Stay Informed

When do I call my rheumatologist and when do I call my primary doctor?

• Call your local or primary care doctor for:
  — Infections, such as flu, colds, viruses and ear aches
  — Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  — Child behavioral or developmental issues
  
  
• Call your rheumatology doctor for concerns about:
  — Flare ups of symptoms of the disease are increasing or getting worse
  — Medications that were prescribed for the condition
  — Updates about your child’s disease, treatment or lab tests
  — Problems obtaining medications prescribed
  — Side effects you feel your child is having from medications that were prescribed
  — Questions or concerns that come up between appointments
  
  
• How do I get more medication?
  — Call your local pharmacy three - four days prior to running out of medication.
  — Do not wait until your next appointment, unless otherwise stated by your doctor, because you should never run out of medications.
  — Do not wait until the medication is gone to call in a new prescription.

Is there a wait for an appointment?

The Rheumatology Center at Miller Children’s sees a high volume of patients every day. There may be a wait until your next appointment, but this is to ensure quality care and adequate time and attention is devoted to every child, to ensure personalized care.

Ask Questions & Partner with the Care Team

It is very important that you ask questions about your child’s visit to Miller Children’s Rheumatology Center. Miller Children’s values your input as a parent and wants you to make informed decisions for your child. No question is too small or unimportant.

• Keep your child at ease by explaining that the doctor and care team are here to help.
• Comfort your child through the process of the visit, exam and procedures or tests.
• When a parent understands the diagnosis and treatment plan fully, they can help ease their child’s worries and can answer their questions.