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Best Rheumatologists in Chattanooga

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated November 23, 2024

Introduction to Rheumatology in Chattanooga

Definition and scope of rheumatology

Rheumatology is a specialized branch of medicine focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the joints, muscles, and bones.

Rheumatologists in Chattanooga treat a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.

Importance of finding the right rheumatologist

Selecting an experienced rheumatologist is essential for effectively managing chronic musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions.

A skilled rheumatologist can provide personalized treatment plans, improving quality of life for patients with complex rheumatological issues.

Overview of rheumatology services in Chattanooga

Chattanooga is home to at least 14 practicing rheumatologists, offering patients a range of options for specialized care.

Major healthcare facilities in Chattanooga, such as CHI Memorial Hospital and Erlanger Baroness Hospital, provide comprehensive rheumatology services.


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List of Rheumatologists in Chattanooga

JH

Dr. Jessica Huffstutter

5.0

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(423) 826-0800

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Parkridge Medical Center

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

Starr Regional Medical Center Athens

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

JH

Dr. Joseph Huffstutter

4.8

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(423) 847-2268

American Board of Internal Medicine

University OK Health Science Center (Residency Hospital)

Medical University of South Carolina (Fellowship Hospital, 1984)

Baptist Memorial Hospital - Memphis (Internship Hospital, 1980)

University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School, 1978)

English

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

Erlanger Baroness Hospital

Rheumatology

CS

Dr. Charles Sienknecht

4.6

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Internal Medicine

University Toronto (Fellowship Hospital, 1975)

University Tenn Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1973)

Philadelphia General Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1968)

University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School, 1967)

English

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

Internal Medicine

Rheumatology

JM

Dr. Jonathan Mills

4.3

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(423) 778-4396

American Board of Internal Medicine

SOUTHWEST COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINEHEALTH SCIENCES (Medical School, 2017)

English

Erlanger Baroness Hospital

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

Dr. Natalie Braggs

Dr. Natalie Braggs

4.2

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(423) 225-5327

American Board of Internal Medicine

Vanderbilt University (Fellowship Hospital, 2014)

University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga Campus (Residency Hospital, 2009)

University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga Campus (Internship Hospital, 2007)

University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School, 2006)

English

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

Rheumatology

MG

Dr. Melinda Garcia-Rosell

4.1

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(423) 225-5327

American Board of Internal Medicine

University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School)

English

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

Rheumatology

ET

Dr. Elizabeth Turner

4.0

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(423) 778-4396

American Board of Internal Medicine

East Tennessee State University (Medical School, 1996)

English

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

Erlanger Baroness Hospital

Rheumatology

RB

Dr. Richard Brackett

4.0

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(423) 893-6890

American Board of Internal Medicine

Regional Medical Center at Memphis (Residency Hospital)

Regional Medical Center at Memphis|University Tn College Med Chattanooga (Residency Hospital)

University Tn College Med Chattanooga (Residency Hospital)

University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School, 1985)

English

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

Erlanger Baroness Hospital

Tennova Healthcare-Cleveland

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

Dr. Elizabeth Simpson

Dr. Elizabeth Simpson

3.9

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(423) 847-2268

American Board of Internal Medicine

University Of Tennessee Chattanooga (Erlanger Medical Center) (Residency Hospital, 2006)

Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)

University Of Tennessee Chattanooga (Erlanger Medical Center) (Internship Hospital, 2004)

Nova Southeastern University / College Of Allied Health (Medical School, 2003)

English

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

Erlanger Baroness Hospital

Rheumatology

Dr. Indra Shah

Dr. Indra Shah

3.8

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Gujarati, Hindi

American Board of Internal Medicine

Mercy Hospital - Pittsburgh, PA (Internship Hospital)

Mercy Hospital - Pittsburgh, PA (Residency Hospital, 2001)

University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences (Medical School, 1996)

English

Gujarati

Hindi

Parkridge Medical Center

Rheumatology

SH

Dr. Suzan House

3.6

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(423) 893-6890

Emory University School of Medicine (Medical School)

Emory University School Med/Emory University Affil Hosps (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)

Emory University Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2004)

English

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

Rheumatology

MB

Dr. Michael Brit

3.1

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Russian

Phone

(423) 778-4396

American Board of Internal Medicine

Washington Hospital Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2002)

Morristown Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2000)

Russian St Med University (Medical School, 1989)

