There is a wide variation of expertise and training in treating arthritis patients among individual doctors. Arthritis support group members may be able to guide you when looking for a health care provider in your area.

You can find an a doctor by obtaining a referral from a friend, family member, or past doctor. You will want a docotor with a convenient location. You will also want to consider the office hours of the doctor and how after-hours calls are handled.

Once you have the name of a physician or two, you will want to get basic background information about them. Is the doctor licensed? Is the physician board certified? Has the doctor ever been sued for malpractice? Is the doctor in your insurance plan?

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Before making your first appointment, check up on the selected physician or specialist. Below are three good resources;

American Medical Association (AMA): You can find a doctor's educational background and areas of medical specialty and whether or not the doctor is a member of the AMA.

American Board of Medical Specialties will reveal whether a doctor is board certified or board eligible in a particular area. If a doctor is Board certified, he or she has completed two additional years of training and passed a national examination. If the doctor is Board eligible, he or she has completed the training, but has not completed testing.

Medi-Net accesses databases from the American Medical Association, three federal agencies and all 50 state medical boards to provide basic background information on a doctor. Medi-Net can reveal whether the doctor has been disciplined for billing fraud, over-prescribing, incompetence or other offenses. There is a fee for this service.

Be prepared for your first visit by bringing a list of your symptoms and medications, along with any questions you might have for the doctor. Before your appointment, type up a list of issues, in order of importance, you want to address. Print two copies, one for yourself and one for your doctor.

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Many people also find that keeping a symptom diary helps. Ask questions and answer questions fully. Write things down.

Determine if you are comfortable with the doctor during the initial appointment. Does the doctor fully explain the need for certain tests or specific treatments? Is your doctor receptive to alternative treatments? Does the doctor spend an adequate amount of time with you?

Compassion and understanding, good bedside manner and an open mind are qualities needed for a good working relationship with your arthritis specialist. If your doctor cannot adequately address your arthritis or you are not comfortable with their level of care and concern, seek help elsewhere. It is your body and your health. It is your responsibility to find the right physician or specialist to guide you through the management of your arthritis.

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