What happens when you see Dr Borukhson, how to prepare, and why ultrasound during the consultation can move things along faster
Seeing a specialist for the first time can feel daunting, particularly when symptoms have been going on for a while. Knowing what to expect helps. A first rheumatology appointment is, above all, an unhurried opportunity to understand what is going on and to agree a clear way forward.
Written for patients and reviewed by Dr Liubov Borukhson, Consultant Rheumatologist (GMC 7021928).
A few simple things help make the most of your appointment:
Dr Borukhson will take a careful history, listening to the full story of your symptoms, and then examine the relevant joints and areas. The aim is to understand not just the affected joint, but the wider picture, since rheumatic conditions can affect more than the joints alone.
A distinctive feature of the consultation is the use of point-of-care ultrasound. This means relevant joints or tendons can often be examined with ultrasound there and then, which can clarify the diagnosis and, where appropriate, allow an ultrasound-guided injection within the same visit. You can read more on the ultrasound clinic page.
By the end of the appointment, the aim is for you to understand what is going on, what any further tests are for, and what the plan is. If investigations are needed, these will be explained and arranged, and the next steps and follow-up agreed with you.
Clear communication with you, and where appropriate with your GP, is an important part of joined-up care.
Private appointments are arranged through the practice. Dr Borukhson is fee assured with the insurers she works with, and self-pay fees are set out on the fees page. If you are using insurance, it is worth obtaining a pre-authorisation code from your insurer beforehand.
Private appointments are arranged through the practice, with assessment and, where appropriate, ultrasound often within the same visit
Book an appointment