FAQ
Questions patients ask most often
If your question isn’t answered here, the clinic is happy to answer it before you book.
Do I need a confirmed autoimmune disease to consult DIRA?
No. Patients with symptoms or concerns where an immune or inflammatory disease is suspected can also be evaluated.
Does a positive ANA mean I have an autoimmune disease?
Not necessarily. Autoimmune tests need to be interpreted in the context of symptoms, examination and other findings.
Can I come for a second opinion?
Yes. DIRA welcomes patients seeking clarification of an existing diagnosis or treatment plan.
Do you treat chronic pain even if it is not autoimmune?
Yes. The cause of pain is assessed first, and management may include medical treatment, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and other appropriate approaches.
Do you treat allergy?
DIRA evaluates suspected allergic and immune-related conditions, and helps determine whether symptoms are actually due to an allergic or immune mechanism.
Do you see children?
Paediatric patients with suspected rheumatological or immune-related conditions can be evaluated, with appropriate paediatric multidisciplinary support where required.
Can other doctors refer patients to DIRA?
Yes. DIRA is open to referrals from physicians and specialists for rheumatological, immunological and diagnostically uncertain cases.
Still unsure?
Ask before you book
If you are not certain whether your problem is one DIRA can help with, get in touch and describe it. Being told that a rheumatology opinion is not what you need is a perfectly good outcome.