autoimmune diseases

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am curious, with the seemingly increase in dx of all matters of autoimmune disorders, is there such a thing as an autoimmune specialist? had a pt that saw multiple doctors for different types of autoimmune diseases and was complaining that they didn't communicate with each other very well. (lupus, RA, vitiligo) I have some with thyroid issues and IBS or celiac.

I feel like we are being overrun with autoimmune diseases. I guess one would have to have a savvy PCP to manage that.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I am not aware of a general specialist in all of these disorders. As far as I'm aware, people would still see a Rheumatologist for Lupus or RA, a Neurologist for MS, a Dermatologist for Psoriasis and a Gastroenterologist for Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

What a mess! I am lucky that my endo handles my thyroid and DM 2. Two kids with DM 1 so they just need an endo, but also ADD/ADHD which we use a neurodevelopmental pediatrician.

I sometimes wonder if there are too many specialists out there! I am an ortho nurse ans we have the joint replacement surgeons, a shoulder specialist, an ankle specialist, orthopedic oncologists. That is not including the ones that are less surgical. And the trauma surgeons. Each of the pts I see usually have a whole team of doctors. As an informatics trained nurse now, I hope that it is easier for all info to be in one spot.