If you have lupus, you may not know where to begin on the path toward treatment. Most people start with their family doctor or internist, or a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases affecting the joints and muscles. But because lupus can affect multiple parts of the body, your health care team may have multiple members. Use this guide to determine the other specialists you may need to see, and be sure to work closely with your primary doctor to coordinate your care.
If your lupus affects … |
Make an appointment with … |
|
The kidneys |
A nephrologist, a renal system specialist |
|
The skin, scalp, or mouth |
A dermatologist, a skin disorder expert |
|
The heart |
A cardiologist, a heart specialist |
|
The brain or nervous system |
A neurologist, a doctor who treats nervous system disorders |
|
The blood |
A hematologist, who specializes in blood disorders |
|
Hormones |
An endocrinologist, a doctor specializing in problems affecting glands and the endocrine system |
|
Pregnancy |
A perinatologist, who treats high-risk pregnancies; all lupus pregnancies are considered high risk |
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Medications for Lupus
Doctor Discussion Guide
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Learning to Accept Lupus
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