Questions about Office Policy
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we are! Please call us at (503) 485-0350 to schedule an appointment.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
In some cases, your insurance carrier may require that you obtain a referral from your primary care provider to cover your care with us. Please check with your insurance carrier for their policy regarding specialty care.
What insurance carriers do you accept?
Oregon Rheumatology Specialists is in network for most insurance companies and will provide verification and review of your insurance benefits. See our Insurance & Financial Policy for more information.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Whether you’re out-of-pocket or out-of-network, we are here to help. Please give us a call us at (503) 485-0350 to discuss payment options that work for you.
If I don’t have an appointment, can I still be seen?
If you do not have an appointment but feel you need to see the doctor, please call the office at (503) 485-0350 prior to your arrival. Calling ahead allows us to advise you as to when you are likely to have the shortest wait time. Patients who arrive without appointments will not necessarily precede patients that have a scheduled appointment.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
If you need to cancel for any reason, please call our office at (503) 485-0350 within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment. This will allow us to give the appointment to another patient needing medical attention.
What identification do I need to bring?
The law requires that we have positive identification for all patients who receive services. To comply with this rule, we require the following pieces of identification:
- Health insurance card
- Driver License or other government-issued ID with photo.
- You may be required to have a facial photo taken.
If the above identification does not match, additional identification will be required (i.e., a utility bill, school ID card, etc.).
Questions about Rheumatology
What is a rheumatologist or rheumatology specialist?
Rheumatology is the branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases or disorders which mainly affect the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Rheumatologists are highly trained, board-certified specialists who focus on diagnosing and treating these complex musculoskeletal conditions and autoimmune diseases. Because there are more than 200 different rheumatic conditions which can affect the entire body, rheumatologists are essential to ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
What do rheumatology specialists treat?
Specially trained in immunology, rheumatologists treat a wide range of autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders. Read more about the conditions we treat.
When should I see a rheumatologist?
It is not uncommon to get temporary aches and pains in your joints, muscles or bones, and that pain can often be alleviated with over-the-counter medications, rest, or other home remedies. However, if your pain lasts more than a few days or is severe enough to restrict mobility, you should see a rheumatology specialist.
Early diagnosis is essential to providing effective treatment. With over 200 different rheumatic conditions that may affect each person differently, symptoms can be difficult for non-rheumatologists to diagnose or even recognize.
If you have questions about whether it’s time for you to see a rheumatology specialist, please call us at (503) 485-0350.