Investigate office mechanics.
"Check out the [doctor's] website," Dr. Wei advises. "No website, or a poor one? Look elsewhere."
The site should have a mission statement, the doctor's training history and photo, and a list of interests, Dr. Kussin says. These days, "the website's quality correlates with the quality of the doctor," he says.
Office staff matters. If they're inefficient or uncaring, those attitudes probably run throughout the practice.
"If the phone's answered by a gum-chewing dimwit, what do you think you're going to get [from the doctor]?" Dr. Wei asks.
The doctor McKee finally found has only one assistant who knows her and her case. That has made getting refills, dealing with bills and making appointments a lot easier.
But you should also be realistic, Dr. Fischer cautions. In some areas, you may have to wait three or four weeks for an appointment.
"There's a shortage of rheumatologists in many parts of the country, so wait times for appointments can be longer than in other subspecialties," he says.
"But if you have an emergency, you should be seen the same day," Dr. Kussin adds.
Find the best rheumatologist: Prepare for the appointment.
Summarize your situation. Jot down a history of your autoimmune disorder and health in general. List the medications and supplements you take, as well as any allergies you have.
"Write down symptoms too – what's new and not," Dr. Kussin says.
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