Each September, we observe Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, a campaign aimed at increasing understanding of rheumatic diseases, their impact on daily life, and the importance of timely treatment. With over 54 million Americans living with rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), lupus, and osteoporosis, awareness is essential not only for early detection but also for connecting patients with the right care.
At Pacific Arthritis, our mission is to make expert rheumatology care accessible and personalized. One of the most impactful tools in achieving this goal is telemedicine, which allows patients to receive the care they need without the barriers of distance, mobility challenges, or scheduling conflicts. In this blog, we’ll highlight the significance of Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month and show how telemedicine services are improving outcomes for patients managing chronic joint and autoimmune conditions.
Why Rheumatic Disease Awareness Matters
Rheumatic diseases encompass over 100 different conditions that affect the joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. Some, like RA and lupus, are autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Others, like osteoarthritis, are degenerative and worsen with age.
Despite their prevalence, these conditions are often misunderstood or overlooked, leading to:
- Delayed diagnoses – Many patients wait months or years before receiving proper care.
- Unnecessary suffering – Without treatment, inflammation and pain can lead to permanent joint damage.
- Reduced quality of life – Symptoms like fatigue, swelling, and stiffness can disrupt work, family, and social life.
Awareness campaigns in September remind us that rheumatic diseases are not just aches and pains. They are complex, chronic illnesses that require specialized care from rheumatologists—care that telemedicine is making easier to access than ever.
The Growing Role of Telemedicine in Rheumatology
Telemedicine has become a vital part of healthcare, and its benefits are especially clear in the field of rheumatology. Because rheumatic diseases often require ongoing management, regular check-ins, and medication adjustments, telemedicine bridges the gap between patients and providers.
Key Benefits of Telemedicine for Rheumatic Patients:
1. Accessibility
Many patients with arthritis experience mobility limitations. Traveling to a clinic during a flare-up can be painful and exhausting. Telemedicine allows these patients to connect with their rheumatologist from the comfort of home.
2. Timely Care
Flares don’t always happen at convenient times. With virtual visits, patients can quickly schedule an appointment to address sudden increases in pain or swelling—helping prevent long-term damage.
3. Medication Management
Infusion therapy, biologics, and other advanced treatments often require frequent monitoring. Telehealth appointments make it easier to review lab results, track side effects, and adjust dosing without unnecessary office visits.
4. Continued Support While Traveling
Many patients worry about how to manage their condition during vacations or family visits. With telemedicine, care continues seamlessly, no matter where the patient is.
5. Education and Empowerment
Virtual appointments provide an opportunity for patients to ask questions about lifestyle adjustments, nutrition, or exercise, empowering them to take control of their joint health.
Telemedicine for Common Rheumatic Conditions
At Pacific Arthritis, we use telemedicine to support patients living with a wide range of conditions:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Patients can check in about flare-ups, medication side effects, or lab results without waiting weeks for an office visit.
- Osteoarthritis: While injections or physical therapy may require in-person care, virtual visits allow us to discuss pain management strategies and monitor progression.
- Gout: Telemedicine is especially helpful for gout flares, which can strike suddenly. Quick access to a rheumatologist ensures medication adjustments are made promptly.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Ongoing monitoring of skin and joint symptoms is easily handled through video consultations.
- Lupus: Because lupus symptoms can affect multiple organs, telemedicine allows for regular follow-ups to catch potential complications early.
Patient Success with Telemedicine
One of our patients, a busy professional living with rheumatoid arthritis, shared that telemedicine has been life-changing. Instead of commuting across Los Angeles during painful flares, they schedule virtual check-ins, allowing for immediate adjustments to medication. Another patient with gout found that telemedicine provided rapid access to care when flare-ups disrupted daily activities, preventing unnecessary ER visits.
These stories highlight the real-world impact of virtual care—it reduces barriers, saves time, and provides patients with peace of mind.
Staying Engaged in Your Care
During Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that awareness is only the first step. Engagement in treatment is what makes the difference. Patients who take advantage of telemedicine often:
- Report greater satisfaction with their care
- Experience fewer missed appointments
- Stay more consistent with medication regimens
- Feel more supported in managing their condition
At Pacific Arthritis, we encourage patients to schedule regular telemedicine visits in between in-person appointments, creating a hybrid model of care that ensures consistent support.
Conclusion
Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month is a reminder that millions of people live with arthritis, lupus, gout, and other rheumatic conditions every day—and that with modern treatments and tools, they can live full and active lives. Telemedicine has become an invaluable service for these patients, offering accessible, convenient, and effective care wherever they are.
At Pacific Arthritis, we are proud to spotlight our telemedicine services this September. Our expert rheumatologists are here to provide comprehensive care—whether through virtual visits, infusion therapy, or ultrasound-guided injections—so that patients can manage their rheumatic disease with confidence.
We welcome patients at our offices in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, and through telemedicine appointments statewide. To schedule a consultation, call us at (310) 297-9221. This Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, take the next step in your care and experience the benefits of telemedicine for yourself.
