Rheumatology: Easing your pain, returning you to more active living

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect your skin, joints and internal organs. Our Lupus Clinic brings together lupus specialists, social workers and pharmacists. They work together at your appointments to help address all your medical needs.

Lupus nephritis is a type of kidney disease caused by lupus. Through this clinic, you receive coordinated care from a rheumatologist who specializes in treating lupus and a doctor who specializes in kidney health.

At this center, we focus on preventing and treating osteoporosis. We place special emphasis on preventing fractures.

We have a specialized clinic for Sjögren’s disease. This is a disorder that commonly causes dry eyes and a dry mouth and can affect other parts of the body. Often the condition is associated with another autoimmune disorder such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

• Studying the role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of Sjogren's syndrome

• Improving cardiovascular health for patients with rheumatic conditions

• Addressing disparities and care gaps for patients with lupus

• Identifying novel immune processes and redefining autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis

• Studying the causes and treatment of osteoporosis/metabolic bone disease

Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

• Autoimmune disorders

• Ankylosing spondylitis

• Lupus erythematosus

• Osteoporosis

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Reactive arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Scleroderma

• Sjögren’s disease

• Vasculitis

We might offer tips and guidance on lifestyle and behavior changes. A good diet and getting the right type and amount of exercise can be helpful. So can getting adequate rest and sleep, quitting smoking and managing stress.

We treat many rheumatic diseases with medication. Sometimes treatment includes IV infusions, removing fluid or injecting your joints. We can work with experts from many UW Health divisions to tailor care.

Taking your rheumatology medications is important to your health. That’s why your rheumatology team includes a dedicated pharmacist — working closely with providers and nurses to create your care plan and support you every step along the way. They can help with everything from authorization to how to safely take your medicine.

Pharmacy services for rheumatology patients include:

• Medication education: When and how often to take, side effect management, adding new medications to your current routine and if needed, first-dose device teaching.

• Assistance with insurance: Completing start forms, obtaining prior authorizations and support through any necessary appeals

• Navigation: Enrollment support for copay assistance and guidance through any changes to your insurance coverage.

• Q-and-A: Talk directly to a pharmacist who works daily as part of your team of providers. You can reach your pharmacist at any time via phone or MyChart.

Specialty pharmacy

Consider adding our specialty pharmacy to your team. We’re uniquely qualified to dispense complex or cost-sensitive specialty medications. We provide specialized monitoring and EHR (electronic health records)-connected help that might not be available at local pharmacies.

Once enrolled, you can have your prescriptions shipped directly to you at no cost, including out of state for most states. Learn more