If your arthritis or autoimmune disease symptoms are limiting your quality of life, it's important to find a physician who can help. Use online doctor reviews to evaluate things like office aesthetics and staff friendliness.

You'll need to share personal information with your rheumatologist, so you should feel comfortable in their presence. Consider gender as well, as a patient's comfort level can differ based on gender.

1. Look for Board Certification

Rheumatologists treat the musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, arthritis and vasculitis that affect more than 40 million people in the United States. After medical school and a three-year residency in internal medicine, physicians must pass a rigorous exam to become board certified in rheumatology or other specialty areas.

Rheumatology experts are specially trained to spot clues in patient histories, physical exams and blood tests that may lead to an earlier diagnosis. This is important because specialized care can help patients avoid waiting to get a diagnosis, and even unnecessary surgeries or procedures.

In addition to being board certified, many rheumatologists choose to participate in a voluntary program called Maintenance of Certification (MOC). This requires them to take classes and studies related to the field of rheumatology to show their commitment to lifelong learning and their dedication to excellence.

2. Check Patient Reviews

A rheumatologist will spend a great deal of time gathering medical history, doing a physical and running lab tests to make a diagnosis. So, you may want to bring detailed notes or a recording device to your first appointment, the Cleveland Clinic advises.

You also might want to make a list of questions for your doctor. Some conditions like psoriatic arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia can be hard to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other diseases and can change over time.

You might also want to check out a doctor’s online patient reviews and ratings. If you see red flags, such as a doctor who doesn’t look you in the eye or seems distracted, it might be best to move on to another choice.

3. Ask for Referrals

When choosing a rheumatologist, ask your family doctor for a recommendation. This is important because some insurance companies require a referral to see a specialist. Otherwise, you could end up with a medical bill that your insurance doesn’t cover.

Your rheumatologist will likely want to review your medical history and do a physical exam. They may also order lab or imaging tests to help make a diagnosis.

4. Look for Experience

Rheumatologists have special training to spot clues during a physical exam. They can then order the proper tests to save money and time. They can also reduce the long-term effects of the condition by treating it early, notes the Arthritis Foundation.

Online doctor reviews can help you evaluate staff friendliness and office aesthetics. However, they don’t give you the full picture of a physician’s expertise, including their focus on specific musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions, clinical trials, and research.

Look for a rheumatologist with good office hours that match your work and family schedule. Consider the rheumatologist’s communication style and knowledgeability as well. Look for a rheumatologist who listens carefully to you and explains your medical situation in simple terms. Also, be sure that they are comfortable discussing your goals.

5. Look for Value

Rheumatologists treat musculoskeletal conditions that affect muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis, as well as systemic autoimmune diseases like lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome and pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia.

Rheumatic diseases are often hard to diagnose, and rheumatologists are trained to spot clues in patient history, physical exam, lab tests, and symptoms that can lead to earlier diagnosis. They also know about testing that may be unnecessary, and can help patients make informed choices about their care.

To find the best rheumatologists, look for one who has high patient satisfaction ratings, is board certified, and accepts your insurance. You should also be sure the doctor is located near you, as going out of network may result in higher co-pays and no coverage at all.