Rheumatology

What is Rheumatology?

Most everyone has some joint or muscle pain once in a while that will go away on its own over time. However, when patients complain of pain that affects activities of daily living and interferes with enjoying the activities they love, they may be suffering from an autoimmune or rheumatic disease. These carry symptoms that affect the joints, muscles, and bones. Without proper treatment, pain, swelling, stiffness can occur and progress further to joint damage. Rheumatology involves the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases to manage or alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage or deformity of the affected joints.

Rheumatology services

HopeHealth opened its rheumatology department in January 2019 after it became apparent that many patients were suffering from autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis.  As part of our integrated care approach, we address your health holistically, which includes family medicine as well as specialty medicine. We use a team approach to treat patients with rheumatic disorders or diseases.

Common Conditions Treated

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Gout
Lupus
Osteoporosis

What to Expect

A comprehensive physical exam will be needed to look for signs of inflammation. Imaging such as x-rays or ultrasounds may be needed to find muscle and joint abnormalities. Since rheumatic diseases are very complex, several visits may be necessary before a diagnosis takes place. After diagnosis, your provider will develop a treatment plan tailored to fit your needs.

Please bring any lab work or x-ray results, and a list of current medications. You will need a referral from your primary care provider to see one of our rheumatology specialists.

Providers:

Supen Patel, MD
J. Harrell Docherty, MD
Pansi Patel, NP
Kathleen Budde, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Barbara Slusher, MSW, PA-C, DFAAPA
Martin Weiss, MD, FACR