acceptable amount of time to see rheumatologist when serious change occurs

Hi . Your frustration is certainly understandable. Deciding on when it is time to switch doctors is difficult and can depend on a lot of circumstances, such as availability of other doctors, the previous level of care and accuracy of treatment guidance, etc... Our patient leader David wrote about how to know when to switch rheumatologists here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/change-rheumatologists. Hopefully others will chime in with their thoughts and experiences. Best, Richard (Team Member)

Hi thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. Rheumatologists see so many patients a day. I think mine told me she has over 1,000 patients. What I've learned is to message like you did on the chart but to take it a step further and call to leave a message for the doctor's nurse. When they know it's urgent they do get back to you faster. Often times the messages we send on the chart get filtered through the front desk and the doctor may not be notified until the front desk passes it on. This is what my doctor told me. I know some doctors who fit in patients right away with hours or days, and others theres a long wait. This may or may not be the doctor for you if you need someone to respond quickly. It's your call depending on your needs. I would be frustrated with that wait time too because I've dealt with it then found providers who do the opposite. -Effie, team member

I understand they are busy ,but taking 5 new patient sa day instead of seeing current patient with urgent need, to me is just wrong...$$$$$ is whatitisallabout

Yes, a 37 day wait when you are in pain, feverish and having difficulty walking is too long!

It was wise of you to see your PCP. It gives your PCP the opportunity to order labs, imaging and possibly medication changes while you wait to see your Rheum. The PCP may also contact your Rheum to either consult or stress the need for an appointment sooner. It was also important that you shared your concerns about the delay with your Rheum. Good on you!

Here's a little more advice on waiting for an appointment. Should we have to do these things to get appropriate care? Nope. But it is our reality.

1. Do your best to be polite and grateful - make people feel appreciated so they remember you and want to help. What must it be like to tell 10 people a day that you just can't help them as urgently as they need?

2. I agree that it is a good idea to reach out directly to your Rheum's nurse. Call and ask to speak with the nurse. Have a concise list of your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life, how you have tried to help yourself and any medication changes you have needed to make. Be polite and express gratitude to the nurse for any help they can give you. Then follow up weekly with updates, by phone or portal.

3. If it means being seen sooner, ask if you can see a PA or NP. They may be able to help you and have close access to the doctor as needed.


4. Ask to be on the cancellation list. Call weekly to check on the status of the list. Again, be polite and express gratitude for any help they can give you. I recently got an appointment because I was lucky enough to call right after someone else cancelled. The receptionist recognized my name and it was easy for her to book me right then.

5. If scheduling is your primary concern, think twice before changing doctors. Many, if not all Rheums, are over scheduled and weeks out for appointments. Don't cancel any appointments with your current Rheum until you get into see a new one.


It's important to unpack why we can't get timely appointments. There is a severe shortage of Rheumatologists. Your doctor may not be driven by $$$$. Existing patients are waiting in pain for weeks to see their doctor. And people seeking a diagnosis to start treatment are frequently waiting 6 months or longer to establish care. My favorite Rheumatologist once confided in me he was considering cutting back on his practice. It was burning him out trying to balance seeing all his patients in a way that allowed him to be truly present for each patient. It made him sad to turn new patients down. He supervised and consulted with 2 NPs. He has a wife and 3 children. He chose Rheumatology for it's complexities and his ability to help patients feel and function better. He felt like he was spinning his wheels. The shortage of Rheumatologists is harming patients and doctors alike. It is stressful for all of us. We are actually in this together.

I hope I didn't sound too preachy. I get emotional when I remember my anger and fear as I was fighting to get my first appointment. It's just so sad to read so many stories about the lack of access to timely appointments for established and new patients. And, I believe, while many don't show it, our health care providers are equally frustrated. Jo