Dept. of Rheumatology and Immunology
About
Rheumatology is the branch of medicine that deals with arthritis, and other disorders of the joints, muscles, and ligaments. Rheumatologists deal mainly with immune-mediated disorders of the musculoskeletal system, soft tissues, autoimmune diseases, vasculitides, and heritable connective tissue disorders. Many of these diseases are now known to be disorders of the immune system. Rheumatology is considered to be the study and practice of medical immunology.
The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Medipulse Hospital, Jodhpur takes a multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Largely associated with the elderly, rheumatic diseases have now begun affect certain young individuals as well. A common rheumatic disease is the rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation and pain. The Rheumatology and Immunology Department offers a wide range of services to patients for diagnosis and treatment of joint, bone and connective tissue diseases.+ Outpatient Services
- Comprehensive rheumatology clinic for diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, gout, lupus, spondyloarthritis, vasculitis.
- Immunology clinic for disorders such as primary immunodeficiencies, autoimmune disorders, immune-mediated organ failure.
- Joint-pain evaluation, early arthritis screening, injection therapy (intra-articular, soft tissue).
- Patient education and lifestyle counselling (diet, exercise, bone health, fatigue management).
+ In-patient Services & Procedures
- Administration of intravenous biologic therapies/immunomodulators under monitored conditions.
- Synovial biopsy and joint aspiration/arthrocentesis.
- Management of complex systemic autoimmune disease requiring hospitalisation (e.g., lupus with organ involvement, vasculitis, systemic scleroderma complications).
- Rehabilitation: coordinated physiotherapy/occupational therapy for joint protection and functional recovery.
+ Key Equipment & Infrastructure
- Dedicated procedure room for arthrocentesis/synovial biopsy, infusion suites for biologics.
- Full radiology support (digital X-ray, ultrasound for musculoskeletal imaging, MRI access for joint and soft-tissue assessment).
- Full range of pathology/immunology labs: auto-antibody screens (ANA, ENA panel, anti-CCP, RF), complement levels, immunoglobulins, flow cytometry.
- Integrated multidisciplinary team meetings with rheumatology, orthopaedics, nephrology, dermatology and radiology for complex cases.
Rheumatology and Immunology FAQ
+ What symptoms suggest that I should see a Rheumatologist?
You should consider visiting a rheumatologist if you have:
- Joint pain and stiffness lasting more than 6 weeks, especially in the morning
- Swollen or warm joints
- Chronic low back pain with morning stiffness in young adults
- Unexplained fatigue, rashes, mouth ulcers, hair fall, or recurrent fevers along with joint pains
- Early evaluation helps in preventing permanent joint damage and disability.
+ Do I need to carry any previous reports for my first Rheumatology appointment at Medipulse, Jodhpur?
Yes. Your rheumatologist will assess your present and past medical history in detail. Please bring all previous prescriptions, blood reports, X-rays, MRI/CT scans and any joint ultrasound or biopsy reports that you may have.
+ Will I have to undergo a physical examination?
Yes. A detailed physical examination is essential. The doctor will examine your joints, spine, muscles, skin, eyes and other organs to look for signs of inflammation or autoimmune disease, along with checking your posture, range of motion, and functional status.
+ What tests can a Rheumatologist advise for diagnosing my problem?
Depending on your symptoms, the rheumatologist may suggest: Blood tests (RF, anti-CCP, ANA, ENA, ANCA, ESR/CRP, uric acid, complement levels), imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound), and occasionally synovial fluid analysis or biopsy. Many of these tests are available in-house at Medipulse for faster and more accurate diagnosis.
+ Are Rheumatology treatments long-term, and will I need regular follow-up?
Most rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases are chronic. Treatment is usually long-term and structured in phases – induction, stabilization, and maintenance. Regular follow-ups help in monitoring side effects, adjusting medication doses, and keeping the disease under control so that you can maintain a good quality of life.
+ Does health insurance cover Rheumatology & Immunology treatment at Medipulse, Jodhpur?
Many rheumatology treatments and procedures are covered under various insurance schemes and panels. Coverage depends on your specific policy and eligibility. Medipulse caters to a wide range of government and private schemes (including ESIC, ECHS, Railways, CGHS and state government schemes), and the billing team can guide you regarding approvals and documentation as per your insurer’s rules.