Cutting Edge Research
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Tarzana, Encino, Chatsworth, Calabasas, Bell Canyon and Westlake Village.
We are involved in the latest clinical research in an effort to deliver the highest quality of care to our patients.
At Comprehensive Rheumatology Center, we participate in peer-reviewed, worldwide research projects for several conditions, including Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and more. We hope that together, along with our fantastic research participants, our contributions will improve treatments in conditions for these conditions and provide relief to the many individuals affected by them.
Interested? Give us a call! We are excited to answer any of your questions, comments, or concerns. Just ask for our study team. (818) 598-0000
You can also fill out our contact form. A thorough response to your inquiry can be expected within 2 business days.
FAQ
What would it look like if I participate in medical research?
Firstly, thank you for choosing to help advance medicine and those with similar conditions as yourself!
A staff member will ask you some questions about your diagnosis and medication history to see if you would match the required criteria for any of our research. If it appears that you do, you will be personally invited to learn more about the study. You will be provided with every small detail about the study, as well as ample time to review the information and ask as many questions as you would like. If you decide that you would like to participate, you must provide your signature for a consent form. Participation in any research is always voluntary and confidential. You are under no obligation to join any study, and if you do join, you are free to stop for any reason, at any time.
What will I be doing? Are there any risks?
It depends on the type of study. Some studies, especially observational studies and biorepositories, involve little to no risk. For studies regarding medications already on the market, the risks are already known, and are the same as what exists for non-research usage. Studies involving new medications may have unknown risks. We will thoroughly explain all known, unknown, and possible risks as well as the likelihood that you are to encounter these risks. You will not be considered for a study if the involved treatment or procedures pose a serious risk to you.
What’s the difference between observational, interventional, and biorepository studies?
Observational Studies/Registries
These studies usually enroll patients with a particular medical condition who have either been recently diagnosed or are about to start taking a particular medication. They do not alter anything about your treatment. Rather, the purpose is to seek information on how your treatment is going. For example, you would be asked to rate your symptoms every few months and to report any side effects you have from the medications you are taking. All information would be reported without your identifying information to protect your privacy.
Interventional Studies
These studies usually involve changing one aspect of your current treatment to see if your symptoms improve. The study sponsor often provides the treatment medication and procedures for free. If frequent visits are involved, it is possible that your visits will be covered and you will receive some form of stipend. Some even provide compensation for travel and other expenses. In return, they collect information about the safety and efficacy of the treatment through blood work, questionnaires, vitals, and physical examinations. If the study involves experimental treatment, your health will be evaluated thoroughly, via labs, imaging, and physical exam. You may be excluded if your health or your current treatment may harm your health in any way. All recorded information is strictly confidential.
Biorepositories
These studies involve collection of blood or other biosamples, in order to understand more about a condition, develop new treatment, or develop new diagnostic tests for the condition. Sponsors usually pay for your doctor visit to confirm your diagnosis and assess your symptoms, for collection of the sample, and sometimes even for additional follow up visits and travel expenses. Besides the biosample, they often request that you complete questionnaires rating your symptoms. All information would be reported without your identifying information to protect your privacy.
What does the compensation look like? How do I get
started?The compensation varies for each study, ranging from nothing to a monetary stipend after every visit. Some studies offer free medications, doctor’s visits, and procedures. It all depends on each individual, so don’t guess! Call us today and find out how easy and beneficial participating in clinical research can be.