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Best Rheumatologists in St. Petersburg

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated November 23, 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.


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List of Rheumatologists in St. Petersburg

Dr. Fellipe Oliveira

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

SF

Dr. Susan Fraser

4.9

St. Petersburg, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(727) 824-8325

American Board of Internal Medicine

Wayne State University (Fellowship Hospital, 1989)

Wayne State University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1978)

English

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

SR

Dr. Sonialy Lugo Ruiz

3.7

St. Petersburg, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(727) 824-8325

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

AS

Dr. Abie Samuel

3.2

St. Petersburg, FL

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(727) 824-8325

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

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

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

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

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