For your convenience we are available at two locations:
General FAQs
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Rheumatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and connective tissues.
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Rheumatologists treat a wide range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, vasculitis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoporosis, scleroderma, and various other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
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Rheumatologists play a crucial role in managing a broad spectrum of conditions that impact the musculoskeletal system, and in many cases other organs. Their expertise is essential for improving the quality of life for individuals with rheumatic diseases. They use a combination of a thorough history, physical examination, laboratory testing and imaging studies to determine the underlying cause of a patient’s symptoms. Once a diagnosis is made, rheumatologists develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific condition.
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If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or other symptoms related to the musculoskeletal system, it’s advisable to consult with a rheumatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Due to the dynamic nature of many rheumatic diseases, it may require multiple office visits before your rheumatologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis.
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You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during regular business hours at 972-513-1410, sending an email to info@ntcrcare.com or sending a message through our website (contact)
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Bring any relevant medical records, a list of medications you are currently taking, ID, and your insurance information. Please complete the electronic registration beforehand to expedite the check-in process.
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The first visit with one of our rheumatologists will take approximately 45 minutes. Your doctor will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may order diagnostic tests such as blood work or imaging studies to help with the diagnosis. Treatment options will be discussed based on the findings.
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Treatment options vary depending on the specific condition but may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Your rheumatologist will tailor a treatment plan to meet your individual needs.
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Yes. In a rheumatology practice, incorporating advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) or physician assistants (PAs), can offer a range of benefits. These skilled healthcare professionals, working collaboratively with rheumatologists, contribute to enhanced patient care and improved practice efficiency. APP’s can effectively manage routine follow-up appointments, conduct thorough assessments, and educate patients on self-management strategies. Their involvement allows rheumatologists to focus on complex cases, consultations, and treatment planning, ultimately expanding the capacity of the practice to serve a larger patient population at a time when there is a severe shortage of rheumatologists. The collaborative model also promotes timely access to care, as APPs can address the ongoing needs of patients with chronic rheumatic conditions.
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All physicians at NTCR possess full qualifications in the field of rheumatology. If you have a specific preference for a particular doctor, kindly inform us when scheduling your initial appointment. We will make every effort to accommodate your preference in a reasonable manner. To ensure consistent and uninterrupted healthcare any subsequent requests to change physicians must receive approval from the relevant doctors and will typically be declined. An exception to this policy may be considered in cases where a patient has relocated to a new geographical area, making a change in physicians a practical and reasonable decision for all parties involved.
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We are contracted with Medicare and major commercial insurance companies. For more information please call our office.