Questions About Your Rheumatology Care
What is rheumatology?
Rheumatology is the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the joints, bones, muscles, and immune system. Rheumatologists manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoporosis, gout, and more than 100 other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
How is a rheumatologist different from a general practitioner?
After internal medicine residency, rheumatologists complete two to three additional years of fellowship training in diseases of the joints and immune system. Every physician at Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates completed this training. A general practitioner does not have this specialized background.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring any prior lab results, imaging studies, or records from your primary care physician or previous specialists. A list of current medications is also helpful. Your physician will review everything before the examination and use it to inform your diagnostic workup.
How does in-office infusion therapy work?
Biologic medications for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are sometimes administered intravenously rather than by pill or injection. Our IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Centers provide this treatment inside our offices with a medical professional supervising every session, at substantially lower cost than hospital-based infusion.
Is in-office ultrasound the same as radiology imaging?
Diagnostic ultrasound in our offices provides real-time images of joints, tendons, and soft tissue without radiation. Unlike a radiology referral, every scan at Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates is interpreted by a physician with specific rheumatology training, so findings are evaluated in the context of your condition, not in isolation.
Do you coordinate with my primary care physician?
Yes. We collaborate closely with referring and primary care physicians, sharing records and findings so your care stays consistent across providers. You won't need to repeat your history or serve as the messenger between offices.