Rheumatologists are the health professional to consult for treatment if one is struggling with arthritis or a similar autoimmune disorder. A rheumatologist can diagnose and treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The doctor can help patients manage their symptoms and deal with such disorders. So, if you have been looking up “‘best rheumatologists near me” and seeking recommendations for a specialist, here are a few tips for finding a good doctor near you.

Seek doctor recommendations
One’s primary health physician will almost always be the first person to identify symptoms and classify them as something that falls under the purview of a rheumatologist. The primary care physician will often refer patients to a specialist for advanced care. This specialist could be someone they know and trust, say, a close friend, mentor, or colleague. If the primary healthcare expert is a part of a doctor’s group or a hospital, they may refer patients to someone from the rheumatology department. This is because the patient’s record, appointment summaries, and blood work are maintained on the hospital’s online portal, making such referrals time-saving for the doctors and patients.

Refer to a directory
One of the most effective methods of finding the best rheumatologists near you is searching the directory. You can check the American College of Rheumatology, a national organization that offers an online directory of rheumatologists. It makes it easier to locate a specialist in your area.

Contact your health insurance provider
You can call your insurance company or browse their website to find out if the doctors in your neighborhood are part of the network. Of course, you can opt for a doctor outside the insurance network, but then you may have to bear high out-of-pocket expenses. Also, before making an appointment with a doctor, you should verify if they accept your insurance plan and are willing to see new patients. This is necessary because some doctors or hospitals curtail the number of patients they treat from the given insurance company.

Look up the credentials
Rheumatologists are dual-board certified doctors with specialization in rheumatology and internal medicine. So, board certification is one of the top parameters for finding the best rheumatologists near you. It gives patients an all-rounded insight into the doctor’s skills, training, and experience to offer rheumatology-related healthcare. Additionally, ensure that the chosen rheumatologist has no records of disciplinary actions or malpractice claims against them. You can find information about the rheumatologist’s training hospital, malpractice record, certification, medical school, and disciplinary history on the state websites.

Consider expertise and experience
Typically, rheumatologists can treat several kinds of ailments, given their advanced knowledge and training. But some doctors can specialize in a specific illness. For instance, someone diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis should seek a doctor who has expertise in treating patients affected by this specific disease. This can help you find someone with relevant experience and background in a particular field, thereby narrowing down your search for the best rheumatologists near you. Consequently, the doctor will be able to offer a more intensive treatment plan owing to a better understanding of the disease. Further, when affected by a challenging, evolving, or vague rheumatic condition, opt for a specialist with several years of experience. So, ask about the number of patients they have treated with the specific condition. Further, if looking for specialized treatment, it is important to ask the doctor if they have performed such procedures earlier and the risk of complications.

Book a consultation first
If you think you have found the right rheumatologist, do not consider getting a treatment plan as your immediate course of action. It is best to start by booking a consultation, where you sit down with the doctor and discuss their analysis of your illness. In the conversation, you will be able to look beyond their ability to assess and understand your symptoms. You might better understand their overall demeanor and how comfortable the doctor makes you feel during your first appointment. It also allows you to learn about their qualifications, background, and their experience in the field. You may consider this consultation a formality but look at it as an opportunity to get to know your doctor before you sign up for treatment.

Check out online reviews
On online platforms like RateMD and Healthgrades, you can find patient reviews for the best rheumatologists near you. The online reviews can give you an insight into other patients’ experience with the doctor and also helps you form an opinion on the doctor’s bedside manner, office environment, and expertise. However, you should consider that everyone’s experience with the doctor might not be the same. If there are only one or two mildly negative reviews, you can look at them as isolated events. You should see the low rating as a red flag if you find a long list of negative reviews.