Rheumatology

Rheumatology Treatment in Northern NJ

When patients experience pain in their joints, muscles, and bones, they can seek diagnosis and treatments from the rheumatology practitioners at Bergen Medical Associates. These experienced physicians provide expertise in a wide variety of conditions and diseases. Caring for patients in northern New Jersey for over 25 years, the board-certified rheumatologists use the latest research and medical technology.

What Is Rheumatology?

As medical doctors in internal medicine, rheumatologists work in an important subspecialty. They pay special attention to autoimmune, inflammatory, and other conditions that cause pain and discomfort in joints, muscles, and bones. When patients experience severe pain or swelling in these areas, or if stiffness persists for more than a few days, it is best to make an appointment with a rheumatologist. As the connective tissues subject to some autoimmune conditions exist throughout the body, these highly trained specialists examine the whole person when making a diagnosis.

What Conditions Can Rheumatologists Diagnose?

Rheumatology research is always bringing new information and previously unidentified conditions and diseases to light. The rheumatology team at Bergen Medical Associates specializes in comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of the following:

• Connective tissue diseases
• Osteoporosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Musculoskeletal pain disorders
• Bursitis
• Tennis elbow
• Rotator cuff issues
• Rheumatic fever
• Myositis
• Tendonitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Gout
• Vasculitis
• Back pain

Bergen Medical Associates also offers expertise in several rheumatoid conditions and diseases, including:

• Arthritis: This includes rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, and other forms
• Autoimmune diseases: These include lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and scleroderma

Rheumatic diseases are not always easy to diagnose, especially in the early stages. However, rheumatologists receive specialized training to detect the causes and developments of a variety of conditions.

Determining the cause of pain and swelling is an important area of medical expertise. Patients are encouraged to make an appointment with a rheumatologist, rather than waiting for long periods. Early diagnosis and treatment often provide the best result. Musculoskeletal disorders, especially, should be treated as early as possible.

Which Treatments Do Rheumatologists Prescribe?

Given the variety of diseases and conditions that rheumatologists diagnose, there are several types of therapies and treatments these medical professionals utilize. Usually targeted to help prevent inflammatory issues that affect muscles and joints, treatments may include:

• Medication
• Injections
• Physical therapy
• Referrals for surgery or other specialists

With so many medical specialties available at Bergen Medical Associates, the rheumatology team can work closely with other physicians and practitioners. A compliant electronic health records system shares patient records with primary care and specialty physicians. This ability to share information across office locations and departments means physicians can provide responsive, integrated care to patients.

Rheumatology at Bergen Medical Associates

The team of rheumatologists at Bergen Medical Associates offers varied skill sets and training specialties, working together to provide the best care for patients. Because rheumatic diseases and conditions often change and develop over time, rheumatologists develop individualized treatment programs for patients. The rheumatologists work collaboratively with all the medical doctors involved in the care of each patient and include:

• Jeff Chung, MD: A board-certified rheumatologist who has received several awards, including Top Doc from Castle Connolly.
• Deana Nes, DO: A board-certified rheumatologist who is fluent in English and Russian and conversant in medical Spanish.