That's such a stressful situation, especially when you've built a relationship with your rheumatologist. Take a breath — there are some practical steps that can help.
Here's what to consider doing:
- Contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network rheumatologists covered under your plan
- Ask your current Show Full Answer
That's such a stressful situation, especially when you've built a relationship with your rheumatologist. Take a breath — there are some practical steps that can help.
Here's what to consider doing:
- Contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network rheumatologists covered under your plan
- Ask your current rheumatologist if they'd be willing to work with you on a self-pay rate while you transition
- Request your medical records from your current rheumatologist so a new doctor has your full history
- Ask for a referral — your current rheumatologist may be able to recommend a trusted colleague who does take your insurance
- Check if virtual consultations are available, as these can sometimes be more flexible with costs Before seeing anyone new, it's worth calling your insurance company with the procedure and diagnosis codes for your typical visits. This helps you understand exactly what you'd owe out-of-pocket, so there are no surprises.
Continuity of care is really important with RA, so try not to let the gap stretch too long — staying on top of your treatment plan matters a lot for managing the condition well.
July 22