Autoimmune and related inflammatory conditions can affect every aspect of your child’s life. Our expert Rheumatology team can help your child manage their symptoms and thrive.
Our Approach to Rheumatology Care
When your child has an inflammatory or autoimmune disease they may struggle with:
- Inflammatory skin rashes
- Joint swelling, stiffness, or pain
- Muscle weakness
- Unexplained fevers
Scottish Rite’s Rheumatology team offers expert care for these complex conditions. Although some rheumatic conditions are chronic, requiring lifelong care, our goal is to help your child thrive and achieve their best quality of life. We do this with the right treatments and support.
Personalized Care
Our goal is to get your child’s condition into remission (when symptoms significantly lessen or are no longer detected).
Their treatment will focus on:
- Decreasing inflammation
- Increasing function
- Preventing disease-related complications
- Improving quality of life
We know that one size does not fit all. We’ll work with you and your child to tailor a care plan that supports their needs today while keeping their future in mind.
Treating the Whole Child
Living with a chronic rheumatic condition can be overwhelming for kids and their families. That’s why we will prioritize your child’s social and emotional well-being.
To do this, we bring together a multidisciplinary care team that may include:
- Pediatric psychologists to help your child cope and live with chronic illness.
- Physical therapists to build strength and function.
- Occupational therapists to gain independence activities of daily living.
- Dietitians to provide nutrition guidance and support.
- Child Life specialists to help your child prepare for treatment.
What To Expect for Rheumatology Care
At your first rheumatology visit, we’ll get to know your child and understand how their symptoms affect their life. We will also:
- Take a detailed history of your child’s symptoms
- Perform a physical exam
- Answer you and your child’s questions
- Discuss additional lab work or imaging
- Review treatment plans and follow-up care
The appointment usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Some visits may take longer so we can fully understand your child’s symptoms.
Your child may need to wear shorts for the physical exam. You can bring a pair, or we can provide them.
Your Partner in Care
Rheumatic conditions require lifelong care and management. Once your child has a diagnosis, their care team will discuss next steps and long-term expectations.
Why Choose Us
Team-based, whole-child care: Our multidisciplinary team of experts work together to make sure your child can live the fullest life possible. Your child will have experts from our Hand and Wrist, Orthopedics, Psychology, Nutrition, Physical Therapy and Orthotics teams in their corner. They may also see experts from our Radiology, Sports Medicine and Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine teams.
Experience with complex cases: Our pediatric specialists often evaluate unclear symptoms and guide families through diagnosis over time.
Research for innovative treatments: Research advancements have led to more effective treatments for rheumatic diseases. At Scottish Rite, the Rheumatology team continues to research new treatments. That means, your child may be eligible for clinical research studies and trials for innovative treatments not yet widely available.
Strong transition to adult care: Since your child will need lifelong care, we’ll help you plan their future health needs. As your child gets older, we start discussing and preparing you for the transition from pediatric care to adult care.
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While we specialize in treating a wide range of pediatric autoimmune diseases, we do not treat chronic fatigue, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or amplified musculoskeletal pain (including fibromyalgia) at Scottish Rite.
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You’ll need a referral from another provider to make an appointment with Scottish Rite’s Rheumatology team. We currently do not accept self-referrals.
Our scheduling team will contact you to schedule your child’s appointment once they have:
- Your child’s most recent progress notes from the referring provider
- All previous imaging and lab work related to your child’s symptoms
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For your child’s first appointment, you should bring:
- Previous imaging and lab work
- Insurance information
- Photo ID
- A pair of comfortable shorts for your child to wear during the physical exam
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No. Many of our patients are referred to us because their symptoms are unclear and complicated. Our expert Rheumatology team will work to uncover a diagnosis and/or rule out specific conditions.
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Many pediatric autoimmune and inflammatory conditions cause these symptoms:
- Joint swelling, stiffness or pain
- Muscle weakness and pain
- Unexplained fevers
- Rashes
- Difficulty with daily activities
Often, these symptoms will come and go or worsen over time.
