SPECIALIST GUIDE

1. Primary Care Provider (PCP)/Internist is the medical professional you see for common medical issues such as a yearly annual check-up or a non-emergency illness. Since PCP/Internists deal with general medical issues daily, it is common to refer a patient to a specialist for more specific general medical needs such as osteoarthritis of the knee. The specialists who most often address knee pain—Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rheumatologists, Sports Medicine Specialists — and your PCP/Internist may refer you for further therapy.
2. Orthopedic Surgeon is a medical doctor who has extensive training treating injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system- the bones, joints and muscles in your body. Orthopedic Surgeons may recommend treatment of your knee pain with medication, physical therapy, steroid or hyaluronic acid injections or knee replacement surgery.
3. Sports Medicine Specialist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of bone, joint, ligament and muscle conditions that do not require surgery. Though perceived to just treat athletes, Sports Medicine Specialists are able to provide relief for anybody with knee pain. Sports Medicine Specialists may recommend treatment of your knee pain with medication, physical therapy, steroid or hyaluronic acid injections. If it is believed surgery is needed to correct a problem, you may be referred to an Orthopedic Surgeon for further evaluation and possible surgery options.
4. Rheumatologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as well as other disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. Rheumatologists may recommend treatment of your knee pain with medication, physical therapy, steroid or hyaluronic acid injections. If it is believed surgery is needed to correct a problem, you may be referred to an Orthopedic Surgeon for further evaluation and possible surgery options.

How to find the right specialist

• Ask friends and family
• Talk to your current PCP/Internist about specialists they typically refer patients to
• Contact your health plan for specialists in your local area who are covered under your insurance plan
• Browse local message boards about your condition and see if participants comment on specialists in your area

Once you find the right specialist

• Check with your health plan to find out if they are covered by your insurance plan or if you need a referral
• Schedule an appointment to get to know the doctor (you may be charged a co-pay for this)
• During your visit, tell the doctor about your knee pain, its impact on your daily activities and your goals of treatment and pain relief
• Ask the specialist the treatment plan they recommend to manage your knee pain
• Based on the specialist's proposed treatment plan, determine if this person is a good partner in managing your disease or if you need to keep looking instead