It can be very hard to take in everything that’s said at a doctor's appointment. See more: Six keys to preparing for a doctor's appointment Step 4: Follow up Here are seven ways you can help your health care providers better understand your health and your health care needs, and make decisions about a diagnosis. And as the leader, you can make the job easier for other members of the team. You’re also taking on a responsibility, because in any meeting between yourself and a provider, you are the team leader. No matter which provider you see, it’s helpful to remember that today’s health care system works best when you look at your care as a team effort. The clearer the picture, the sooner the provider will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis, or refer you to a specialist physician. By asking you questions and listening to your answers, your provider will build a picture of your medical condition and immediate concerns. You may see a medical doctor (MD), a physician assistant (PA), or a nurse practitioner (NP). There are several kinds of health care providers who work in the office of a primary care doctor. Learn more: How lupus is diagnosed: An overview Step 3: Prepare for your first appointmentīecause lupus is not a simple disease to recognize, it’s a good idea to start by seeing a general medicine doctor-also known as Primary Care Provider, General Practitioner, or Family Physician. This specialist is called a rheumatologist (ROOM-ah-TOHL-ah-JYST). If your doctor believes your signs and symptoms point to the possibility of lupus, he/she may recommend a referral to a specialist doctor who has training in the group of autoimmune diseases that includes lupus. This is why your doctor will probably not be able to tell you, at your first visit, whether or not you have lupus.ĭiagnosing a complex disease such as lupus will often take several months, and two or three doctor appointments, as you continue to track your symptoms, and your doctor continues to monitor your lab test results and your overall health. So, while the information from your medical history and physical exam and lab tests may suggest lupus or another condition or disease, there can still be uncertainty. Your doctor may not be familiar with lupus.Signs/symptoms can be like those found in other illnesses.Signs/symptoms can be different for each person.Signs/symptoms can appear and disappear.This information will allow the doctor to begin to rule out medical problems that don’t fit your health picture.
Consider a biopsy of skin or other body tissue for microscopic examination, if indicated.Order, then review laboratory test results, when tests are indicated, and imaging studies (X-ray MRI), when appropriate.Review your family medical history for any close relatives with lupus or another autoimmune condition.Review your medical history, including any medications you may be taking.Review the signs/symptoms that caused your concern(s).In order to give you answers about what your symptoms or risk factors may mean, your doctor will likely: It’s time to take the first step: to have a conversation with your doctor about the changes you’ve been experiencing, how your health is being affected, and whether these signs and symptoms could be due to the autoimmune disease lupus, or some other illness or condition. But if you’ve had joint pain and extreme fatigue for more than a few weeks, or you’ve noticed unusual hair loss or a face rash-and especially if you have any risk factors for an autoimmune disease-it’s time to stop waiting. These kinds of symptoms are usually due to an injury, or are caused by the flu virus or another temporary illness. Most of us know what it’s like to feel extra-tired sometimes, too. Step 1: Seek answersĮveryone has aches and pains now and then. What you need to know to prepare for a conversation with your doctor, understand the diagnostic process, and manage your expectations.