@elisabeth007 Does this mean you don't have joint/arthritis problems? I don't either. I am getting the "impression" that Rheumatologists don't want to Dx and treat auto immune diseases and instead really want to treat patients with joint /arthritis problems. The "arthritis pain clinics" they work at are a "hint". I guess the problem may be that the PCP's (like mine) who send patients to Rheumatologists for auto immune Dx, may not know what else to do.

I have found a few Rheumatologists who do specialize in auto immune (instead of joints), but they are heads of depts. at teaching hospitals, and don't accept Medicare. That's my dilemma.

I am beginning to wonder if I truly need a DX from a Rheumy (who specializes in joints) to begin with and may be better off focusing my efforts on finding a good pulmonologist and an allergist/immunologist instead. At least for now and then go to Mayo clinic Rheumatology when I'm feeling more up to the trip. May I ask how you found your two good specialists?

And, while this is all new to me, as long as you have the "formal" Dx that you believe correct and necessary - why continue seeing a Rheumatologist (if you don't have joint issues?)