Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Go prepared. Leave informed.

Choose the tab that best describes your visit.

  • I have symptoms, and I think it might be rheumatoid arthritis.
  • I have rheumatoid arthritis, and this is a checkup or follow-up visit.
  • I have rheumatoid arthritis, and I'm sick or having problems.

I have symptoms, and I think it might be rheumatoid arthritis.

  1. Do my symptoms mean I have rheumatoid arthritis?
  2. Are there tests I should get?
  3. What causes RA, and what kind of damage does it do?
  4. Is there treatment?
  5. If I do have it, how often do I need checkups?

I have rheumatoid arthritis, and this is a checkup or follow-up visit.

  1. How can you tell if I am getting better?
  2. What should I expect from treatment?
  3. What parts of my body can RA affect?
  4. Would exercise help? If so, what's the best kind?
  5. Will I need to take medication forever?

I have rheumatoid arthritis, and I'm sick or having problems.

  1. Am I having a flare? If so, why?
  2. Are my symptoms from my medications?
  3. Is my treatment working?
  4. Do I need to have surgery to repair my damaged joints?
  5. Does RA cause other health problems? If so, what can I do about it?
  6. Are there certain foods I should eat or avoid?