Rheumatoid Arthritis
 

Shocked that I am having major joint problems and after blood test discovered I have "Rheumatoid Arthritis". Still not sure as to what this really is and hoping that someone can help in guiding me to a good Rheumatologist and or information

Thank you so much as it seems at 74 I never thought that I could have this problem and sick worrying about the causes that might occur and just what this really is

Again I very much count on my fellow Villages to help as to whom to see and who is best.

Thank you

My wife was seeing a local rheumatologist, found him cold and brusque, and got no relief from his treatments. I won't give his name, but his office is on 466. She now sees a different doc at the VA and is thrilled. He put her on Plaquenil two years ago and she has had zero pain since it kicked in. There is some danger to the eyes and she gets checked for that often.

Thank you so much for your reply. As I am afraid who will be the best to see you have shown me to be careful in who I choose. Again thank you

I go to SIMED on 441 across from Target. Dr. Stephanie Ingram and she's with Southeast Integrated Medicine (SIMED). Ck out their website for insurances etc. I also am on Plaquenil since 2009 when I was diagnosed with Scleroderma (autoimmune disease) up north and is treated by rheumatologists. I see Ocala Eye twice a year for monitoring also.

Dr Edward Morris Villages heath care, very thorough he's my Rheumatologest old school he listens

My wife was going to SIMED for years, but had to drop this doctor because they could no longer schedule the IV medication. She is now going to Dr. Katheryn Sullivan in the Villages Health system, she is a specialist, so ANYONE with Medicare and supplemental insurance can use her. My wife likes her very much and no problems with IV scheduling.

My wife's primary referred her to the rheumatology department of Shands in Gainesville...Dr. Anderson is terrific and all needed tests were performed there in just one day. For follow-up questions, he usually responds same day using there message system.

I am not trying to be negative, but what does a rheumatologist do other than give you drugs? Is there a particular skill involved?

Not accepting Insurance
 

Tried scheduling appointment with Dr Sullivan and it seems they WILL NOT accept Blue Cross of Tenn Insurance since it is "out of state" supplement insurance and although I called my Insurance Company and told us Dr Sullivan was approved I called back and they say they WILL NOT take it because it is "group" out of State. Seems silly to me since the Insurance company said the Dr was covered and the Villages Health said they WILL NOT since it is Blue Cross of Tenn and not Blue Cross of Fla

Anyone got any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

My wife also sees Dr Ingram for her rheumatoid arthritis.

Specialists, as their title indicates, have specific education and an in-depth understanding of the disease or ailment they treat. Much more than a general practitioner will possess. Most of the drugs used to treat RA can have serious side affects and patients require regular blood testing to insure the side affects are not causing physical damage. Many of these RA drugs cannot be prescribed by general practitioners. If you own a Maserati you don't necessarily want to take it to Bubba's Garage. Bubba may be an excellent mechanic for the run of the mill vehicles but how knowledgeable is he when it comes to an exotic car?

Same thing with me. I tried to get an appointment with Dr. Sullivan and another specialist at the Villages Speciality because they had a long list of all the different insurances they take. I have Blue Cross from another state also as part of my retirement benefits. They will not accept it even though I called my Blue Cross and they said they didn’t see why because they would get paid the same amount as if it was Florida Blue Cross. The Villages wanted to transfer me to one of “their” Florida Blue agents who would help me switch my insurance to Florida Blue. Seems pretty strange. :shocked:

Be careful about "switching" Insurance !!