Frequently Asked Questions

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, medications, or devices in human volunteers. These studies help determine whether new therapies are safe and effective before they can be approved for general use. Clinical trials are essential for developing better treatments for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and other diseases.

There are several reasons people choose to participate: access to potentially beneficial new treatments before they're widely available, receiving high-quality medical care and close monitoring from specialists, the opportunity to contribute to medical research that may help others with the same condition, and compensation for time and travel. Many participants find it meaningful to play an active role in advancing medicine.

Clinical trials are carefully designed with multiple layers of safety protection. Before any human testing, investigational treatments undergo extensive laboratory and animal studies. All trials are reviewed and monitored by independent ethics committees (Institutional Review Boards). You'll receive detailed information about potential risks and benefits before deciding to participate, and you can withdraw at any time. Our medical team closely monitors all participants throughout the study.

A placebo is an inactive substance (like a sugar pill) that looks identical to the study medication. Some studies use placebos to help researchers understand the true effects of the investigational treatment. However, not all studies include placebos, and when they do, the study design will be explained to you before you decide to participate. Many rheumatology studies are "add-on" studies where the investigational treatment is added to your existing medications, rather than replacing them.

Each study has specific eligibility criteria based on factors like your diagnosis, disease severity, age, current medications, and overall health. You can complete our online screening questionnaire to get a preliminary assessment, or contact our research team directly. If you appear to be a potential candidate, we'll schedule a screening visit for a more thorough evaluation.

If you meet the eligibility criteria after screening, you'll go through an informed consent process where we explain everything about the study—its purpose, procedures, potential risks and benefits, and your rights as a participant. You'll have time to ask questions and discuss with family if desired. Only after you fully understand and voluntarily agree will you be enrolled. You can change your mind and withdraw at any point.

Yes! We encourage you to maintain your relationship with your primary care physician and any other specialists. We'll coordinate with your regular doctors and keep them informed about your participation. The study provides additional specialized care but doesn't replace your existing healthcare relationships.

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time for any reason without penalty or impact on your regular medical care. If you decide to leave, we'll work with you to ensure a safe transition back to standard care.

Yes, participants typically receive compensation for their time and travel expenses. The amount varies by study based on factors like the number of visits required and the complexity of procedures involved. Specific compensation details are provided before you decide to enroll.

There is no cost to you for study-related care. The study medication, required tests, examinations, and procedures are provided at no charge. You'll also receive compensation to help offset any travel or parking expenses. Your regular health insurance is not billed for study-specific services.

This varies by study. Most studies require visits every few weeks to monthly. Individual visits typically last 1-3 hours depending on the procedures scheduled. The total duration ranges from a few months to over a year. Before enrolling, you'll receive a detailed schedule so you can assess whether participation fits your lifestyle.

Yes. Your privacy is protected by federal regulations (including HIPAA) and our strict confidentiality procedures. Your personal information is never shared publicly. In research reports, participants are identified only by code numbers, not names. Only authorized research personnel have access to your records.