The Rush Approach to Lupus Care
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) often mimics other diseases, causing extreme fatigue, joint pain and/or rashes. But everyone experiences lupus differently, and you may have different symptoms than other patients. That can make it challenging to diagnose lupus.
However, Rush rheumatologists at the Rush Lupus Clinic at Rush University Medical Center have extensive experience diagnosing and successfully treating this chronic autoimmune disease. We are committed to providing early, accurate diagnoses, allowing you to begin treatment — and start feeling better — as soon as possible.
At your first appointment, our rheumatologists will ask you about your symptoms and how they are affecting your life — physically, socially and emotionally.
Then we use our clinical expertise to develop a management plan that focuses on improving your health outcomes and quality of life. And because lupus can cause problems with your heart, kidney and other organs, our team will consider many aspects of your health when creating your plan.
Meet our lupus care providers
Rush Excellence in Lupus Care
- World leaders in improving quality of life: Rush rheumatologists in the Rush Lupus Clinic are nationally and internationally known for their research on patient-reported outcomes, which involves identifying and prioritizing every patient's specific health concerns. For instance, you may be most concerned about relieving your lupus-related rash, while other lupus patients may mostly want relief from chronic pain or may want to ensure they have a safe pregnancy. Our physicians take into account your priorities when developing your personalized treatment plan. While we aim to take care of all your health issues and symptoms, we will focus first on what is most important to you.
- Access to state-of-the-art treatments: Our clinicians are involved in research and clinical trials aimed at uncovering better diagnostic tools and treatments for lupus. Rush is a member of the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network, a North American network of research hospitals dedicated to lupus clinical trials. As a result, you may have access to beneficial new treatments that are not widely available elsewhere.
- A team focused exclusively on lupus: Research suggests that getting care from a dedicated lupus team, like ours, helps ensure that you will get recommended tests and treatments than if you saw a general rheumatologist.
- Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for people with lupus: Our lupus team believes in treating the whole person, not just your lupus. We partner with the wide range of other specialists at Rush, such as cardiologists, dermatologists, physical therapists and behavioral health providers to address medical or mental health issues you may be having.
- Preventing lupus flares: Living with lupus involves learning how to reduce your risk of symptom flare-ups. At the Rush Lupus Clinic, we recognize the important role of lifestyle changes — including exercise, a healthy diet and stress management — in preventing flare-ups. We encourage all our patients to attend our lupus support group meetings, which are held at Rush University Medical Center. Nothing beats the support you can get from others with lupus.
- Emphasis on convenience: In our Rush Lupus Clinic at our downtown campus, laboratory testing, X-rays, bone mineral density testing and infusion room facilities (to receive IV medications, such as steroids) are all located in the same suite as our lupus clinic, making it faster and easier for you to receive all of the care you need during your visits.
