- The rheumatologist will start by reviewing your referral, medical and social history, previous blood tests, imaging, and any documentation provided by your GP or specialist.
- You will be asked detailed questions about your symptoms—such as when they began, how they’ve progressed, their impact on daily life, and any pain, swelling, or stiffness.
- A physical examination will be performed, which may focus on checking and counting tender and swollen joints, assessing for rashes or nodules, or observing your mobility and flexibility.
- The rheumatologist may order further investigations, including blood tests (to check for inflammation or specific antibodies), X-rays, or other scans to clarify the diagnosis or monitor disease activity.
- When there is sufficient data from interpreting existing and any new test results, the rheumatologist will discuss potential diagnoses and what they mean for your health.
- Together, you’ll develop a personalised treatment plan—this may involve medication prescriptions, lifestyle recommendations, referrals to allied health professionals, or ongoing monitoring plans for chronic conditions.
the above usually takes 30-45mins
Preparation and Practical Tips
- Bring a list of your current symptoms, questions, current medications (including supplements), and any prior test results or reports.
- Arrive with your referral, Medicare card, and any forms the practice asks you to complete.
- Consider bringing a family member or friend for support and to help remember key advice during the consultation.
- Wear clothing that allows the rheumatologist to easily examine affected joints and areas.
After the Appointment
- You may be given scripts for medications, forms for further tests, and information about your diagnosis and treatments.
- an AI software is used during our medical consultations to listen carefully and write notes automatically. This helps the doctor focus more on the conversation instead of writing everything down. After the consult, the software creates a clear summary of what was discussed, including your symptoms, diagnosis, and next steps. The doctor reviews this summary to make sure it is correct before sharing it with you or your GP/doctors.
- Chronic conditions will require regular follow-ups for ongoing management and adjustment of treatment plans as needed.