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There is a national shortage of rheumatologists.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jan 1 7:37am | Replies (33)Comment receiving replies
As I have commented before, my PCP has handled my PMR from the beginning last January. I live within 2 hrs of Duke and UNC but rheumatologists are in short supply and a 3 month wait was not acceptable to doc. Plus, in his experience as an internist they are reluctant to try new approaches such as Kevzara. He handled getting this Tier 5 drug for me thru TriCare for Life(I am retired military) and he anticipates that I will be off prednisone entirely next month. John, our mentor is right about us taking charge of our health care along with our doc.
Replies to "As I have commented before, my PCP has handled my PMR from the beginning last January...."
Thanks for mentioning Kevzara. That could be very useful.
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Do you receive care at a military hospital, the VA or does TriCare allow you to go to any doctor or hospital?
I will be in Florida in January. The VA hospital where I live contacted the Orlando VA to make arrangements for my monthly Actemra infusion in January. It seemed somewhat bureaucratic but the Orlando VA said they can't administer my infusion unless I'm seen by a rheumatologist at the Orlando VA.
It has been arranged so I can have a virtual visit by the Director of Rheumatology at the Orlando, VA Hospital a couple of days before my January Actemra infusion. I'm impressed by the communication done on my behalf. At first they said the first appointment with a rheumatologist at the Orlando, VA was going to be 4 months out which would have been too late for an infusion this January.