English

Russian

Erlanger Baroness Hospital

Rheumatology

AE

Dr. Alan Elliott

3.0

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Internal Medicine

East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine (Medical School, 2000)

English

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

Rheumatology

WC

Dr. William Craig

N/A

Chattanooga, TN

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(423) 893-6890

University Tn College Med Chattanooga (Residency Hospital, 1993)

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 1989)

East Tn State University (Undergraduate School, 1985)

English

CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga

Hamilton Medical Center

Tennova Healthcare-Cleveland

Rheumatology

Selecting a Rheumatologist in Chattanooga

Factors to consider when choosing a rheumatologist

Qualifications and board certifications

  • Review American Board of Internal Medicine certifications
  • Consider additional specializations or fellowships

Experience and education

  • Examine medical school and residency information
  • Look for fellowship training in rheumatology

Hospital affiliations

  • Check associations with reputable hospitals like CHI Memorial and Erlanger Baroness
  • Consider convenience of hospital locations

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Analyze star ratings and number of reviews
  • Read patient feedback for insights on doctor-patient relationships

Resources for finding rheumatologists in Chattanooga

Online platforms and directories

  • Utilize Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor information
  • Explore other medical review websites for additional perspectives

Professional referrals

  • Consult with primary care physicians for recommendations
  • Seek advice from other specialists in related fields

Local health organizations

  • Contact Chattanooga-area hospitals for rheumatology departments
  • Reach out to local arthritis or autoimmune disease support groups

Top-Rated Rheumatologists in Chattanooga

Dr. Jessica Huffstutter

Highest Star Rating

  • Perfect 5.0 star rating based on patient reviews
  • Demonstrates excellent patient satisfaction

Qualifications and Certifications

  • Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Specializes in both Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Practice Information

  • Affiliated with multiple hospitals including Parkridge Medical Center and CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga
  • Contact number: (423) 826-0800

Dr. Joseph Huffstutter

Patient Satisfaction

  • High 4.8 star rating based on 11 patient reviews
  • Indicates consistently positive patient experiences

Education and Experience

  • Extensive medical training including fellowship at Medical University of South Carolina
  • Graduated from University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 1978

Expertise and Affiliations

  • Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Affiliated with CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga and Erlanger Baroness Hospital
  • Contact number: (423) 847-2268

Dr. Charles Sienknecht

Patient Reviews

  • Solid 4.6 star rating based on 13 patient reviews
  • Suggests consistent quality of care

Professional Background

  • Extensive experience with education from prestigious institutions
  • Completed fellowships at University of Toronto and University of Tennessee

Practice Details

  • Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Affiliated with CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga
  • Specializes in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology

Dr. Natalie Braggs

Patient Feedback

  • 4.2 star rating based on a significant number of reviews (57)
  • Indicates consistently good patient experiences

Educational Background

  • Completed fellowship at Vanderbilt University
  • Graduated from University of Tennessee College of Medicine

Professional Information

  • Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Affiliated with CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga
  • Contact number: (423) 225-5327

Dr. Melinda Garcia-Rosell

Patient Satisfaction

  • 4.1 star rating based on 26 patient reviews
  • Suggests consistent quality care

Qualifications

  • Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Graduated from University of Tennessee College of Medicine

Practice Information

  • Affiliated with CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga
  • Contact number: (423) 225-5327
  • Specializes in Rheumatology

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Rheumatologist

Language options

Doctors offering services in multiple languages

  • Dr. Indra Shah: English, Gujarati, Hindi
  • Dr. Michael Brit: English, Russian

Importance of clear communication in rheumatology care

  • Discuss complex medical terms
  • Explain treatment plans effectively

Gender preferences

Availability of both male and female rheumatologists

  • Female doctors: Dr. Jessica Huffstutter, Dr. Natalie Braggs, Dr. Melinda Garcia-Rosell, Dr. Elizabeth Turner, Dr. Elizabeth Simpson, Dr. Suzan House
  • Male doctors: Dr. Joseph Huffstutter, Dr. Charles Sienknecht, Dr. Jonathan Mills, Dr. Richard Brackett, Dr. Indra Shah, Dr. Michael Brit, Dr. Alan Elliott, Dr. William Craig

Considering personal comfort in doctor-patient relationships

  • Impact on open communication
  • Long-term care preferences

Accessibility and location

Proximity to major hospitals in Chattanooga

  • CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga
  • Erlanger Baroness Hospital
  • Parkridge Medical Center

Ease of scheduling appointments

  • Availability of contact information
  • Online scheduling options