Inflammation, chronic joint pain, and autoimmune symptoms can wear down your mobility, energy, and quality of life, fast. For many people, the hardest part is simply access. It can take months to get in with a rheumatology specialist while symptoms persist and answers are delayed.

Columbia Orthopaedic Group offers rheumatology care through convenient virtual appointments, so you can be evaluated sooner and start moving toward a plan. Visits happen from home, and our team helps you go from "something is wrong" to clear next steps with less waiting and less hassle.

Common reasons patients seek rheumatology care

If you are experiencing symptoms like these, a rheumatology evaluation may help:

• Persistent joint pain or stiffness
• Swelling, warmth, or tenderness in joints
• Symptoms that flare up and come and go
• Suspected autoimmune disease symptoms
• Chronic pain impacting daily function, mobility, or sleep

Specialties and conditions treated

Our rheumatology services include evaluation and care for:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Mixed connective tissue disease
• Seronegative inflammatory arthritis
• Sjogren syndrome
• Scleroderma
• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Gout
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoporosis and osteopenia
• Positive ANA titre evaluation

Follow-up care and ongoing management

Many rheumatology conditions require ongoing follow-up, especially when managing symptoms over time or monitoring medications. Columbia Orthopaedic Group makes it easier to stay consistent with care using virtual follow-ups when appropriate.
Follow-up care may include:

• Medication monitoring
• Lab result review
• Stable chronic disease management
• Medication refills
• Disease activity assessment

How virtual rheumatology works at Columbia Orthopaedic Group

A virtual rheumatology visit allows you to meet with a rheumatology provider from home, without needing to travel or sit in a waiting room.
What to expect:

1. Schedule through Columbia Orthopaedic Group
   Call our team and request a rheumatology appointment.
2. Receive your virtual visit link
   Before your appointment, we will send instructions and a link for your telemedicine visit.
3. Complete a few questions ahead of time
   You will answer a short set of questions so your provider understands your symptoms and history.
4. Meet our team from home
   Log in at your appointment time, your provider will join the visit, evaluate your symptoms, and recommend next steps.

When in-person care is needed

Some situations require an in-person evaluation or additional testing. If that is the case, Columbia Orthopaedic Group will guide you to the right next step and help coordinate what is needed so your care continues smoothly and efficiently.

Scheduling, referrals, insurance, and cost

1. Scheduling: Contact Columbia Orthopaedic Group to book your rheumatology appointment.
2. Referrals: If you were referred by your primary care provider, let our scheduling team know when you call.
3. Insurance and cost: Insurance is billed similar to an office visit. Our team will help confirm coverage details during scheduling.

 

---

FAQ

How quickly can I be seen?
Virtual appointments are often available sooner than traditional in-person scheduling.

Do I have to come into the office?
Many visits can be completed virtually. If you need in-person evaluation or testing, we will help coordinate next steps.

Can you help if I have not been diagnosed yet?
Yes. If you have symptoms like joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, or suspected autoimmune disease, our team can evaluate your situation and guide next steps.

What's Next? Treatment Options…

To find out more about rheumatology care and schedule a virtual appointment, please call Columbia Orthopaedic Group at (573) 876-8141 and request an appointment.

Columbia Orthopaedic Group
1 South Keene Street
Columbia, Missouri 65201