These days, more people are scared to go to their doctor than they are of dying. This is not because they are scared of pain but rather, scared of how much treatment, tests and medicines are all going to cost. The bad news is that you cannot afford to ignore the symptoms of arthritis. The good news is that after you can get a proper rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, the odds of you living a normal life are pretty good.

It's Usually Worse In Your Imagination

There are a lot of horror stories in the news about how people have been bankrupted by their illness or from a sudden hospital stay. This can make many people who need a prompt rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis shy away from getting one. Getting a rheumatoid diagnosis now often saves a lot of money, pain and time in the long run.

This fear of getting a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is compounded by not being able to get an estimate from area hospitals. Because every medical case is different – and often, their health insurance companies have different laws and rates for each of their clients – putting even a ballpark estimate together is well beyond the capacity of any hospital billing department.

However, after you actually go through the tests and get your rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, you tend to look back at the experience (and the expense) and realize it wasn't quite as bad as you thought. Our survival instinct makes us fear the worst in almost all situations. We even fear that we may be put on a rheumatoid arthritis diet of bowls of steam.

Before You Go To The Doctor

Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis tests usually involve blood work and x-rays. This is an outpatient procedure and generally done in the hospital and not in the doctor's office. Some hospitals will not require that you make an appointment for these tests, although blood work tests require an overnight fast.

You want to note some information down before you go to your doctor. You need to tell him or her your immediate family medical history, especially if they had arthritis. You need to make a list of all medications, vitamins, supplements and alternative treatments you are on. You also need to note when your symptoms started and if they are worse at any particular times throughout the day, such if the pain is worse when you just wake up or when it rains.

You will also find that the doctor's office staff know that you are nervous about paying. They will sometimes help negotiate a price with your health insurance company.