How Are Rheumatic Diseases Diagnosed?
Diagnosing rheumatic diseases can be difficult because some symptoms and signs are common to many different diseases. A general practitioner or family doctor may be able to evaluate a patient or refer him or her to a rheumatologist (a doctor who specializes in treating arthritis and other rheumatic diseases). The doctor will review the patient’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, and obtain laboratory tests and x rays or other imaging tests. The doctor may need to see the patient more than once to make an accurate diagnosis. Medical History It is vital for people with joint pain to give the doctor a complete medical history.
