Frustrated in VA
Sorry to kind of deflect... but i don't know where to post questions without getting them deleted by a moderator, so here goes:
I just turned 50 and am in the very early stages of diagnosis. My pcp suspects RA after recent labs showed elevated crp and rf factor + uric acid is also elevated, but the symptoms and flare ups I've been having for years are now much more painful and last longer. We only have 1 practicing in this area, and he's about to retire in June and isn't taking any more patients, but the alternative being offered is a virtual practice. I'm old school and feel like physical touch, conversation, and bloodwork are the best way. Does anybody think a virtual rheumatologist is able to effectively diagnose? Also, are these tests clear indicators of RA?
Hi
. Your frustration with trying to get a diagnosis and dealing with the shortage in rheumatologists is certainly understandable. I want to share with you this article from our editorial team on the diagnostic process: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/diagnosis. It discusses the role rheumatoid factor and CRP in the diagnosis. High uric acid numbers are more commonly associated with gout (see this article on other types of arthritis: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/types-of-arthritis), but about 10% of RA patients do get high uric acid blood levels. I also want to share with you this find an arthritis specialist page from The Arthritis Foundation: https://www.arthritis.org/find-a-doctor. I can't personally speak to the telehealth appointments, but our patient leader Janeil wrote about it here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/telemedicine. Hopefully others will chime in with their thoughts. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) 
My goodness. I can't imagine what you're feeling right now being in this situation. The struggles of getting a clear diagnosis and finding (let alone maintaining) an RA doctor are two of the challenges most of our members face here so know that you are not alone in this. I highly encourage you to check out the pieces, Richard share with you. They have some really valuable information in there. With the shortage of RA doctors in general, have you considered in seeing a Pain Specialist? These kinds of doctors are well-versed in dealing with all kinds of pain including RA and may be something you might be able to consider. Here is an article that talks more about pain specialists and how they can be of help- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/pain-management-specialist. Deciding if a virtual doctor will be best is ultimately a personal decision. But in everything you do make sure you are prioritizing what is important to you. And I know limited options don't make it easy but I'm confident you will find a solution that works best for you. Wishing you all the best, Latoya (Team Member) 
I would consider getting started with the virtual practice while pursuing in-person care. Wait lists can be quite long, so getting started soon could still mean a delay. Another option would be to travel to a specialty clinic for a consult, then follow up as best you can after, perhaps with the consulting doctor working with your PCP. Hoping you can find care soon! Jo
