When you arrive, check in at the front desk. You'll be greeted and given a clipboard to fill out a few forms. These include any updates since your last visit. We'll also ask for your insurance cards and co-pay at this time. When you're done with your forms, bring them back to the front desk. We'll call you back when we're ready for you!

In the exam room: A doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant will review your hands, limbs, medications, and symptoms. They may update your prescription or write orders at this time. Important tip! We encourage you to share your concerns or symptoms directly with your doctor. We know patients can sometimes hold back—but your doctor needs (and wants!) to hear from you to ensure you're getting the best possible care. Don't forget, you can also log your symptoms ahead of time using the Rheumera app.

In the lab: After your exam, a member of our care team will take you to the lab. Here, you'll have blood drawn for any necessary bloodwork.

At Check Out: You're almost done! After your bloodwork, you'll be taken to the front desk. A member of our staff will schedule your next appointment with a nurse practitioner in about 3 months. If needed, you will be taken to complete any X-rays on the hospital's imaging suite.

After your visit: We'll reach out in a few days to hear about your experience. Look our for a text or email from us! Many patients tell us how much they appreciate their care team, and we love hearing your feedback.

Routine Care

Routine Care at Piedmont Arthritis

Routine care is how we manage chronic conditions and build lasting relationships with you at our rheumatology clinic. These visits help us get to know you, understand your health history, monitor your progress, and make any adjustments as needed, ensuring your treatment stays on track.

Routine care is recommended for patients managing ongoing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, and other inflammatory disease.

Whether you’re coming in for your first appointment or returning for follow-up care, rest assured you’re in experienced hands.

Your comfort is top priority.

If you choose to move forward with the routine arthritis care at Piedmont Arthritis, our team will make sure you feel safe, supported, and comfortable every step of the way. We’ve put together this guide so you know exactly what to expect at your appointments, how insurance and payment works, and what medications we’ll use.

What to expect at your Routine Care Visits

It’s important to us that you feel as comfortable and prepared as possible for your visits. Here’s a step-by-step look at what to expect.

Prepare for your appointment:

Gather a few things to make the appointment easier and more comfortable:

Your insurance card
A payment method for your co-pay
A list of current medications (no need to bring the bottles!)

On the day of your appointment, make sure to:

Take your regular medications, unless told otherwise
Wear comfortable clothing

Upon arrival:

When you arrive, check in at the front desk.

You'll be greeted and given a clipboard to fill out a few forms. These include any updates since your last visit.
We'll also ask for your insurance cards and co-pay at this time.
When you're done with your forms, bring them back to the front desk. We'll call you back when we're ready for you!

In the exam room:

In the exam room: A doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant will review your hands, limbs, medications, and symptoms. They may update your prescription or write orders at this time.

Important tip! We encourage you to share your concerns or symptoms directly with your doctor. We know patients can sometimes hold back—but your doctor needs (and wants!) to hear from you to ensure you're getting the best possible care.
Don't forget, you can also log your symptoms ahead of time using the Rheumera app.

In the Lab:

In the lab: After your exam, a member of our care team will take you to the lab.

Here, you'll have blood drawn for any necessary bloodwork.

At Check Out

At Check Out: You're almost done! After your bloodwork, you'll be taken to the front desk.

A member of our staff will schedule your next appointment with a nurse practitioner in about 3 months.
If needed, you will be taken to complete any X-rays on the hospital's imaging suite.

After your visit:

After your visit: We'll reach out in a few days to hear about your experience.

Look our for a text or email from us!
Many patients tell us how much they appreciate their care team, and we love hearing your feedback.

Insurance and Prior Authorizations

We want to help as much as possible with insurance and prior authorizations, and here’s what you can expect.

If your provider prescribes medication, our staff will verify that your insurance covers it.
If needed, we'll apply for the Prior Authorization and handle the administrative side to try and get costs approved by insurance—but please note, this is not a guarantee that insurance will cover the cost.
Depending on the medication and insurer, the process may require a resubmission and a letter of medical necessity. This can take 2-60 days.
If you haven't heard from us in 2 weeks, please send us a message through the Patient Portal.

MORE RESOURCES

Rheumera: Easily track symptoms and confidently share your progress at your next appointment.

Patient portal: ask questions, manage appointments, and request medication refills in the portal.

Referring physicians: Get the forms you need to easily refer a patient to Piedmont Arthritis Clinic.

Billing & Insurance help: Get information on billing, accepted insurance, and learn how to contact us. Click here.

Have questions?

Not only can you send any questions for your care team, you can also log into the Patient Portal to check or confirm your upcoming appointments and manage medications.

For physicians

Ready to refer a patient to our practice? Please submit your referral through our referral page.

Conditions We Treat

...and more