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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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6 Steps to be a Better Patient

Think of your rheumatologist as one of your greatest allies in “beating back” the stiffness and pain of RA. Learning how to better communicate with your rheumatologist will help you get the most out of your visits. Here are some tips to get you started:

  1. Come Prepared
    Before your appointment, write down questions, new symptoms and items to discuss with your doctor. Being organized makes the best use of your time and your doctor’s time during the visit.
     
  2. Take Notes
    When your doctor gives you instructions or important information, write it down. Studies have shown that 20 to 50 percent of what is said in the doctor’s office is forgotten.
     
  3. Avoid “By the Way” Moments
    Don’t be afraid to discuss important topics, and try to bring these up as soon as possible. Too often the most important issues are brought up in the last five minutes of a doctor’s appointment, and these things can make a difference.
     
  4. Partner with Your Doctor
    Let your doctor know the specific information you need or concerns you have. Then you can work together to create a plan that is tailored for you.
     
  5. Be Honest
    Your doctor can’t help you if he or she doesn’t know the whole story. In fact, his or her recommendation may conflict with one of the things you’re doing on your own and be ineffective or even cause harm.
     
  6. Speak Up
    If there’s something your doctor hasn’t told you that you think is important, let him or her know. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Order the FREE Let's Talk RA Communication Kit Today!
This Kit offers you tips on communicating with your rheumatologist and getting the most out of your appointments together.

 
Next Topic: Maximizing Your Rheumatologist Visit
Previous Topic: Preparing for Your Visit With Your Doctor
 
 
Home | Real People | About RA | Communicating
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
What are the Symptoms of RA?
How is RA Diagnosed?
How is RA Treated?
How to Best Manage RA
          
Preparing for Your Visit With Your Doctor
6 Steps to Being a Better RA Patient
Maximizing Your Rheumatologist Visit
Talking to Your Loved Ones About RA
Talking to Your Doctor About RA
Self Management With RA
 

For additional RA disease information from Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit RAliving.com

The Arthritis Foundation thanks Bristol-Myers Squibb for its financial support in underwriting the development of the Let's Talk RA program

FREE Communication Kit Order Form

Find out how others living with RA use the tools found in the Let's Talk RA Communication Kit with their doctors to get the best treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis.

Step One: Fill Out Form

First Name:
 
Last Name:
 
Email Address:
 
Address 1:
 
Address 2:
 
City:
 
State:
 
ZIP Code:
 
Date of Birth:
MM    DD    YYYY
 

Step Two: Answer 4 Questions

  1. What type of medication do you take for your RA?
    • Injection (shot)
    • Intravenous (IV)
    • Methotrexate or Other DMARD
    • Over-the-Counter (pill)
    • Other
  2. How often you take/receive your current medication for RA?
    • Daily
    • Every Week
    • Twice a Month
    • Once a Month
    • Every Other Month
    • As Needed
    • Other
  3. When did you start taking your current medication?

          MM    YYYY

  4. Please rate your current level of satisfaction with your RA treatment plan:

    Not at all Satisfied                     Highly Satisfied
 

Step Three: Choose Delivery Options:

  • Download Kit as PDF
  • Receive Kit By Mail

Opt-in to share information with Bristol-Myers Squibb?:*

  • Yes, Please send me information about an RA treatment option from Let's Talk RA sponsor,
    Bristol-Myers Squibb.
  • No thanks, but continue with order.
 

Step Four: Submit Order

 
* optional
FREE Communication Kit Order Form

Thank you for submitting the form.