Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system targets the body’s own tissues and organs, causing widespread inflammation. It usually requires treatment by a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Treatment can help:

  • manage your symptoms
  • manage your immune system activity
  • protect your organs from damage

However, depending on a person’s symptoms and complications, the care team may include other specialists.

You may not need care from every specialist in the following list.

The care team for lupus may include:

  • Primary care physician (PCP): PCPs help coordinate your care, preventive care, and referrals if necessary. They also help manage your overall health and can provide education.
  • Rheumatologist: A rheumatologist may handle most of your treatment for lupus but refer you to other specialists, as needed.
  • Dermatologist: A dermatologist can manage skin issues, like rashes or sores, that may occur with lupus.
  • Cardiologist: If you have heart or other cardiovascular complications, such as pericarditis or coronary artery disease, a cardiologist can help manage your treatment.
  • Neurologist: This specialist can help manage nervous system side effects and complications, such as nerve damage or seizures.
  • Pulmonologist: If you have pleuritis or another lung complication, you may need monitoring and treatment from a lung specialist.
  • Ophthalmologist: An eye specialist can manage and treat vision complications, such as optic nerve or eye inflammation.
  • Nephrologist: If you have kidney complications like lupus nephritis, you’ll receive care and monitoring from a kidney specialist.
  • Gastroenterologist: A digestive system specialist can help monitor the health of your digestive system if you have trouble eating or experience digestive side effects.
  • Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist can monitor and treat hormone imbalances.
  • Obstetrician–gynecologist (OB-gyn): This specialist can help manage pregnancy or issues with the reproductive system.
  • Psychiatrist or psychologist: This specialist can provide mental health support if needed.

Finding a doctor you feel comfortable with and trust is important, especially when managing a chronic health condition. If you do not feel supported by your current physician or care team, you may consider switching to a new healthcare professional.

When choosing a new rheumatologist or other specialist, some things to consider include:

  • Does your insurance plan cover the specialist, practice, and lab facilities?
  • Is it easy to get appointments when you need them?
  • Is the practice conveniently located?
  • Does the doctor listen to your health concerns and answer your questions patiently?
  • Can you communicate easily with them? Do they explain things in a way you can understand?
  • Are they an expert in managing lupus (do they mainly treat people with lupus)?
  • Do they demonstrate respect for cultural values you may have (cultural competence) to provide effective and compassionate care?

You can find a rheumatologist by:

  • asking for a referral from your primary care physician
  • reading reviews online
  • searching your health insurance plan’s website
  • asking a support group for recommendations

You’ll also want to make sure that each doctor is covered by your insurance plan and is in-network. If you choose an out-of-network provider, you may have to pay more for care. You can search for specialists in your area who accept your insurance.