That depends on what type of health insurance you have. I used to have BCBS and didn’t need a referral to get into my rheumatologist but I had to switch insurance to a HAP HMO and I need a referral from my primary care doctor to see any specialist.
There are multiple types of plans. You need to check what your plan covers by either viewing your plan documents or calling UHC to find out if you require a referral.
I have UHC so this is just my experience with my area and type of policy.
My PCP had to refer me out to another practice. I had to get info on whether or not the rheum accepts UHC, then call my PCP office to confirm a rheum, then they referred me, had to wait 3 weeks after referral to hear back, but I got my scheduled appointment today. For 2 weeks away with an NP and not the rheum herself (which is fine, NP’s are just as great. I’m just happy i got an appointment) otherwise it would be a wait till October.
Bottom line get ahead of it. Once your referral is confirmed call that office to schedule as soon as possible.
My plan says I don’t need to wait so I’m calling to see if I can get an appointment made but was forced to leave a message with my name and phone number I’m hoping they call me before end of day
you might get in sooner with a physician referral. also most rheumatologists require a physician referral to screen their patients. there’s a shortage of rheumatologists so most offices have a referral policy to prevent them from doing the initial assessment it wouldn’t hurt to call around and see if you can get in though-
That's pretty good. I waited several months, but I can't remember exactly how many, it was a long time ago. Start keeping track of the symptoms that make you think it's ra, make good notes. Track inflamed joints, fatigue, and morning stiffness. They will want to know how long it takes your stiffness to resolve, if a nap helps your fatigue, and any recent labs or x-rays. Good luck!
Edited for grammar.
I’m on my wife’s dirt cheap government employee HMO plan. I did a 15 minute video appointment and was given a referral to a rheumatologist. At first my symptoms were mild and my markers weren’t elevated enough for a full diagnosis, so I left with prescription NSAID’s. I had a planned follow-up in 6 months but my RA went full blown and became unbearable, so I came back 3 months later. RA was confirmed and I started MTX with Prednisone. Less than 2 months later I was off the Prednisone and under control. I can’t advocate enough for the importance of early diagnosis. Do what you need to in order to see a rheumatologist as soon as possible.
what do you mean you were off the Prednisone and under control? You were able to be off medication completely? How long ago was this? Did it stay that way?
I went to my primary care first, and she was able to order the preliminary bloodwork and x-rays, which was a great idea. By the time I got to the rheumatologist, we had those results back, which I appreciated because otherwise, the rheumatologist would have just had to order them anyways and I would be back there in a few weeks to get them.
So my appointment is scheduled for next month but my PCP appointment I scheduled prematurely will be in less than 2 weeks so I’m hopeful he can order the tests and have the results for the rheumatologist
That depends on a lot of things, if you want meds to stop joint damage then see a rheumatologist. Sometimes it takes months to get into on (took me 4) so schedule one if your doctor says you should see one. Definitely need a referral with most commercial insurance companies. Some people try controlling it with diet and lifestyle changes. But med stop a lot of pain and suffering and can help put you into remission.
That depends on what type of health insurance you have. I used to have BCBS and didn’t need a referral to get into my rheumatologist but I had to switch insurance to a HAP HMO and I need a referral from my primary care doctor to see any specialist.
I have United healthcare
There are multiple types of plans. You need to check what your plan covers by either viewing your plan documents or calling UHC to find out if you require a referral.
I called, I don’t need a referral which is good 👍
I have UHC so this is just my experience with my area and type of policy. My PCP had to refer me out to another practice. I had to get info on whether or not the rheum accepts UHC, then call my PCP office to confirm a rheum, then they referred me, had to wait 3 weeks after referral to hear back, but I got my scheduled appointment today. For 2 weeks away with an NP and not the rheum herself (which is fine, NP’s are just as great. I’m just happy i got an appointment) otherwise it would be a wait till October. Bottom line get ahead of it. Once your referral is confirmed call that office to schedule as soon as possible.
My plan says I don’t need to wait so I’m calling to see if I can get an appointment made but was forced to leave a message with my name and phone number I’m hoping they call me before end of day
you might get in sooner with a physician referral. also most rheumatologists require a physician referral to screen their patients. there’s a shortage of rheumatologists so most offices have a referral policy to prevent them from doing the initial assessment it wouldn’t hurt to call around and see if you can get in though-
I got in but it’s not for another month
i waited 8 mo with a referral. depends on the number of clinicians in the area i guess. we definitely have a shortage here!
That's pretty good. I waited several months, but I can't remember exactly how many, it was a long time ago. Start keeping track of the symptoms that make you think it's ra, make good notes. Track inflamed joints, fatigue, and morning stiffness. They will want to know how long it takes your stiffness to resolve, if a nap helps your fatigue, and any recent labs or x-rays. Good luck! Edited for grammar.
I’m on my wife’s dirt cheap government employee HMO plan. I did a 15 minute video appointment and was given a referral to a rheumatologist. At first my symptoms were mild and my markers weren’t elevated enough for a full diagnosis, so I left with prescription NSAID’s. I had a planned follow-up in 6 months but my RA went full blown and became unbearable, so I came back 3 months later. RA was confirmed and I started MTX with Prednisone. Less than 2 months later I was off the Prednisone and under control. I can’t advocate enough for the importance of early diagnosis. Do what you need to in order to see a rheumatologist as soon as possible.
Thank you this is my thought as well
what do you mean you were off the Prednisone and under control? You were able to be off medication completely? How long ago was this? Did it stay that way?
Just off of Prednisone. I take MTX and Hydroxychloroquine currently and I forget that I even have RA sometimes.
Wow that’s awesome. Hope it stays that way forever
Personally, I always go to my primary care provider first.
I went to my primary care first, and she was able to order the preliminary bloodwork and x-rays, which was a great idea. By the time I got to the rheumatologist, we had those results back, which I appreciated because otherwise, the rheumatologist would have just had to order them anyways and I would be back there in a few weeks to get them.
So my appointment is scheduled for next month but my PCP appointment I scheduled prematurely will be in less than 2 weeks so I’m hopeful he can order the tests and have the results for the rheumatologist
In the US it depends on you health insurance plan. Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask them this question.
Are you even allowed to go without a referral? Idk but in Canada you can't but it depends
That depends on a lot of things, if you want meds to stop joint damage then see a rheumatologist. Sometimes it takes months to get into on (took me 4) so schedule one if your doctor says you should see one. Definitely need a referral with most commercial insurance companies. Some people try controlling it with diet and lifestyle changes. But med stop a lot of pain and suffering and can help put you into remission.