Arthritis and musculoskeletal complaints are the second-leading reason patients see a doctor. Primary care physicians need to be able to consult with rheumatologists on a regular basis to treat their patients with rheumatoid conditions.

Cedars-Sinai's rheumatologists often serve as expert consultants to primary care physicians. Areas in which they may be consulted include:

• Abnormal laboratory findings
• Unexplained pain
• Fatigue

The rheumatologist can make an assessment of which complaints require more extensive investigation. They also have the knowledge and training to distinguish between a condition that might go away and one that may become more serious over time.

These consultations are timely, thorough and available to anyone in the community.