What type of physician is most familiar with Raynauds?
Rheumatologists are the most knowledgeable specialists about Raynaud’s because they regularly treat people with the connective tissue diseases most closely associated with the condition (such as lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis). Keep in mind that only a fraction of Raynaud’s sufferers have one of these diseases, but – as an overwhelming number of these autoimmune patients also have Raynaud’s – rheumatologists see Raynaud’s more often than most doctors. They therefore have a better understanding of the problems patients face and how best to treat them. Patients usually are referred to rheumatologists once their general physicians (internists, family doctors, general practitioners, etc.) determine there is probable cause to suspect Raynaud’s. Another excellent referral source is the American College of Rheumatology whose website provides names of qualified specialists within specific geographic areas.
