step 1
Decide on the approach you prefer as you seek rheumatology treatment. Both traditional or allopathic physicians and osteopathic Boards offer certifications for their physicians specializing in rheumatology. Allopathic medicine is based on the belief that illness arises from multiple pathways, primarily outside the body and that treatment of the underlying disease is very specific. Osteopathic physicians believe that disease occurs primarily because of weakness within the body or because of a lifestyle choice. They treat in a holistic manner, seeing a disease as a symptom of an underlying need for change. These philosophies have merged in many ways, but differences still exist, and you should choose the style of medicine that feels best to you.
Step 2
Locate a specialist who has proved his credentials to his peers and has remained up to date in the specialty. Certification, according to both national boards, is designed to assure the public of both criteria. Look for the designation F.A.C.R., meaning the physician is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology, or F.A.O.C.R., which is used to designate a Fellow of the American Osteopathic College of Rheumatology.
Step 3
Check with your insurance company to determine which provider's services it will cover. Because many of the diseases treated by a rheumatologist can also be detected and treated by a family-practice physician, an internist or a nurse practitioner, it is likely that your insurance company will require that you attempt diagnosis and effective treatment with one of these generalists first. Other plans will require preauthorization for specialist care or simply a referral from your primary-care provider. After obtaining any needed authorizations, ask your insurance company for a list of board-certified rheumatologists who are in-network, if your insurance plan uses this designation. Generally, their charges will be less.
Step 4
One way to find a specialist in your specific disease is to look at the medical research published online in this area. Call the office of recently published researchers, and ask for referrals to colleagues in your area. Leave your name and email address to make the reply easier. Another way to find rheumatologists is to call a local medical school. Ask how you can schedule an appointment with an attending physician from the rheumatology department or a faculty member who specializes in the treatment of your specific disease.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pen
- Printed list of approved, in-network, rheumatologists from your insurance company
