Living well with a chronic condition like psoriatic arthritis (PsA) requires you to be an active participant in your own day-to-day care. The more involved you are with your condition, the better off you’ll be at managing flare-ups and joint pain. And finding the right physician may be one of the most important decisions you’ll make about your long-term care.

Locate an Arthritis Specialist

To make sure you’re getting the best treatment for your psoriatic arthritis, consider seeing a rheumatologist – a doctor who specializes in arthritis and similar conditions. Ask your general practitioner for recommendations. Or check with your insurance company for information about specialists in your network.

The National Psoriasis Foundation also offers a health care provider directory to help you locate professionals in your area. This directory provides information on the treatments offered and each provider's experience with treating psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.

What to Look For in a Physician

Just because a doctor is “good” doesn’t mean he or she is right for you. Look for a care provider who not only can effectively treat your condition, and give you the information you need , but who also cares about your well-being. The following guidelines can help you:

How experienced is this doctor at treating PsA? Advances in arthritis treatments are continually evolving. A physician who stays up-to-date on the latest research will be able to provide better care and keep you posted on promising new therapies.

Are you able to trust and communicate with your care provider? The ability to communicate clearly is probably the most important part of any doctor-patient relationship. Your care provider will need plenty of input from you to successfully treat your condition. You must feel comfortable enough to disclose key information about yourself, such as exercise and eating habits, and whether you’re taking prescribed medications or supplements.

How accessible is the physician? When you’re suffering from a flare-up or having a reaction to your medication, does your doctor get right back to you? Find a physician who will be accessible, especially during urgent situations.

Is the office staff reliable? How do the people in the office treat you when you come in? A terrific doctor won’t make up for staff members who are inconsiderate or don’t get back to you when they say they will.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that can take a heavy toll both physically and emotionally. That’s why your relationship with your care provider is important in making sure you get the care you need.

Following your doctor’s orders can have a big impact on maintaining healthy joints—and mobility—now and later. Work with your care team to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.