Best Rheumatologists in Little Rock

Introduction to Rheumatology in Little Rock

Definition and scope of rheumatology

Rheumatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. These disorders can affect joints, muscles, and bones, causing pain, inflammation, and potential disability.

Rheumatologists are trained to manage complex conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, and many other inflammatory disorders. Their expertise is essential for accurate diagnosis and developing comprehensive treatment plans.

The landscape of rheumatology in Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas, is home to several qualified rheumatologists, offering patients a range of options for specialized care. Based on the provided data, there are at least 15 rheumatologists practicing in the Little Rock area.

The availability of rheumatology care in Little Rock appears to be adequate, with multiple specialists associated with major healthcare institutions such as Baptist Health Medical Center and CHI St. Vincent Infirmary. This suggests that patients have access to both outpatient clinics and hospital-based care when needed.

Navigating the Doctor Selection Process

Factors to consider when choosing a rheumatologist

Board certification and qualifications

• Verify American Board of Internal Medicine certification
• Review educational background and fellowships

Experience and specializations

• Consider years of practice in rheumatology
• Look for additional specialties like Internal Medicine

Hospital affiliations

• Check associations with reputable hospitals in Little Rock
• Consider proximity of affiliated hospitals to your location

Patient ratings and reviews

• Examine star ratings and number of reviews
• Read patient feedback for insights into doctor-patient relationships

Resources for finding rheumatologists in Little Rock

Online doctor review platforms

• Utilize Healthgrades and similar websites
• Compare information across multiple platforms

Professional medical associations

• Consult the American College of Rheumatology directory
• Check for local rheumatology associations in Arkansas

Referrals from primary care physicians

• Discuss options with your current doctor
• Ask for recommendations based on your specific condition

Top-Rated Rheumatologists in Little Rock

Dr. Richard Houk

Qualifications and Experience

• Board certified by American Board of Internal Medicine
• Over 40 years of experience since graduating in 1977
• Fellowship at Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Hospital Affiliations

• Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock

Patient Ratings

• 4.7 star rating based on 25 reviews
• Highly regarded by patients

Dr. Noha Mohamed

Specialties

• Dual specialization in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine
• Comprehensive approach to rheumatic conditions

Hospital Affiliations

• Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs
• Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway
• Conway Regional Health System

Patient Satisfaction

• 4.7 star rating from 13 patient reviews
• Positive patient feedback

Dr. Rachel Wayne

Education and Certification

• Graduate of University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
• Board certified by American Board of Internal Medicine

Practice Location

• Affiliated with CHI St. Vincent Infirmary

Patient Reviews

• 4.6 star rating based on 7 reviews
• Well-regarded despite fewer reviews

Additional Highly Rated Rheumatologists

Dr. Laura Trigg

• 4.4 star rating from 14 reviews
• Extensive education including fellowship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Board certified in Internal Medicine

Dr. Tamer Alsebai

• 4.1 star rating from 13 reviews
• Multilingual: fluent in English and Arabic
• Affiliated with CHI St. Vincent Infirmary

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Rheumatologist

Availability and scheduling

New patient acceptance

• Check if the rheumatologist is accepting new patients
• Inquire about the typical wait time for new patient appointments

Appointment flexibility

• Consider the doctor's office hours and availability for follow-up appointments
• Ask about telemedicine options for routine check-ups

Communication and patient care approach

Doctor-patient relationship

• Evaluate the doctor's communication style during initial consultation
• Assess their willingness to explain treatment options and answer questions

Language considerations

• Note that Dr. Tamer Alsebai speaks Arabic in addition to English
• Dr. Cummins Lue offers services in Chinese
• Consider language needs for non-English speaking patients

Location and accessibility

Hospital affiliations

• Many top-rated doctors are affiliated with Baptist Health Medical Center or CHI St. Vincent Infirmary
• Consider proximity of these hospitals to your location

Office locations

• Research the exact office locations of preferred rheumatologists
• Consider parking availability and public transportation options