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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.

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.

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.  

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.

You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during regular business hours at 972-513-1410, sending an email to [email protected] or sending  a message through our website (contact)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We are contracted with Medicare and major commercial insurance companies. For more information please call our office. 

• Aetna Better Health
• Ambetter by Superior Healthplan
• Baylor Scott and White Health Plans, including but not limited to EQA and SEQA plans
• Cigna Connect
• Cigna HMO
• Cigna Medicare
• Coventry
• First Health
• Generous Benefits
• Humana
• MultiPlan
• Molina
• MyBlue Health marketplace product offered by BCBS of Texas
• Medicaid
• Oscar
• Parkland
• PHCS
• Superior Healthplan
• USA Managed Care Organization
• Zelis Healthcare

Our practice uses artificial intelligence (AI) as a support tool to improve efficiency and enhance patient care. AI does not replace your clinician’s medical judgment. All medical decisions are made by your healthcare provider.

Below is an overview of how AI may be used in our practice:

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1) AI-assisted documentation

• Your clinician may use AI to help draft clinical notes during or after your visit.
• The tool may listen to the visit and generate a transcript or draft note.
• Your clinician reviews and edits all AI-generated content for accuracy before it becomes part of your medical record.

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2) AI-based clinical information tools

• AI may be used to search and summarize published medical evidence, such as clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed literature.
• These tools are used for informational support only and do not make diagnoses or treatment decisions.
• Your clinician is solely responsible for all medical decisions regarding your care.

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3) AI-drafted patient education materials

• Some patient education materials may be drafted with the assistance of AI and then reviewed by our clinical team.
• These materials provide general information and do not replace personalized medical advice from your provider.

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Privacy and security

• Your health information is protected by HIPAA and Texas medical privacy laws.
• Some information may be created, stored, or transmitted electronically as part of your care.
• We use appropriate privacy and security safeguards when using electronic systems and AI-supported tools.
• We do not sell your health information.