-Tran-DO-681524-circle_medium__v1__.png)
Average time it takes to be seen by a provider
Verified providers with a 4.8 average rating
In the business of finding quality care for patients
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Rheumatologist in Houston, book an appointment, and see the Rheumatologist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Rheumatologists in Houston who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Houston Rheumatologist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Rheumatologists in Houston and book appointments instantly. You can search for Houston Rheumatologists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
When you search for Houston Rheumatologists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Rheumatologists in Houston who match your preferences.
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Houston Rheumatologists with availability after 5 p.m.
You can use Zocdoc to find Rheumatologists in Houston who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
Rheumatologists in Houston on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Rheumatologists who offer video visits.
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Rheumatologists in Houston who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Rheumatologist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Rheumatologists in Houston. Many Rheumatologists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
A rheumatologist is a physician with additional training in rheumatology, a field of medicine that treats autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal problems in patients of all ages. They also deal with various ailments, such as muscle and tendon injuries and uncommon genetic disorders.
Over 100 types of rheumatic diseases exist. These include musculoskeletal pain syndromes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, back pain, myositis, and fibromyalgia. The autoimmune conditions include lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and scleroderma. Tendinitis and vasculitis are also rheumatic disorders.
Rheumatologists complete four years of medical school and three years of internal medicine residency medicine. Further, practitioners must complete a fellowship studying and treating chronic musculoskeletal and autoimmune disorders. They can also train in clinical or lab research. After completing the fellowship, rheumatologists must pass the American Board of Internal Medicine certification exam. Every ten years, rheumatologists are required to take a recertification exam. Continuing medical education courses are also necessary to keep their board certification.
Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating various musculoskeletal conditions. Common diseases include:
When your body's immune system attacks the synovium (a layer of tissue that lines your joints), it is called rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the inflammation can affect other organs and systems, your joints are typically the most badly affected. RA brings on chronic pain, exhaustion, and other issues. It is distinct from osteoarthritis, which develops when cartilage (the supple tissue that cushions the ends of your joints) begins to break down.
Arthritis can be a source of significant pain and discomfort, but specific strategies can help you manage symptoms effectively. Consider the following dos and don'ts for coping with arthritis:
Most people have joint, bone, or muscular pain at some point. However, if the pain persists, more tests may be required. Primary care, urgent care, or emergency room doctors (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) conduct the initial assessment. They may suggest that a rheumatologist evaluate you if you worry about an underlying rheumatic condition. Sometimes, other healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, orthopedic surgeons, or other medical specialists, may advise that you visit a rheumatologist.
If you have relatives who suffer from an autoimmune or rheumatic disease (as these conditions frequently run in families), or if your symptoms develop noticeably within a short time, you may have to consult a rheumatologist earlier. Some signs and symptoms may get better or disappear temporarily when first treated. However, they may occasionally come back if you discontinue the medication. In such cases, it is advisable to visit a rheumatologist.
During your rheumatology appointment, your practitioner will ask about your symptoms, medical history (personal and familial), and lifestyle. Rheumatologists also do a comprehensive physical examination.
One of the following diagnostic tests may be part of your evaluation:
There are many ways to treat rheumatic disorders. Rheumatologists create an individual care strategy that can include joint injections, occupational therapy, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), and physical therapy.
They may also refer you to orthopedic surgeons to evaluate, treat, or replace damaged joints. They can place splints to immobilize musculoskeletal injuries, preventing further damage if required.
Periodic evaluations and supervision may also be part of your care. Many inflammatory disorders can worsen with time, necessitating your rheumatologist's review of the treatment strategy. Rheumatologists keep up with these developments by monitoring you frequently, as modifying therapy before the problem worsens is an efficient approach to health care.
If you have booked a consultation with a rheumatologist near you, the next step is to prepare for it. This way, you can ease your appointment anxiety, confidently present all the required information, and help the provider arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing for your first rheumatology appointment:
Step 1: Prepare for a detailed discussion
The rheumatologist will ask about your symptoms, so be prepared to provide elaborate information. You can write answers to expected questions in your journal or smartphone to remember all critical details. Here are some questions your rheumatologist will likely ask you during your first appointment:
Step 2: Organize your documents
In addition to understanding your symptoms and concerns, the rheumatologist will enquire about your medical records. Therefore, carry hard copies of your past and current diagnoses, medical test results, doctor's notes, and surgical history. If you take any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements, remember to bring a list of them along with details about their dosages.
Step 3: Write down questions
Getting a new diagnosis prompts many questions in the mind. Instead of relying on online information, consider discussing your queries and doubts with your doctor to receive accurate and tailored answers. Here are some questions you can ask the rheumatologist:
Lastly, remember to take a family member or friend to the appointment. They can provide emotional support and write important doctor's notes for your reference later.
Various rheumatic disorders carry a risk of joint injury. Therefore, it's crucial to consult a rheumatologist without delay. Faster diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, can save you from irreversible joint damage. Treatment may not always be able to undo this damage. It could even be permanent.
Zocdoc lets you access the most qualified and experienced rheumatologists near you in Houston. On the Zocdoc website, enter your symptoms or condition, location, preferred date, and insurance carrier to receive the top-rated rheumatologists. You can also browse the practitioner's profiles to learn about their education, training, specialty, experience, and affiliations. Moreover, you can also read the verified patient reviews to make an informed decision.
With Zocdoc, you can book instant appointments. You may easily choose practitioners depending on your insurance provider by using Zocdoc's insurance card capture feature.
However, if you do not have a health plan, simply mention "I'm paying for myself" in the search bar to find providers who accept patients without insurance. Do you need more information about medical insurance usage on Zocdoc? Our patient help center page can help.
Booking appointments on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and free!
One in four adults with arthritis endure chronic pain. In addition, many people have trouble walking, standing, sitting, reaching, picking up objects, and engaging in social activities. Pain, redness, swelling, difficulty moving, and an itch or rash around the joint area are typical signs of arthritis.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 4.1 million people in Texas have been diagnosed with arthritis, of whom 1.7 million have severe activity limitations with everyday tasks.
The prevalence of arthritis in females (25.1%) is higher than in males (16.4%) in Texas. Age is also a significant factor, with 49.6% of those above 65 diagnosed with the condition. Among those aged between 45 and 60, the prevalence is 27.6%, and among those aged 18-45, it is 6.3%.
Healthline[1]
American College of Rheumatology[1]
American College of Rheumatology[2]
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.