From Diagnosis to Treatment: Comprehensive Rheumatology Care
Comprehensive rheumatology care covers the entire journey from diagnosis to treatment for conditions like arthritis and lupus. Beginning with accurate diagnosis, we develop personalized treatment strategies that include medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. At the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, Dr. Nasseri, MD, is committed to providing integrated care that empowers patients to regain control of their health and lead active, fulfilling lives. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Catonsville, Glen Burnie, Columbia, Baltimore, North Baltimore, Rosedale, and Edgewater MD.


Table of Contents:
How does the diagnosis process work in rheumatology?
How long does it take to receive a diagnosis from a rheumatologist?
What happens after a rheumatic condition is diagnosed?
How does a rheumatologist create a personalized treatment plan?
At Nasseri Clinic, diagnosing rheumatologic conditions is a systematic process that involves medical history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and imaging studies.
• Medical History: The journey to diagnosis starts with a comprehensive history-taking. Our highly skilled rheumatologists inquire about the patient’s symptoms, duration, previous diagnoses and treatments, family history of autoimmune or rheumatic diseases, and even the patient’s occupational and recreational activities.
• Physical Examination: Our rheumatologists conduct a detailed physical examination following the medical history. We look for inflammation or swelling in the joints, skin rashes or abnormalities, muscle weakness, lymph node enlargement, and other physical manifestations of rheumatic diseases. Assessments may also include checks for fever and fatigue, common symptoms in these conditions.
• Laboratory Testing: Laboratory testing is a significant part of the diagnostic process at the Clinic. We offer autoantibody testing, including tests for rheumatoid factor, and in some cases, urinalysis may be performed to assess kidney involvement in conditions like lupus and the HLA-B27 antigen test for certain arthritis types.
• Imaging Studies: We utilize state-of-the-art imaging techniques such as X-rays, and ultrasound to provide visual evidence of joint damage and inflammation. These imaging studies aid in both the diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases by detecting bone erosions or damage, showing soft tissue and bone inflammation, and assessing joint fluid and blood flow.
At the Nasseri Clinic, we understand that receiving a diagnosis from a rheumatologist can take time, depending on the complexity of your condition and the availability of appointments. We specialize in handling over 100 different types of diseases, including various forms of arthritis, autoimmune diseases, pain disorders affecting joints, and osteoporosis. As a result, providing an accurate diagnosis can sometimes be challenging and time-consuming.
Typically, your first appointment at our clinic, which includes a detailed medical history interview and physical examination, can take between 30 minutes to an hour. However, scheduling this appointment usually requires about 2-4 weeks due to demand.
Following this initial appointment, our rheumatologist, Dr. Nasseri, MD, may order additional tests such as blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds to gather more information about your condition.
Given these factors, receiving a diagnosis from our rheumatologist can range from a few days for simpler cases to several weeks or even months for more complex conditions. We encourage you to maintain open communication with the Dr. throughout this process, seek medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms, you believe may be related to a rheumatological condition, and ask any questions you may have regarding your symptoms or diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your chances of managing your condition effectively and preventing any complications.
At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases, the process of managing rheumatic conditions is taken with great care and dedication. After a diagnosis, the first step is a comprehensive initial assessment and treatment plan. This includes evaluating the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and necessary blood tests and imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis, just like the detailed procedure followed by the clinic’s rheumatologists.
The healthcare providers will then discuss the specifics of the diagnosis, treatment options, and what the diagnosis means for the patient, addressing the symptoms, causes, possible complications, and prognosis.
Based on the results of the initial assessment, a treatment plan, tailored to meet the patient’s specific needs, is developed. This may involve a combination of medications to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and slow disease progression.
Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the progress of the treatment, make necessary adjustments, and detect any potential side effects early. These appointments may also involve further physical examinations, lab tests, and imaging studies to track disease activity and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan.
Our rheumatologists are highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. We work meticulously to design personalized treatment plans for their patients, factoring in various unique determinants, making them indispensable in managing these conditions.
• Assessment and Evaluation
The journey starts with our rheumatologists conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history and present physical condition. We procure detailed information about symptoms, disease onset, and progression, carrying out a rigorous review of past and present symptoms. To gain a more accurate understanding of the patient’s condition, we order additional diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging tests, and joint fluid tests. The test results are interpreted in conjunction with a thorough physical examination to assess the degree and severity of the disease, helping in detecting inflammation, identifying arthritis type, determining disease severity, and guiding treatment decisions.
• Treatment Planning
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, our rheumatologists take into account various factors before formulating a treatment plan. These considerations include the type and stage of the rheumatic disease, the patient’s overall health, age, lifestyle, and personal preferences, and the potential risks and benefits of different treatment options. The treatment plan typically combines multiple strategies aimed at reducing pain, controlling inflammation, slowing down or stopping joint damage, improving physical function, and enhancing life quality.
• Collaborative Approach
Our rheumatologists closely monitor the patient’s response to the treatment through regular follow-up visits and repeated diagnostic tests. We collaborate with patients throughout the treatment planning process, making necessary adjustments over time. Our rheumatologists explain the nature of the disease, the goals of treatment, and the possible side effects of medication, thereby empowering patients to actively participate in their care and make informed decisions.
• Individualization
we understand that each patient is unique, with varying disease manifestations and responses to treatment. We tailor treatment plans to suit individual circumstances, taking into account each patient’s individual needs and preferences.
Our comprehensive rheumatology care is designed to support you at every stage of your health journey. By combining accurate diagnosis with tailored treatment plans, we aim to improve your quality of life and help you manage your condition effectively. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Catonsville MD, Glen Burnie MD, Columbia MD, Baltimore MD, North Baltimore MD, Rosedale MD, Edgewater MD, Hebbville MD, Woodlawn MD, Pasadena MD, Jacobsville MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Dundalk MD, Halethorpe MD, Overlea MD, Parkville MD, Riva MD, Annapolis MD, Ferndale MD, and surrounding areas.

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Arthritis Care
▸ Infusion Therapy
▸ Lab Services
▸ Radiology
▸ NCARD NRACE
▸ BioFlex Laser Therapy
▸ Ultrasound Guided Injection
▸ NCARD PRP
▸ NCARD Myers
▸ Rheumatology
▸ Myositis
▸ Osteoporosis
▸ Ulcerative Colitis
▸ Multiple Sclerosis
▸ Saphnelo Infusion
▸ Injection Treatments
▸ Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy
▸ Asthma
▸ Crohn’s Disease
▸ Fibromyalgia
▸ Infusion Therapy for Gout
▸ Inflammatory Eye Disease
▸ Inflammatory Skin Disease
▸ Vasculitis
▸ Iron Deficiency
▸ Lupus

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Arthritis Care
▸ Infusion Therapy
▸ Lab Services
▸ Radiology
▸ NCARD NRACE
▸ BioFlex Laser Therapy
▸ Ultrasound Guided Injection
▸ NCARD PRP
▸ NCARD Myers
▸ Rheumatology
▸ Myositis
▸ Osteoporosis
▸ Ulcerative Colitis
▸ Multiple Sclerosis
▸ Saphnelo Infusion
▸ Injection Treatments
▸ Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy
▸ Asthma
▸ Crohn’s Disease
▸ Fibromyalgia
▸ Infusion Therapy for Gout
▸ Inflammatory Eye Disease
▸ Inflammatory Skin Disease
▸ Vasculitis
▸ Iron Deficiency
▸ Lupus