Best Rheumatologists in Billings

Introduction to Rheumatology in Billings, Montana

Definition of Rheumatology

Rheumatology is a specialized branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the joints, muscles, and bones.

Rheumatologists in Billings, Montana, are medical professionals who manage a wide range of complex conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, and gout.

These specialists utilize their expertise to provide comprehensive care for patients dealing with autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Importance of Choosing the Right Rheumatologist

Selecting an appropriate rheumatologist is a significant decision that can greatly influence the quality of care and overall treatment outcomes for patients with rheumatic diseases.

In Billings, patients have access to several qualified rheumatologists, each bringing unique experiences and approaches to patient care.

Establishing a strong, long-term relationship with a rheumatologist is beneficial, as many rheumatic conditions require ongoing management and personalized treatment plans.

The right specialist will not only provide expert medical care but also offer support and guidance throughout the patient's healthcare journey.

Overview of Doctor Selection Process in Billings

Available Resources for Finding Rheumatologists

Online Platforms

• Healthgrades: A comprehensive source for doctor information
• Benefits of using online directories for initial research

Local Medical Community

• Importance of referrals from primary care physicians
• Networking within the Billings medical community

Key Factors in Selecting a Rheumatologist

Qualifications and Expertise

• Board certifications (e.g., American Board of Internal Medicine)
• Educational background and specialized training
• Years of experience in rheumatology

Patient Feedback

• Interpreting star ratings (e.g., Dr. Jenkins' 5.0 rating)
• Considering the number of reviews (e.g., Dr. Zyskowski's 24 reviews)
• Balance between quantitative ratings and qualitative feedback

Accessibility and Communication

• Office location and contact information
• Language options (e.g., Dr. Starosta's Polish language skills)
• Availability of appointments and responsiveness

Top-Ranked Rheumatologists in Billings

Dr. John Jenkins

Background and Qualifications

• Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine (1986)
• Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 5.0 star rating
• 4 patient reviews

Contact Information

• Phone: (406) 237-5780
• Gender: Male
• Languages: English

Dr. Michael Belsky

Background and Qualifications

• Medical School: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
• Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 5.0 star rating
• 1 patient review

Contact Information

• Phone: (406) 238-2500
• Gender: Male
• Languages: English

Dr. Horng-Chyi Lai

Background and Qualifications

• Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 4.7 star rating
• 3 patient reviews

Contact Information

• Phone: (406) 702-1327
• Gender: Male
• Languages: English

Dr. Lawrence Zyskowski

Background and Qualifications

• Fellowship: Mayo Clinic Rochester (1982)
• Residency: University Minn Hospital (1980)
• Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School (1977)
• Undergraduate: Rutgers College (1970)
• Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 4.2 star rating
• 24 patient reviews

Contact Information

• Phone: (406) 238-2500
• Gender: Male
• Languages: English

Dr. Monika Starosta

Background and Qualifications

• Residency: ADVOCATE LUTHERAN GENERAL HOSPITAL (2006)
• Internship: Lutheran General Hospital (2004)
• Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 3.6 star rating
• 25 patient reviews

Contact Information

• Phone: (406) 238-2500
• Gender: Female
• Languages: English, Polish

Additional Resources for Finding the Right Rheumatologist in Billings

Importance of Board Certification

Explanation of American Board of Internal Medicine certification

• Discuss the significance of ABIM certification in rheumatology
• Note that Dr. Jenkins, Dr. Belsky, Dr. Lai, Dr. Zyskowski, and Dr. Starosta are all ABIM certified

How to verify a doctor's certification status

• Provide steps to check ABIM certification online
• Explain the importance of ongoing certification maintenance

Considering Language and Communication

Availability of multilingual doctors

• Highlight Dr. Monika Starosta's ability to speak Polish in addition to English
• Discuss the benefits of having a doctor who speaks your preferred language

Importance of clear communication in rheumatology care

• Explain why effective doctor-patient communication is essential in managing chronic conditions
• Suggest questions patients can ask to assess a doctor's communication style

Exploring Different Types of Providers

Physician Assistants (PAs)

• Introduce Jennifer McGill, PA-C, as an option for rheumatology care
• Explain the role of PAs in rheumatology practice

Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

• Mention Wendy Donaugh, FNP, as another type of provider
• Describe how NPs contribute to rheumatology care teams

Utilizing Patient Reviews and Ratings

How to interpret star ratings and review counts

• Explain the star rating system used on platforms like Healthgrades
• Compare the ratings of Billings rheumatologists (e.g., Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Belsky with 5.0 stars, Dr. Zyskowski with 4.2 stars)

Balancing quantitative and qualitative feedback

• Discuss the importance of reading individual reviews alongside numerical ratings
• Advise on how to identify patterns in patient feedback