New Patients

New Patients should arrive at the office at least thirty minutes prior to their scheduled visit. This is very important. Please expect your new patient appointment to take at least one hour from the time of the appointment until check-out.

Please bring any pertinent x-rays or lab results with you plus any medical records that pertain to your rheumatic problems. Dr. Howard does not need to see MRI or CT Scans but the reports from these studies are ok to bring. Plain x-ray films of problem joints are most helpful along with up to date lab work. Bring a list of all medications you are taking.

Please bring all insurance cards and information and be prepared to pay all co-payments and deductable amounts at the time of the visit.

If you arrive late you may have to be rescheduled. Patients who are on time will be seen before someone who arrived late and is waiting. If you are a "no-show" for your new patient appointment you may not be re-scheduled in the future.

If adequate information is at hand, Dr. Howard can often diagnose the rheumatic disorder and initiate treatment at the first visit. If information is not available or if the problem is complex, diagnosis and treatment may not be possible until a future follow up visit.