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You may not know what exactly a rheumatologist does, but you probably have heard of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoporosis, gout, lupus and other diseases that a rheumatologist treats! Learn more about what is a rheumatologist, the costs and where to find them in Hong Kong.
A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who received further training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system, causing pain, swelling and stiffness in muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons, and potentially joint deformities.
Rheumatologists also treat a group of diseases called “systemic autoimmune diseases” – when the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy cells. As a result, inflammation develops in areas of the body where it is not needed, leading to problems such as pain, swelling and organ damage.
Orthopedists and rheumatologists both specialize in the treatment of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, many of which overlap, such as joint pain and tendinitis.
| Rheumatologists | Orthopedists |
Focus on | The cause of your symptoms; may consider every organ system in the body | Injuries, congenital diseases and degenerative conditions |
Perform surgery | No | Yes |
Specialized training in inflammatory and autoimmune etiology | Yes | No |
Although muscle and joint discomforts are very common, if they persists for more than a few days, you should consult a primary care doctor, who can determine whether your pain is due to inflammation or an injury, and thus refer you to a rheumatologist if necessary.
You may want to see a rheumatologist if you:
Specialist outpatient clinics for rheumatology are available in 12 public hospitals in Hong Kong.
Clinics
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Details
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Address: Suite 304, New World Tower,
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Address: Suite 2207, Bank Of America Tower,
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Address: Room 1210, 12/F, Hang Shing Building,
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Address: Room 803&804, 238 Nathan Road,
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Address: Shop 2, G/F, Chit Lee Commercial Building,
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Address: Room 101, Kamming House,
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Address: Suite 1106, Champion Building,
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Address: B31 Kwai Chung Plaza,
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You can search for Rheumatologists according to their locations here.
Public sector fees: For eligible HKID-holders, the price of visiting specialist outpatient clinics is HK$135 for the first attendance, $80 per subsequent attendance and $15 per drug item.
Private sector fees: According to our research, the initial consultation fees of a rheumatologist in the private sector range from HK$700 to over $2,000, excluding costs of drugs, medical supplies, lab or other special treatments.
According to Alea, rheumatologist consultations and procedures are reimbursed under doctor specialist fees. Generally, high-end medical plans reimburse rheumatologist treatment in full without any sub-limit whereas local plans have doctor specialist sub-limits for consultations, procedures and surgeries. If you have any health insurance questions or looking to maximize your coverage, contact an expert at Alea at [email protected].
A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who received further training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system.
Many rheumatic conditions are hereditary, so keep a clear record and let your rheumatologist know if you have any family history of:
While they both treat musculoskeletal disorders, one of the key differences between them is that orthopedists perform surgery but rheumatologists do not.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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