What is the role of a rheumatologist in a patient's treatment journey?
Expert rheumatologists at Aster MIMS play a vital role in patients’ treatment and recovery journeys. They identify the underlying risks and health conditions and provide personalised treatment, considering their medical reports and overall health.
How should I prepare for my first visit to a rheumatologist?
Patients are advised to prepare by visiting the hospital before their appointment time with rheumatologists. Also, they should know all guidelines and instructions related to the treatment process. Further, they must provide their medical documents and reports to medical staff and insurance cards to get insurance claims, if applicable.
When should I consider seeing a rheumatologist?
Patients are advised to see a rheumatologist in Calicut when they experience muscle weakness, itching, hair loss, fatigue, dry eyes, dermatitis, or swelling. Further, they should also see medical specialists during the recurrence of symptoms after taking initial treatment from primary care physicians or when they are referred to Aster MIMS Hospital.
What documents should I carry on my first visit to a rheumatologist?
Patients are advised to carry medical reports and test results related to their previous treatment, genetic disorder reports, a list of current treatments or therapies, and a list of specific symptoms they experience. These documents help medical specialists decide on effective treatment plans.
What are the most common types of conditions that rheumatologists treat?
Expert rheumatologists at Aster MIMS treat major health conditions, such as genetic disorders that include systemic lupus erythematosus, sjögren’s syndrome, and scleroderma, and joint problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and bursitis. They also treat tendon issues and muscle conditions and provide personalised treatment options.
What advancements or technologies are utilised by rheumatologists?
Rheumatology treatment includes non-surgical treatment that includes assessing underlying health conditions through diagnosis tests, like MRIs, ultrasound, CT scans, ANA, anti-CCP, and fluid tests. They collaborate with cardiologists and surgeons when surgical treatments are required.
What question you should ask a rheumatologist?
Patients are supposed to know about the reason behind the symptoms and problems they experience. They should also know about the overall treatment process, fees, duration, possibility of complete recovery, and underlying threats. They must ask for lifestyle changes to adapt to during and post-treatment.
How does a rheumatologist decide on a treatment plan?
Rheumatologists in Calicut at Aster MIMS follow a structured medical protocol to decide on personalised patient treatment plans. They conduct several lab tests, such as blood tests, joint fluid tests, urine tests, skin biopsy, and muscle biopsy. Moreover, they also conduct imaging tests, like X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasounds, and DEXA scans. After considering reports, they decide on treatment plans.
What does a rheumatologist do?
Rheumatologists are medical experts who diagnose and treat patients with persistent joint, muscle, and tendon problems. They provide non-surgical treatments that include medicines, joint injections, joint aspiration, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. They also treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
What is the role of a radiation oncologist in a patient's treatment journey?
Radiation oncologists play a vital role in patients’ treatment journey by providing radiation therapy to cure cancer. They design the treatment plan, considering the patient’s medical conditions and consult with other specialists to provide preventive care to patients.