Rheumatology in Bedford

What is rheumatology?

Rheumatology investigates, diagnoses and manages patients with musculoskeletal conditions such as; rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. At The Manor Hospital, we offer private rheumatology services for those who live in Bedford, Huntingdon or St Neots.

There are over 200 musculoskeletal conditions and disorders that affect the bones, joints, muscles and soft tissues and our team of specialist Rheumatology Consultants will help diagnose and treat them.

What conditions do rheumatologists treat?

Common rheumatology conditions treated at The Manor Hospital include:

• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Lupus including full spectrum of connective tissue disorders
• Osteoarthritis
• Spondylitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica
• Gout
• Soft tissue conditions with provision of steroid injections
• Autoimmune rheumatic disorders
• Spinal pain

Why would you be referred for rheumatology?

Some of the most common concerns for seeing a private rheumatologist are:

• Persistent joint pain
• Inflammation indicated by joint swelling
• Tenderness of the joints
• Stiffness, redness, warmth
• Joint deformity
• Loss of range of motion or flexibility
• Fatigue, lack of energy, weakness

How much does a rheumatology appointment cost at Manor Hospital?

The cost of an initial appointment with a rheumatologist starts from around £200.

The cost of rheumatology treatment will depend on various factors, from your symptoms and the condition causing them, to which treatment is recommended. We’ll work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan, and you’ll receive a full breakdown of costs before making your decision.

Accessing private healthcare is easy, whether you choose to pay directly or use private medical insurance.

If you are paying for yourself, we can usually offer an upfront cost which you can then choose to pay in full or access one of our easy payment options.

If you have insurance, we can arrange direct settlement with your insurance provider, although you should check in advance to see if your treatment is covered. For more information, visit our private medical insurance page.

What happens at a rheumatology appointment?

Your rheumatology appointment at Manor Hospital begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. Your consultant will want to understand when your symptoms began, how they have changed over time, and what impact they have on your daily activities.

A physical examination usually follows. This may involve assessing your joints for swelling, tenderness, or stiffness, checking your range of motion, and examining muscles and soft tissues. Depending on your symptoms, your consultant may also check other areas of the body that could be affected by autoimmune or systemic conditions.

Diagnostic tests are an important part of rheumatology. These may include blood tests to check for inflammation or specific antibodies, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI to look at joints in detail, and sometimes joint aspiration, where a small sample of fluid is taken for analysis.

At the end of the appointment, your consultant will explain their findings, discuss potential diagnoses, and outline the next steps. This may involve prescribing medication, recommending physiotherapy, or arranging follow-up tests. The focus is always on clear communication and ensuring you feel informed about your options.

What to wear to a rheumatology appointment

When attending a rheumatology appointment, it is helpful to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your joints. Because the examination may involve checking multiple areas such as shoulders, knees, hips, and hands, we recommend you wear clothes that are easy to move about it and also easy to remove.

For example, a short-sleeved top makes it easier to examine shoulders and elbows, while trousers that can be rolled up or removed quickly allow for knee and ankle assessments. If you use supportive footwear, such as orthopaedic shoes or insoles, bring these with you, as they may provide useful information about your mobility and gait.

Your comfort is always prioritised. If you are unsure what to wear, you can simply dress as you would for a physiotherapy or exercise session, with practical clothing that does not restrict movement.

How to book a rheumatologist in Bedford

To book your initial consultation with one of our rheumatologists near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.

The Manor Hospital offers you fast, direct and convenient appointments with a consultant rheumatologist. Your consultant may be able to reassure you that what you are experiencing is nothing to be concerned about, or they can discuss treatment options that could relieve your symptoms so you can return to enjoying your life.

Together, you and your consultant will decide the most appropriate course of action for you and develop a treatment plan built around your needs and requirements.

Should you like to use your health insurance to see a Consultant Rheumatologist please ensure that your insurance company will cover this and any the treatment required, prior to booking an appointment.

Whether you wish to use your medical insurance or self-pay you will need a referral letter from your GP to make an appointment.