The 20 Best Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Doctors in The United States

Find the Top Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Experts and Specialists

The 20 Best Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Doctors in The United States

What is the definition of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is a type of joint inflammation that occurs in children and adolescents before the age of 16, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling for more than six weeks. The term, “idiopathic,” means of unknown cause, although juvenile idiopathic arthritis is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, affecting females more than males. Nearly 50% of children and adolescents will outgrow the disease; however, it can still cause lasting joint damage. There are several types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which are determined by their symptoms, the affected joints, lab tests, and family history, and which include the following: Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects one or more joints, causing joint inflammation accompanied by a fever that lasts at least two weeks. In addition, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis may also be accompanied by a skin rash, or enlarged lymph nodes, lungs, liver, or spleen. Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Oligoarthritis) – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common type (more than 50%) and occurs in four joints or less during the first six months of the disease and has two subtypes: 1) persistent oligoarthritis (four affected joints or less after six months); and 2) extended oligoarthritis (more than four affected joints after six months). Individuals with oligoarthritis have an increased risk of developing eye inflammation (uveitis or iridocyclitis). Rheumatoid factor positive polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Polyarthritis) – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects more than five joints, usually the fingers or toes, during the first six months of the disease and is similar to adult rheumatoid arthritis, as patients with this type test positive for rheumatoid factor and may develop small bumps near joints (rheumatoid nodules). Rheumatoid factor negative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (also called Polyarthritis) – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects five or more joints during the first six months of the disease; however, patients with this type test negative for rheumatoid factor. Psoriatic juvenile idiopathic arthritis – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis occurs alongside psoriasis, a skin disorder which is characterized by reddened skin plaques (patches) covered with white scales and which can also include nail abnormalities (pitting) and eye inflammation. Enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Juvenile spondyloarthritis) – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects the areas where bone connects with tendons, ligaments, or other connective tissue, usually in the hips, knees, or feet, causing tenderness (enthesitis), along with joint inflammation, and may affect other areas of the body, such as the eyes (uveitis), and is more common in males than females. Reactive arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome) – This type of arthritis develops as a reaction to bacterial infections, such as shigella, salmonella, yersinia, or genitourinary chlamydial infection (sexually transmitted disease), and occurs abruptly, causing fever, joint pain and inflammation, painful urination, and eye infection (conjunctivitis). Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus) – This disease can cause joint inflammation in addition to inflammation in several other areas of the body. Undifferentiated arthritis – This type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis covers any type that does not fall into the above categories.

When should I see a Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor in The United States?

There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as:

Your primary care provider recommends it.

Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care.

Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment.

You need specialized testing or procedures.

You want a second opinion.

What should I consider when choosing a Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor in The United States?

It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.

How do I find the best Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor in The United States?

You can find a Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor in any of the 10 largest U.S. cities by clicking below:

How does MediFind rank Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctors in The United States?

MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database.

What types of insurance are accepted by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctors in The United States?

Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network.

How can I book an appointment online with a Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor in The United States?

MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor search results page.

Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor?

Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.

How can I prepare for my appointment with a Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor in The United States?

Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items:

Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year)

Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see

Family history of disease

List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses

Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.

List of questions and concerns

Your insurance card

You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit.

What questions should I ask my Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor?

Here are some sample questions:

Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated?

What symptoms or side effects should I watch for?

What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results?

Are there other specialists I need to see?

What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions?

How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor may know about?

MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you.

MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand.

Can I filter my search to show male or female Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctors in The United States?

Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers.

Can I filter my search to find a Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor that offers video calls?

Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls).

Reviewed on: 11/11/24

By: MediFind Medical Staff