ACR 11 criteria for lupus?

The American College of Rheumatology 11 criteria for lupus were established as a means of selecting people for clinical trials. Different criteria carry different weight in the diagnositic process. Lupus is complex to diagnose. Why do people think they can just check off the criteria and then diagnose themselves?

Unfortunately I think that the Internet has led to a generation of people who think that WebMD is a decent substitute for their actual doctor. A lot more people are trying to diagnose themselves using an internet site that may or may not be reliable or medically reviewed, even for conditions that should never be diagnosed except by a doctor. Having said that, I've never known of anybody self-diagnosing themselves with lupus, but it would not surprise me. Eventually, though, I would think that they'd go to a doctor since lupus needs continual medical care. Of course you also have those people who think that traditional western medicine is all a scam and turn to alternative or naturopathic medicine, thinking they can cure themselves with herbs and some fairy dust. Some people just refuse to see doctors and believe that some sleazy guy on late-night TV has the real cures.

Linda, I have to go thru my testing papers....I will get back w/u as soon as I can. I was willing to go thru any test. The Rheumatologists have to write on each and every Testing Script, a symptom the patient is complaing of. That is by law, or the lab will not run them. If U do not describe every single symptom; chances are he will not request the testing that really is necessary. I sat down one day and started a small auto-biography;(took me 4 days) and it helped me alot; in discussing my case with my doctor. No, patient can just demand a test be run. U, however can read up on the disease; and mention any test that u know of to he/she....Then it becomes a confrontation; because after all he is the doctor, and how dare u tell him how to do his job. It is a hard road to go with Auto-Immune Diseases!