You will typically get a referral to a specialist from yourprimary care physician.

Most rheumatologists who plan to treat patients choose to become board-certified.

They take an exam conducted by the American Board of Internal Medicine to become certified.

Female doctor discussing with patient in medical room at hospital

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Endocrinologist

Endocrinologyis the study of diseases and conditions related to hormones.

They become board-certified in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism through the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dermatologists may have a subspeciality, such as medical, surgical, cosmetic, ordermatopathology.

They specialize in diseases that affect the immune system.

The autoimmune conditions that an allergist or immunologist treats include primary immunodeficiencies.

They then achieve the rank of fellow within the AAAAI (FAAAAI).

Many people suffer from autoimmune conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No one specialty focuses on all autoimmune disorders.

The diseases are treated by doctors who focus on the specific body systems affected.

Doctors who treat autoimmune diseases can specialize in rheumatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, dermatology, or immunology.

Yes, endocrinologists treat autoimmune disorders of the endocrine system.

Diabetes, thyroid disease, and ovarian disorders are common autoimmune conditions that endocrinologists treat.

An immunologist is better known as an allergist.

Autoimmune diseases an allergist or immunologist treats fall into two categoriesprimary immunodeficiencies and autoinflammatory syndromes.

Primary immunodeficiencies are rare, chronic conditions that are also known as inborn errors of immunity.

Primary immunodeficiencies occur when part of the bodys immune system is missing or does not function correctly.

Autoinflammatory syndromes are rare disorders that occur when the body has difficulty turning off inflammation.

They frequently cause recurrent and unexplained fevers.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Autoimmune diseases.

2012;18(29):4542-5. doi: 10.2174/138161212802502134

American College of Gastroenterology.What is a gastroenterologist?

American Academy of Dermatology.What is a dermatologist?

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.What is an immunologist?