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When Joint Pain Slows You Down, We're Here to Help

Rheumatology

Name: Kootenai Health
Price range: $

When Joint Pain Slows You Down, We're Here to Help

Rheumatology

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Expertise for arthritis, autoimmune conditions and more.

Rheumatology focuses on conditions that affect the joints, muscles and immune system. These conditions can show up in different ways—from joint pain, stiffness and swelling to fatigue and symptoms that affect other parts of the body. Kootenai Clinic Rheumatology has specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions including rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout and other systemic rheumatic diseases.

Finding the right treatment can take time. We offer advanced therapies including biologics, biosimilars and infusion therapy, with ongoing monitoring to see how well treatment is working and make adjustments when needed. The goal is to reduce symptoms, improve disease control and help you get back to the activities you love.

Specialized Expertise

Advanced training in rheumatic disease

Specialized training helps your rheumatologist connect symptoms affecting the joints, muscles and immune system to determine what may be causing them.

Fewer Medication Hurdles

Specialty pharmacy support is built in

Our embedded pharmacy helps with insurance approvals and access to complex medications, reducing the steps between you and your treatment.

Closer to Home

Telehealth access across North Idaho

Get the specialty care you need with less travel, with telehealth visits available from Cottonwood, Kamiah, and Sandpoint.

Helping You Move More Comfortably Every Day

Expert Care for Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease and Joint Pain

Our Services

Conditions

Our rheumatology team evaluates and treats a range of rheumatic, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Lupus
Scleroderma
Inflammatory myositis
Vasculitis
Uveitis
Crystal arthritis, including gout and pseudogout (CPPD)
Sjögren’s syndrome
Osteoporosis

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your condition and how you respond over time. Options may include:

Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations
Medication management, including biologics and biosimilars
Infusion therapy for complex medications
Medication adjustments based on your response to treatment
Lifestyle strategies that complement medical treatment

Explore Related Services:

Dermatology

Physical Therapy

Imaging Services

Infusion Services

What to Expect

Referral & Scheduling

A referral is required.

Once your referral is received:

Our rheumatology team will review your referral.
If your referral is approved, we’ll contact you directly.
Our team will schedule your first appointment with you.

Think about your symptoms before your appointment.

Your rheumatologist will want to understand what you’re experiencing and how it affects your daily life. Before your visit, be ready to talk about:

Your symptoms: What you’re feeling, where you feel it and how often it happens
Your pain: Where it occurs and what it feels like, such as aching, burning, sharp or throbbing
What affects your symptoms: What makes them better or worse, including activity, rest, sleep, stress or medications
Your daily activities: Whether symptoms make it harder to walk, bend, reach, sit or do activities you enjoy
Other changes you’ve noticed: Rashes, itching, dry mouth or eyes, fevers, infections or other symptoms that may seem unrelated

Also bring or have available:

A current list of your medications
Relevant medical records
Recent lab results
Recent imaging results

If these records are already available in your Kootenai Health medical record, you don’t need to bring another copy.

Your first appointment begins with a comprehensive evaluation.

Your rheumatology provider will review:

Your symptoms and health history
Current and previous medications
Previous medical records
Available lab and imaging results

You’ll also discuss possible diagnoses, your treatment goals and next steps. From there, your provider will work with you to establish a treatment plan based on your condition and needs.

Finding the right treatment can take time.

Rheumatologic medications may not provide immediate relief, and treatment sometimes needs to be adjusted based on how you respond. Ongoing care may include:

Follow-up appointments
Lab work
Medication adjustments
Medication schedules
Symptom tracking
Lifestyle strategies that complement your medical treatment

Your team will give you clear instructions about what you need to do between visits and what to watch for as treatment progresses.

Need Help?

Questions About Your Visit?

Questions about your visit?
Call Kootenai Clinic Rheumatology at (208) 625-4780.

MyChart Patient Portal

View test results and medical history anytime.

Need Portal Setup Help?

Check out MyChart Getting Started Guide or ask our nurses or front office to get started.

Meet the Team

Our rheumatology physician and staff bring focused experience to complex rheumatic and autoimmune disorders, working with each patient to improve quality of life and day-to-day function.

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