Maintaining good health is crucial, especially when dealing with chronic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, spondylitis, Crohn’s Disease, and others that have no known cure. Managing these conditions requires frequent doctor visits that can last for an unspecified period. Finding a qualified doctor with the right qualities, certifications, and traits can significantly improve your quality of life. Below you can find out what qualities, certifications, and traits to look for when looking for a local rheumatologist:

Ask for referrals
Ask your primary care physician for recommendations for rheumatologists nearby. You can also ask your friends, family, and other trusted acquaintances to add to this list. It is a great starting point to begin your search for a new doctor.

Research their credentials
With the list of references in hand, it is now time to do a background check. Look up the doctor’s credentials – this will help you ensure they have the right training, skills, and experience to care for you. Visit state websites to ascertain that there is no disciplinary history, such as malpractice, associated with them. This will help you establish better trust with them.

Consider their experience
Several conditions that rheumatologists treat are chronic; that is, they require long-term and often specialized care. Speak to the doctor about their experience dealing with your specific condition and expected treatment results. If a doctor is better acquainted with a given condition, you will likely see better results.

Ensure that they are up to date
Doctors are required to keep up with recent developments in the field to ensure the best possible care for their patients. One way of doing so is checking if the doctor attends conferences or publishes in research journals. Many university-associated doctors also have rigorous requirements for continuing their education while they practice. This exposure may help you receive the right medical care.

Read patient reviews
Check what other patients have to say about their experiences with a doctor. Many online portals now allow patients to leave reviews detailing different aspects of their experience, such as scheduling appointments, wait times, office environment, friendliness of staff, etc. Friendly, efficient staff can help transform your visits and make them more pleasant.

Evaluate their communication style
Throughout your treatment, you will have many visits with your rheumatologist. To make these a more pleasant experience, assess their communication style when you first meet them. Ask them a question to see how they respond – do they clear your doubts with patience, or do they try to rush through the appointment? Do they consider your treatment preferences? Are they honest and compassionate, and do they treat you with respect? Before making your final decision, look for subtle clues throughout the appointment to gauge their communication style and your comfort level with the rheumatologist.

Check insurance coverage
Since this chronic condition warrants multiple doctor’s visits, look for a rheumatologist who falls within your insurance network. Keeping this in mind when looking for a doctor can help you reduce any out-of-pocket costs that may arise.

Look for telehealth services
In certain situations, telehealth services provided by doctors may be more convenient. Although they cannot fully replace in-person visits, they can help minimize the need for multiple trips to the doctor’s office. This can save patients time and effort. Telehealth services are especially useful for minor health concerns or check-ups. Patients can collect symptoms and vital signs at home and share them with their rheumatologist through a phone call or text message.

When dealing with chronic conditions, you would naturally prefer a rheumatologist who has the knowledge and expertise and takes the time to understand your concerns and address them appropriately. Follow the above tips to exercise caution when choosing a rheumatologist to make a significant positive impact on your life.