Looking for rheumatologist leads in the U.S. (especially within 100 miles of zip code 12583)

[benhemp]

I realize this is a UK-based forum, but I see there are some folks here who are U.S.-based like myself. I'm looking for leads for good U.S. rheumatologists.

I had an 11-month run of prednisone that was a straight-downwards taper despite return of symptoms, contrary to what I've since learned from this forum. This makes me think that I should perhaps switch to a different rheumatologist than the one who treated me and who is now recommending MTX. (To be fair, my case involves past psoriatic arthritis symptoms in addition to my present PMR symptoms.) I am soon to meet with him again, and am likely to let him know that I am looking for a 2nd opinion on how I should be treated.

I'd like to get that 2nd opinion from a rheumatologist who agrees with the ideas I've learned from this forum. Can anyone here give me some good leads? I live about 100 miles north of NYC, and about 60 miles south of Albany, NY, but with a lot of medical visits being done via internet now, it may be ok to be treated by a rheumatologist who is pretty far away (any thoughts about that?). Thanks in advance for all suggestions!

[SheffieldJane]

Good luck and welcome benhemp.

Over to the US! 🇺🇸

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Honestly - never mind methotrexate - try using the pred properly first! Though how sure is the PMR diagnosis - a lot of doctors would put PMR symptoms down to PsA.

[GOOD_GRIEF]

Psoriatic arthritis is often treated with MTX, alone or in combination with biologics. Pred is used to suppress flares in this condition. Your current doctor might be looking to deal more effectively with the psoriatic arthritis. You PMR symptoms may be from that, and not from PMR at all. The advantage of a university medical center is that there are a number of specialists in the same place, and they consult with one another on cases and treatments.

If you have a complicated autoimmune case, you might want to consult a university medical center. The advantage of a university medical center is that there are a number of specialists in the same place, and they consult with one another on cases and treatments. They also have all the diagnostics at hand. You won't be running from lab to radiology center to the doctor's office. It's all in the same place, although maybe in different buildings clustered around the department.

NYU Langone is near Penn Station in NY, so you can take the train from Rhinecliff. Boston's Massachussettes General isn't that far away from you. You're also within striking distance of Yale in CT.

If it were me, I'd look elsewhere than Albany. It might be the state capital, but it's not renowned for medical care.