First Visit

Family_4Visiting our office is the first step to getting your quality of life back! You can make better use of the time with your doctor by doing some "homework" before your first visit. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment and bring the following items with you:

  • The completed  "Pre-Appointment Questionnaire", and "Health Assessment Questionnaire" forms that are available for download on the bottom of this page.
  • Any medications that you are currently taking, including all vitamins and over-the-counter drugs.
  • Your insurance cards.
  • A signed referral slip from your family physician.

During your first visit to our office, a nurse will take your vital signs, get your medical history and talk with you about your symptoms. The rheumatologist will then discuss in detail your symptoms and perform a comprehensive examination. The doctor will also assess the range of motion of your joints, so wearing loose clothing will help make the evaluation easier.

To save you time and expense of duplicating laboratory tests, please ask your family physician to send any pertinent information about your condition before your appointment. You can also hand-carry these medical records (which may include laboratory reports, X-rays and physician notes) with you to be sure they are available at the time of your visit.

Now is the time to ask questions or discuss any concerns with your doctor. We promise to speak candidly with you about your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Your rheumatologist may order lab tests and a musculoskeletal ultrasound exam, which can be done in our office. This will help the doctor confirm a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.

New Patient Forms

 Please complete them and bring them to your first appointment.


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