There is a national shortage of rheumatologists.

I’m very lucky that by and large on well controlled on Remicade. But on random occasions I flare. I usually try to cut any triggers such as sugar or alcohol. But a couple of times I had to accept prednisone, 20 mg to start, tapering in 5mg increments every 5th day. God I love that stuff. I’m pain free, sharper, happier, energized, could solve world peace and leap tall buildings. What a shame it would leave me with Swiss cheese bones.

there is a shortage of rheumatologists because there is no money in it. they dont do hospital visits, nor do they do procedures, etc just office visits and injections.
.

During the pandemic I did a few rheum visits over the phone. There is little physical contact in the office other than looking for swelling and checking range of motion. If I had those problems I would have gone to the office. I was always prepared with problems and questions. I see my PCP regularly for my other problems which seems to be growing list. I never checked to see how much he was reimbursed. It worked for me, they mailed any scripts I needed.
Waiting time for almost any Dr appt is kinda ridiculous. What used to be getting an appt in the next two weeks is now three or four months.
My next rheumatoid appt is in May I think. In July I was at at 10 mg prednisone for prob the third or fourth time in five years. I am now at 4 mg alternating with 3.5 mg to get to 3 mg. I am patiently getting to 0.