Frequently Asked Questions

Patients are advised to prepare by carrying all medical reports and documents related to their health conditions. They should also bring insurance cards and referral letters from primary care doctors, a list of current medicines, and a list of symptoms they experience. This information helps specialists determine personalised treatment plans.

Physicians sometimes find it challenging to determine the cause of persistent joint and muscle pain. Therefore, patients must see a rheumatologist in Kochi to identify the root cause. Further, when patients are diagnosed with arthritis or a rheumatic disease such as osteoarthritis, SLE, vasculitis, or APS, it is advisable to see medical specialists at Aster Medcity Hospital in Kochi.

Patients must carry the documents for their blood test reports of antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. They should also carry a list of current symptoms they experience, like joint pain or swelling, along with inherited medical disorders and related documents.

Major conditions that rheumatologists at Aster Medcity Hospital treat are autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, back pain, gout, osteoporosis, musculoskeletal pain disorders, and osteoarthritis. They also collaborate with other medical specialists like eye doctors, dermatologists, cardiologists, and physical therapists for specific treatments.

Aster Medcity Hospital in Kochi houses top medical devices that rheumatologists use to diagnose patients. These include diagnostic tools like MRI machines, CT scans, ultrasound machines, and X-rays. Further, equipment includes joint aspiration kits and bone densitometers for effective evaluation of underlying problems.

Patients must ask questions about their medical conditions, symptoms, and potential threats. They should know the duration of specific diseases, as some treatments could last years. They can also ask for the root cause of the problems and possible treatment options.

Rheumatologists at Aster Medcity Hospital conduct several tests, including laboratory tests and imaging tests using tools like X-ray machines and ultrasound. Further, they review patients’ medical history and past treatment results and also conduct blood tests and bone density tests. Consider overall factors when deciding on treatment plans.

Rheumatologists are medical experts who specialise in diagnosing and treating patients with autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases. They diagnose patients and provide treatments such as physical and occupational therapy, medications, and joint injections and aspirations. They also work closely with other specialists, such as eye doctors and cardiologists, to ensure that patients receive effective treatment.

Bring your insurance information, your referral, and any pertinent past medical records or imaging tests to your radiology appointment. Observe any special guidelines provided for your examination, such as fasting for certain scans or avoiding metal items for MRIs. Put on relaxed, readily detachable apparel. Ask prepared questions about the process, hazards, and expected outcomes.

Usually, you wouldn't self-refer to a radiologist. If imaging scans are required, your general care physician or a specialist will refer you. However, you may visit an interventional radiologist in Tirupati at Aster Narayanadri immediately for certain treatments. Talk to your doctor about your possibilities if you are interested in minimally invasive treatment alternatives, require follow-up for a known problem, or require advanced imaging for persistent symptoms.