There is a national shortage of rheumatologists.

It is important that you like your doctor. I didn't like the first rheumatologist I saw. I don't think she liked me either because she documented in her notes that I was "non-compliant."

I think my first rheumatologist gave up on me. At one of my followup visits, I was seen by a different rheumatologist even though I didn't request a different one.

Anyway ... my second rheumatologist became my friend and managed my care for 12 years until I retired. It was financially better for me to go to a VA hospital across the street from the University Hospital. My long time rheumatologist said she knew every rheumatologist who went to VA. She assured me I would get good care at the VA.

Sure enough ... the first rheumatologist I saw at the VA said he knew all about me. I had never seen this rhematologist before and had just introduced myself.

This new rheumatologist at the VA said I was "too young" and "too healthy" to take prednisone for the rest of my life. I thought he had confused me for someone else at first! However, at this first visit the VA rheumatologist asked me if I would be willing to try Actemra if he could get it approved for me. He said it might be my best chance of ever getting off prednisone.

I was off prednisone a year later.

I'm not aware of real-time medical information or specific details about current appointment availability at The Mayo Clinic. However, I can provide some general insights.

If you're experiencing difficulties in obtaining an appointment, consider the following steps:

Seek Alternative Specialists:

While a rheumatologist is often the primary specialist for conditions like PMR (Polymyalgia Rheumatica), other specialists like internal medicine physicians or certain types of orthopedic specialists may also be able to provide assistance.
Consult Your Primary Care Physician:

Your primary care physician can be a valuable resource in coordinating your care. They might provide interim management or explore other options while waiting for a rheumatology appointment.
Check with Local Hospitals or Clinics:

Reach out to other healthcare institutions in your area to inquire about rheumatology services. Some hospitals or clinics may have rheumatologists with availability.
Explore Telemedicine:

Telemedicine consultations may be an option. Some healthcare providers offer virtual appointments, allowing you to consult with a specialist remotely.
As for the shortage of rheumatologists, this issue is multifaceted and can include factors such as:

Limited Training Programs: There may be a limited number of rheumatology training programs, leading to a shortage of specialists.

High Demand: An aging population and increasing prevalence of rheumatic conditions contribute to a higher demand for rheumatologists.

Geographical Disparities: The distribution of healthcare professionals can vary, with certain regions experiencing a greater shortage.

Workload and Burnout: Rheumatologists, like other healthcare professionals, may face high workloads and burnout, affecting the overall number available.

Addressing the shortage often involves efforts to increase training opportunities, improve distribution, and address systemic issues within the healthcare system.

It's crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare team and explore available options while waiting for specialist appointments. Additionally, contacting The Mayo Clinic directly for guidance on your specific situation may provide more accurate and personalized information.

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.

Thanks, I'll remember Actemra.

Hey Dad; I get my medical care outside of the VA. I am 50% but I just feel that there are men and women who need the VA more than I do. My hearing aids do come from the VA. My doc is a former Special Forces medical officer so we have that long time connection. Our oldest is 100% as the result of a CH 46 crash in the Red Sea
30 years ago and gets all of his care from the VA in Houston. I just feel so fortunate to have this guy who is not willing to turf me to somebody else. Glad the VA worked with you and that is my point about taking charge of your health care.
Merry Christmas

Remember Kevzara (Sarilumab) because it is FDA approved for PMR.
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231025/Scientists-achieve-breakthrough-in-treating-neglected-polymyalgia-rheumatica.aspx#:~:text=%22Our%20findings%20show%20promise%20that,is%20common%20among%20older%20people.
Actemra (tociliumab) is only FDA approved for GCA.

I received Actemra when it was FDA approved for GCA because Kevzara wasn't approved for PMR yet.

My rheumatogist submitted a request to get Actemra approved for me even though I wasn't diagnosed with GCA. My rheumatologist made the case and received authorization to prescribe Actemra to me.

Both Kevzara and Actemra work basically the same.

Since GCA and PMR are closely associated with each other, the recommendation by the approval board was to treat my case of PMR with Actemra and to follow the GCA guidelines.

An excerpt from the link above says:

"Earlier this year, a review paper published in the journal Nature Reviews by Professor Dasgupta and colleagues highlighted the emerging view that relapsing PMR patients also have underlying Giant Cell Arteritis, where the main blood vessel aorta and its branches become inflamed. Researchers suggested the two should be treated as linked conditions under the term GCA-PMR Spectrum disease (GPSD)."

Hey Dad; I get my medical care outside of the VA. I am 50% but I just feel that there are men and women who need the VA more than I do. My hearing aids do come from the VA. My doc is a former Special Forces medical officer so we have that long time connection. Our oldest is 100% as the result of a CH 46 crash in the Red Sea
30 years ago and gets all of his care from the VA in Houston. I just feel so fortunate to have this guy who is not willing to turf me to somebody else. Glad the VA worked with you and that is my point about taking charge of your health care.
Merry Christmas