Naples Rheumatology Clinic
The most credentialed, expert Rheumatology team in Southwest Florida
A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who is qualified by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. Many rheumatologists conduct research to determine the cause of, and improved treatment for, these disabling and sometimes fatal diseases. Anchor’s Rheumatology Division, under the directorship of Eric J. Hochman, M.D., triple Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Rheumatology, offers a range of clinical services including the treatment of arthritic conditions, joint aspirations, bone densities, and more.
Dr. Hochman is one of only two Rheumatologists on staff and credentialed at the Naples Community Hospital System and is one of a handful of physicians certified by the International Society of Clinical Densitometry to read and interpret bone densities. He is actively involved in clinical research, serving as a Principal Investigator in multiple Rheumatology clinical trials.
If musculoskeletal pains are not severe or disabling and last only a few days, it makes sense to give the problem a reasonable chance to be resolved. But often, pain in the joints, muscles or bones is severe or persists for more than a few days. At that point, you should see your physician.
Many types of rheumatologic diseases are not easily identified in the early stages. Rheumatologists are trained to do the detective work necessary to discover the cause of swelling and pain. It’s important to determine a correct diagnosis early so that appropriate treatment can begin immediately. Some musculoskeletal disorders respond best to treatment in the early stages of the disease.
Because some rheumatologic diseases are complex, one visit to a rheumatologist may not be enough to determine a diagnosis and course of treatment. These diseases often change or evolve over time. Rheumatologists work closely with patients to identify the problem and design an individualized treatment program.
Anchor Health Centers Rheumatology Division, closely coordinated with Anchor’s Orthopedics and Physical Therapy, provides state-of-the-art care to patients with the following conditions:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Ostopenia
- Osteoporosis
- Gout and Pseudogout
- Lupus
- Connective Tissue Disorders
- Autoimmune Diseases
- All other bone, muscle and joint diseases and issues
We are proud of our 95% on time rate (within 5 minutes of scheduled appointment times) for our patients.