Record your symptoms in a notebook, on your computer or an app on your phone. If you have other symptoms, like swelling, limited ability to move the joint or a rash, describe those in detail, too. Try to be as specific as you can, describing not only which joints hurt but also what the pain feels like (throbbing, burning, sharp, achy, constant, intermittent) and the circumstances when it’s better or worse. The more prepared you are, the more you’ll get out of the visit. Think of your first rheumatology appointment as an important meeting. Until you do get a definitive diagnosis, your doctor will likely treat your symptoms and suggest ways to reduce pain and inflammation. The chance that you’ll experience anything like this is small, however, since you’re seeing an arthritis specialist. Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a type of arthritis that affects the low back and spine, can take years, especially when patients are not referred to a rheumatologist.
Also, many autoimmune disorders are challenging and time-consuming to figure out. Your doctor may wait for the results of lab and imaging tests to make a final call. For many types of arthritis, MRI and CT scans, which are more expensive, may not be needed.ĭon’t be discouraged if you don’t get a diagnosis right away. In recent years, ultrasound - another noninvasive and relatively inexpensive test - has proved effective for detecting early inflammatory changes in joints. Conventional X-rays aren’t particularly helpful in early stages of arthritis before damage is clearly visible. It’s used to identify structural changes such as bone erosions and cartilage damage. An X-ray is the most common diagnostic imaging test for arthritis. If your symptoms suggest gout, your doctor will check your uric acid levels and may analyze fluid from the joint that hurts. For example, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) is an autoantibody present in about 60% to 70% of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) may be a sign of lupus, though perfectly healthy people can have ANA antibodies, too. Blood tests look for inflammation markers and antibodies - small proteins in the blood that are common in some types of arthritis. Finding where and how you hurt is important because different types of arthritis affect different parts of the body and may come with other symptoms, such as a rash or eye inflammation. Your doctor will examine your joints for swelling, tenderness and other signs of inflammation. This is often the most important part of the visit. This saves valuable time during your visit and allows you to check old medical records or learn more about family health problems.
#3 months for first time doctor visit download#
When you make your appointment, ask if you can download and fill out your medical history forms in advance. This is important because some types of arthritis have a genetic component. Your doctor will also ask about the health of close family members. This is information about current or past illnesses, surgeries and allergies as well as any medications you take. Your doctor will rely on a combination of your medical history, a thorough physical exam and sometimes lab or imaging tests to reach a diagnosis. Knowing what to expect - and being prepared - can help you make the most of your visit. You’re building a relationship with them and a lot of information is packed into very little time. Though you might not get a final diagnosis right away, it’s important to start the process early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to good outcomes. You'll need to register with another GP practice in your area instead.Your joints have been sore and stiff for months, so you’ve decided to see an arthritis specialist, or "rheumatologist" - a doctor who specializes in musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune disorders - for the first time.
#3 months for first time doctor visit registration#
When your registration has been received by the GP practice you’ll be notified, either by telephone or email to advise if your application to register has been successful. You shouldn’t be delayed or refused registration at a GP practice if you can’t provide identification or proof of address.Īnybody in Scotland can access primary care services at a GP practice without charge. This means you can be matched to your existing NHS records. When you register with a GP practice, it's recommended that you provide information to confirm your: email the completed registration form to the practice.download and complete the registration form.contact them to find out how they will receive your application.Once you have chosen a GP practice you should:
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