Tuesday, November 06, 2007
I have seen many patients referred to me for "rheumatoid arthritis" simply because their family doctor found a positive rheumatoid factor as part of a lab work up. Obviously, this can cause unnecessary stress in those patients who upon evaluation by a specialist are found to not have rheumatoid arthritis.
We should all remember: Rheumatoid arthritis can only be diagnosed through a thoughtful and careful history and physical examination, not simply by a blood test.
Related Information:
Learn more about Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis.
Putting a Stop to Rheumatoid Arthritis Before it Begins
Ask the Expert: Rheumatoid Personality?
