Best Rheumatologists in Port St. Lucie

Introduction to Rheumatology in Port St. Lucie

Definition and scope of rheumatology

Rheumatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the joints, muscles, and bones. These conditions, known as rheumatic diseases, can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in various parts of the body.

Rheumatologists are trained to manage a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, lupus, gout, osteoporosis, and many other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Specialized care from a rheumatologist is essential for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term management of these often complex conditions.

The rheumatology landscape in Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie, Florida, offers several options for rheumatology care. While the number of specialists may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas, patients can still find qualified professionals to address their needs.

When selecting a rheumatologist in Port St. Lucie, patients should consider factors such as the doctor's qualifications, experience, patient reviews, and hospital affiliations. These elements can provide valuable insights into the quality of care they can expect to receive.

Dr. J Paul Mahfood is one of the notable rheumatologists practicing in Port St. Lucie, offering expertise in both rheumatology and internal medicine.

Choosing a Rheumatologist in Port St. Lucie

Key factors to consider

Qualifications and certifications

• Review board certifications (e.g., American Board of Internal Medicine)
• Examine educational background and specializations

Experience and specializations

• Consider years of practice in rheumatology
• Look for additional specialties that may be relevant (e.g., Internal Medicine)

Patient reviews and ratings

• Analyze star ratings and number of reviews
• Read patient feedback for insights on care quality

Hospital affiliations

• Check affiliations with reputable hospitals (e.g., Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital)
• Consider proximity and accessibility of affiliated hospitals

Resources for finding rheumatologists

Online directories and review platforms

• Utilize websites like Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor information
• Compare multiple platforms to gather diverse patient feedback

Referrals from primary care physicians

• Consult your primary care doctor for recommendations
• Discuss your specific needs and preferences for a rheumatologist

Local medical associations

• Contact Port St. Lucie medical associations for rheumatologist listings
• Inquire about any local rheumatology support groups or resources

Top-Rated Rheumatologist in Port St. Lucie

Dr. J Paul Mahfood

Background and Qualifications

• Education: New York University Grossman School of Medicine, State University of New York Upstate Medical University Norton College of Medicine
• Certifications: American Board of Preventive Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine
• Additional training: Fellowship at University of South Florida, Residency at Tampa General Hospital

Practice Details

• Languages spoken: English, Spanish
• Hospital affiliation: Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital
• Specialties: Rheumatology, Internal Medicine, Radiology

Patient Feedback

• Star rating: 3.8 out of 5 (based on 64 reviews)
• Analysis of patient reviews and common themes

Contact Information

• Phone number: (772) 879-2228
• Office location details

Comparison with Other Rheumatologists

Relative Strengths

• Multi-specialty background
• Bilingual capabilities
• Affiliation with reputable hospital

Considerations

• Limited number of patient reviews
• Discussion of rating in context of local averages

Making an Informed Decision

Steps to Take

• Researching Dr. Mahfood's background further
• Considering a consultation appointment
• Checking insurance compatibility

Additional Resources

• Link to Dr. Mahfood's Healthgrades profile
• Information on Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Rheumatologist in Port St. Lucie

Insurance Coverage and Accessibility

Verifying insurance acceptance

• Check if Dr. J Paul Mahfood or other rheumatologists accept your insurance plan
• Inquire about out-of-pocket costs and payment options

Location and transportation

• Consider the proximity of Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital (200 SE Hospital Ave, Stuart, FL 34994) to your residence
• Evaluate parking facilities and public transportation options

Communication and Patient-Doctor Relationship

Language considerations

• Dr. J Paul Mahfood speaks English and Spanish, which may be beneficial for diverse patient populations
• Assess the importance of language compatibility for effective communication

Consultation approach

• Research Dr. Mahfood's consultation style and patient interaction approach
• Consider scheduling an initial consultation to assess compatibility

Availability and Appointment Scheduling

Appointment accessibility

• Contact Dr. Mahfood's office at (772) 879-2228 to inquire about wait times for new patients
• Ask about availability for follow-up appointments and emergency consultations

Telehealth options

• Inquire about virtual consultation options, if available
• Understand the process for remote follow-ups and prescription refills