About Us
Rheumatology is the subspecialty of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and
treatment of arthritis and autoimmune diseases. These diseases affect
joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and internal organs. These
diseases and disorders can range from simple overuse syndromes to serious
immunological disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic
lupus erythematous (SLE or lupus). There are more than 100 types of rheumatic
diseases and some of these are very serious diseases that can be difficult
to diagnose and treat. In order to meet the challenges presented us,
Rheumatologists obtain additional training and experience. After four years
of medical school and three years of training in internal medicine, we
devote an additional two to three years in specialized Rheumatology
training. Upon completion of our training, we must pass a rigorous exam
conducted by the American Board of Internal Medicine to become certified.
The Division of Rheumatology at the University of Kentucky is dedicated to
providing the highest quality patient care and conducting clinical and basic
research that advances the treatment of rheumatologic disorders. The
Division of Rheumatology consists of five highly trained and Board Certified
Rheumatologists specializing in the treatment of all rheumatologic diseases.
We also have a program of clinical and basic research in a variety of
rheumatologic diseases.
When Should You See Us?
If you have been diagnosed with a serious autoimmune
disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus
(lupus), scleroderma, polymyositis or dermatomyositis, vasculitis, or
other related diseases, particularly if you are taking special medications
to manage your illness, Rheumatologists at the University of Kentucky are
specially trained to care for you. Your primary care physician or other
specialists should contact us for an appointment. Your phys
icians should
also contact us if these diseases are suspected and you need an evaluation
for diagnostic purposes. Many types of rheumatic diseases are not easily
identified in the early stages. Rheumatologists are specially trained to
do the detective work necessary to discover the cause of swelling and
pain. It’s important to determine a correct diagnosis early so that
appropriate treatment can begin early. Some musculoskeletal disorders
respond best to treatment in the early stages of the disease.
If you develop musculoskeletal pains that are not severe or disabling and
last just a few days, it makes sense to give the problem a reasonable
chance resolve on its own. But sometimes, pain in the joints, muscles or
bones is severe or persists for more than a few days. At that point, you
should see your primary care physician who can determine if you need a
referral to a Rheumatologist at the University of Kentucky.
Because some rheumatic diseases are complex, one visit to a rheumatologist
may not be enough to determine a diagnosis and course of treatment. These
diseases often change or evolve over time. Rheumatologists work closely
with patients to identify the problem and design an individualized
treatment program.
How Do We Work with Other Health Care Professionals?
The
role the rheumatologist plays in health care depends on several factors and
needs. Typically the rheumatologist works with other physicians, acting as a
consultant to advise other physicians about a specific diagnosis and
treatment plan. In other situations, the rheumatologist acts as a manager,
relying upon the help of many skilled professionals including nurses,
physical and occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers. Team
work is important, since musculoskeletal disorders are chronic. Health care
professionals can help people with arthritis and autoimmune diseases and
their families cope with the changes the diseases cause in their lives.
Contacting Us
We require a referral from a physician to make an appointment in the Rheumatology Clinic. Please have your physician call 859-323-6700 for information on how to make a referral.
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Detail Map showing location of Kentucky Clinic
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to the Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky
Location: The Rheumatology Clinic is located on the second floor, wing C of the Kentucky Clinic on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington, KY.
Hours: The clinic operates from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.
For more information about the Division of Rheumatology or the Rheumatology Clinic at University of Kentucky, please call (859) 323-6700.
