Relevant answers to your frequent questions...

Rheumatology: Frequently Asked Questions

What is rheumatology?

Rheumatology is an area of medicine dedicated to treating joint pain diseases. This includes disorders of the bone, joint, muscles and the immune system. Examples include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, lupus and gout. Additionally, rheumatology encompasses individual areas of pain including bursitis and tendonitis.
Rheumatology is the study of the diseases of the joints and connective tissues
Rheumatology is a subspecialty of internal medicine which deals with a wide array of musculoskeletal disorders, including arthritis conditions and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and vasculitits. Rheumatologists have generally completed two years of subspecialty training beyond the usual 3 year internal medicine residency after medical school.
Source: www.bmc.org
Rheumatology is a medical discipline that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, gout, etc. When patients with musculoskeletal problems need surgery they typically go to an orthopedic surgeon.
Rheumatology encompasses the autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and musculoskeletal conditions. While rheumatologists are generally thought to be specialists dedicated to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma, we also care for patients with a wide array of systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune diseases as well as very common musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., osteoarthritis and osteoporosis) and sports-related injuries.

What is Pediatric Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is the medical specialty that cares for pediatric patients with a wide spectrum of disorders, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory of muscle, connective tissue, blood vessels and skin. Many of them are felt to be caused by an aberrant activation of the immune system in that the affected tissues are injured by an inappropriate immune attack. Because the immune system is damaging itself, they are often called "autoimmune diseases.

Who comprises the rheumatology team ?

Looking after arthritis needs term work Apart from the rheumatologist other members of the rheumatology team include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physiatrists (experts in physical medicine & rehabilitation), orthopedic surgeons and consellors.

What conditions does the Rheumatology Department treat?

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout and osteoporosis are some of the more common conditions that rheumatologists treat. A more extensive list of conditions is available here

Can I enroll in rheumatology studies?

For more information, see our current research studies or call Rheumatology at 952-993-2755.

How can I make the most of my rheumatology appointments?

Be proactive. Tell your rheumatologist everything that relates to how you've been feeling and how that's been impacting your life. Come prepared to your appointments with a prioritized list of talking points, and take notes. The more open you are and the more you discuss, the more informed your treatment decisions will be.

How Can I Get Into The Rheumatology Clinic To Be Seen?

All patients must see a primary care physician (a general medical officer or general practitioner) or another physician first. If that physician determines that you need a visit to the rheumatologist, he or she will write a consultation to Rheumatology.

What is the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register (BSRBR)?

The BSRBR is a national UK register of all patients with rheumatic diseases who are receiving new drugs for their condition. The BSRBR has been registering patients since October 2001 and to date there are over 14,000 patients registered with us in the UK.

Why is rheumatology a highly desirable career option?

The field is on the "cutting edge" of discovery and practice...newer biologic therapies have revolutionized the care of patients with systemic inflammatory disorders. We are experts in a field ranging from very interesting and complicated multisystem disease processes to very common conditions. We are able to establish long-lasting relationships with our patients. We are able to have a meaningful impact on quality-of-life issues for our patients. ...

What do the physiotherapists based in the Rheumatology Department do?

The Rheumatology Department cares for patients with a wide range of rheumatic/inflammatory diseases and conditions (not just rheumatoid arthritis). The Rheumatology Physiotherapy Team is based on the Planned Short Stay Unit (PSSU). In this team, physiotherapists assess all inpatients and offer them advice on the management of their condition and treatment. Treatment often involves exercise programmes, including hydrotherapy (exercise in water) if appropriate.

How Long Is The Wait To Get An Appointment In The Rheumatology Clinic?

Your consultation is reviewed within a half business day after it is entered into the computer. You should wait until the next business day before calling TRICARE Service Center at 1-866-MIL-HLTH for an appointment. If you cannot be seen within 30 days after you call, you will be referred to a civilian physician. If you believe you need to be seen earlier, contact the referring physician (the doctor who wrote the consultation) and ask him or her what you can do in the meantime. ...

How can I find a rheumatology job opening?

The ACR maintains a list of available rheumatology and health professional job postings for members only. (If you have not already logged in to the site, you will be prompted to sign in). Not a member? Learn more about joining the ACR.

How can I find a list of open rheumatology slots in U.S. programs?

There is no single list of open rheumatology slots, so you will need to contact each program individually to determine which ones have openings.

What services are offered at North Dayton Rheumatology?

Diseases treated: Rheumatoid Arthritis Polymyalgia Rheumatica Sjögren's Syndrome (dry eye/dry mouth Inflammatory Muscle Diseases Recurrent Blood Clots Psoriatic Arthritis Vasculitis Fibromyalgia Osteoporosis Lupus (SLE) Joint Pain Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Lyme Disease Osteoarthritis Raynaud's (fingers/toes change colors in cold) Paget's Disease Other Connective Tissue Disorders Scleroderma Positive ANA Ankylosing Spondylitis Gout/Pseudogout Back Pain Uveitis Other services offered: Trigger finger evaluation/tr... ...

What happens on a patient's first visit to Loudoun Rheumatology Center?

Odutola performs a detailed interview and a thorough physical examination. To ensure ease of examination please wear loose fitting clothing. The laboratory test results and x-rays requested are interpreted in order to arrive at a precise diagnosis. This is extremely helpful in formulating the appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient.

Do you have any specialized training in Rheumatology?

Yes. I am qualified to perform diagnostic and ultrasound guided procedures. This allows for greater accuracy in diagnosis and treatment.
Bookmark this page  

Also on SnappyFingers: