Best Rheumatologists in St. Petersburg
Updated December 12, 2024
Introduction to Rheumatology in St. Petersburg
Overview of Rheumatology
Rheumatology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones.
Rheumatologists manage conditions such as arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.
Importance of Rheumatology in Healthcare
Rheumatic diseases can significantly affect a patient's daily activities and overall well-being.
Rheumatologists play a key role in managing chronic conditions and improving patient outcomes.
Rheumatology in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg has several qualified rheumatologists practicing in various healthcare settings.
BayCare Medical Group is a prominent healthcare provider in St. Petersburg with multiple rheumatologists on staff.
What's the fastest way to connect to rheumatologists?
Our clinically-backed AI will ask you questions and provide an answer specific to your unique health situation.
List of Rheumatologists in St. Petersburg
Dr. Fellipe Oliveira
5.0
St. Petersburg, FL
Sex
Male
Languages
English
Dr. Fellipe Oliveira is a highly-rated rheumatologist based in St. Petersburg, FL. He completed his medical education at Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUCSP) Faculdade de Medicina and holds certifications in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Oliveira is affiliated with BayCare Medical Group and is fluent in English. He accepts various insurance networks including Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, providing quality care to his patients.
BayCare Medical Group
Rheumatology (Internal Medicine)
Medical School - Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUCSP) Faculdade de Medicina
English
Cigna
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
6711 38th Avenue N St. Petersburg, FL
Rheumatologist
American Board of Internal Medicine
Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) Escuela de Medicina (Medical School)
English
Spanish
Morton Plant Hospital
St. Anthony''s Hospital
St. Joseph''s Hospital
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital)
University of Connecticut School of Medicine (Residency Hospital)
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2006)
English
Morton Plant Hospital
St. Anthony''s Hospital
St. Joseph''s Hospital
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
Dr. Julio Gonzalez Paoli
N/A
St. Petersburg, FL
Sex
Male
Languages
English, Spanish
Dr. Julio Gonzalez Paoli is a rheumatologist based in St. Petersburg, FL. He completed his Doctor of Medicine degree at the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine and is board certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Gonzalez Paoli is affiliated with BayCare Medical Group and accepts insurance from Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he provides care to a diverse range of patients.
BayCare Medical Group
American Board of Internal Medicine
Rheumatology (Internal Medicine)
Medical School - Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine
English
Spanish
Cigna
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
620 10th St N, Ste 2E St. Petersburg, FL
Rheumatologist
Dr. Abie Samuel
N/A
St. Petersburg, FL
Sex
Female
Languages
English
Dr. Abie Samuel, a Rheumatologist based in St. Petersburg, FL, brings a wealth of experience and a strong educational background to her practice. She completed her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Rowan University, followed by a Fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of South Florida. Dr. Samuel also undertook her Residency and Internship in Internal Medicine at the University of Connecticut. Her Bachelor's degree is from the State University of New York. Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Rheumatology, she is affiliated with BayCare Medical Group and accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Fluent in English, Dr. Samuel's commitment to providing quality care is reflected in her practice.
BayCare Medical Group
American Board of Internal Medicine
Rheumatology (Internal Medicine)
Medical School - Rowan University, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Connecticut, Internship in Internal Medicine
University of Connecticut, Residency in Internal Medicine
State University of New York (Bachelor's)
University of South Florida, Fellowship in Rheumatology
English
UnitedHealthcare
Medicare
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
620 10th St N, Ste 2E St. Petersburg, FL
Rheumatologist
Dr. Sonialy Lugo Ruiz
N/A
St. Petersburg, FL
Sex
Female
Languages
English, Spanish
Dr. Sonialy Lugo Ruiz, a Rheumatologist based in St. Petersburg, FL, brings a wealth of expertise from her education at Universidad Iberoamericana School of Medicine, Santo Domingo, and Morristown Memorial Hospital. She completed her Fellowship at Saint Louis University and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Rheumatology. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Lugo Ruiz is affiliated with BayCare Medical Group and accepts insurance from Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Known for her compassionate care, she maintains a high standard in her practice, although her specific star rating is not available.
BayCare Medical Group
American Board of Internal Medicine
Rheumatology (Internal Medicine)
Medical School - Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) School of Medicine, Santo Domingo
Saint Louis University (Fellowship)
Morristown Memorial Hospital (Residency)
English
Spanish
Cigna
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
620 10th St N, Ste 2E St. Petersburg, FL
Rheumatologist
Dr. Arnaldo Torres Rodriguez
N/A
St. Petersburg, FL
Sex
Male
Languages
English
Dr. Arnaldo Torres Rodriguez is a Rheumatologist based in St. Petersburg, FL. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Vincent's Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in Rheumatology at New York Medical College. Dr. Torres Rodriguez is certified in Rheumatology within Internal Medicine and is affiliated with BayCare Medical Group. He is fluent in English and accepts insurance from Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Star rating information is not available for him at this time.
BayCare Medical Group
Rheumatology (Internal Medicine)
Medical School - University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine
Saint Vincent's Medical Center, Internship in Internal Medicine
New York Medical College, Fellowship in Rheumatology
Saint Vincent's Medical Center, Residency in Internal Medicine
English
Cigna
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
6711 38th Avenue N St. Petersburg, FL
Rheumatologist
Choosing a Rheumatologist in St. Petersburg
Understanding Rheumatology
Definition and scope of rheumatology
- Explanation of rheumatology as a medical specialty
- Common conditions treated by rheumatologists
Importance of specialized care for rheumatic diseases
- Benefits of seeing a rheumatologist
- Impact on patient outcomes and quality of life
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Rheumatologist
Qualifications and Certifications
- Board certification in Rheumatology
- Educational background and training
- Continuing education and specializations
Experience and Expertise
- Years of practice in rheumatology
- Specific areas of focus within rheumatology
- Involvement in research or clinical trials
Patient Reviews and Ratings
- Importance of patient feedback
- How to interpret online ratings and reviews
- Considering the overall patient experience
Insurance and Accessibility
- Accepted insurance networks
- Office location and hours
- Telehealth options if available
Communication and Patient Care Approach
- Language proficiency
- Doctor-patient relationship
- Willingness to explain treatment options
Steps to Choose a Rheumatologist in St. Petersburg
Research potential providers
- Utilize online directories and healthcare platforms
- Check hospital affiliations
- Review doctor profiles and websites
Verify credentials and insurance acceptance
- Confirm board certifications
- Check accepted insurance plans
- Verify hospital privileges
Schedule consultations
- Prepare questions for the rheumatologist
- Discuss your medical history and concerns
- Assess the doctor's communication style and approach
Evaluate overall fit
- Consider personal comfort with the rheumatologist
- Assess the office environment and staff
- Reflect on the doctor's treatment philosophy
Top-Ranked Rheumatologists in St. Petersburg
Dr. Fellipe Oliveira
Qualifications and Experience
- Medical education from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo
- Certified in Rheumatology (Internal Medicine)
- Affiliated with BayCare Medical Group
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5-star rating on ZocDoc
- Highly rated by patients
Insurance and Accessibility
- Accepts Cigna, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Office located at 6711 38th Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Dr. Julio Gonzalez Paoli
Background and Certifications
- Doctor of Medicine from Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
- Board certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
- Certified in Rheumatology (Internal Medicine)
Languages and Affiliations
- Fluent in English and Spanish
- Affiliated with BayCare Medical Group
Practice Information
- Accepts Cigna, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Office located at 620 10th St N, Ste 2E, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Dr. Abie Samuel
Educational Background
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rowan University
- Fellowship in Rheumatology at University of South Florida
- Board certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
Specializations and Affiliations
- Specialized in Rheumatology (Internal Medicine)
- Affiliated with BayCare Medical Group
Insurance and Location
- Accepts UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Practice located at 620 10th St N, Ste 2E, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Additional Resources for Finding Rheumatologists in St. Petersburg
Professional Organizations and Directories
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
- Official website with a directory of board-certified rheumatologists
- Information on rheumatic diseases and treatments
Florida Society of Rheumatology
- State-specific organization with local rheumatologist listings
- Regional events and continuing education opportunities
Online Healthcare Platforms
Zocdoc
- Platform used by all doctors in our dataset
- Provides detailed profiles, patient reviews, and appointment scheduling
Healthgrades
- Comprehensive doctor profiles and patient reviews
- Comparison tools for different healthcare providers
Local Healthcare Networks
BayCare Medical Group
- Affiliated with all rheumatologists in our dataset
- Provides a network of various specialists and facilities in the area
Insurance Provider Networks
Review In-Network Providers
- Check with Cigna, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield
- These networks are accepted by most rheumatologists in our dataset