Dr. Amir Agha, MD

Dr. Amir Agha, MD is a Rheumatology specialist at Bay Arthritis Institute, Inc. in Panama City, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Rheumatologists are your primary partners in preventing joint damage and preserving quality of life, expertly diagnosing and managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases through long-term health plans, coordinated screenings, and comprehensive wellness management to control inflammation and empower you to live your best life. He serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (850) 972-1692 to schedule.

Dr. Amir Agha, MD is a rheumatologist in Panama City, FL. He has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening and is affiliated with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Agha earned his medical degree from University Autonoma De Guadalajara, followed by an internship at New York Medical College/Sound Shore Medical Center. He completed residency training in Rheumatology at New York Medical College - Metropolitan Hospital, and further specialized with fellowship training in Newark Beth Israel Medical Center - St. Barnabas Medical Center. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Agha's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Agha provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Amir Agha is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Amir Agha can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Amir Agha provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Bursitis: Bursitis, the painful inflammation of the small sacs around your joints, can be significantly improved with early intervention, reducing long-term limitations.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Early diagnosis of spinal osteoarthritis is key to preventing debilitating pain and disability by allowing for timely interventions like exercise and medication.
• Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa: Catching polyarteritis nodosa early through regular health checks can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications, like kidney failure or heart problems.
• Systemic Vasculitis: By recognizing the signs of systemic vasculitis and working closely with your doctor, you can take steps to control the disease and prevent it from progressing, preserving your quality of life.
• Dermatomyositis: Managing dermatomyositis effectively means working closely with your doctor to control inflammation and muscle damage, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
• Spondylitis: Managing spondylitis effectively through medication and lifestyle changes is key to controlling inflammation and protecting your spine's long-term health.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Even without the classic rheumatoid factor, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis can still cause significant joint inflammation; effective treatment strategies focus on controlling symptoms and preventing irreversible joint damage.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Having seropositive rheumatoid arthritis signifies your immune system is attacking your joints; proactive management with medication and lifestyle changes can slow progression and protect your mobility.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Understanding your risk factors for chondrocalcinosis and seeking timely medical care can help prevent or slow the progression of related arthritis, improving your long-term quality of life.
• Polymyositis: Polymyositis is an inflammatory condition that can weaken your muscles; proactive management, including medication and physical therapy, can help prevent the disease from progressing and maintain your strength and independence.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Early diagnosis of foot osteoarthritis is crucial, as prompt treatment can help minimize pain, inflammation, and the need for more extensive interventions later.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Protecting your hand joints from further damage due to osteoarthritis is crucial; early detection through regular check-ups allows for timely intervention and better long-term outcomes.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Amir Agha offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Bone Density Scan: A bone density scan is a quick and painless test that helps measure the strength of your bones, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Protecting your joints starts with knowing your bone health. A DEXA scan provides valuable information about bone density, aiding in the early diagnosis and management of conditions like osteoporosis which can affect your joints.
• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage helps relieve pressure and inflammation, allowing for a more comfortable life and potentially preventing long-term joint damage.
• Joint Fluid Test: Early detection of inflammatory conditions is key; a joint fluid test can assist in this early diagnosis of arthritis, helping to preserve joint function and prevent long-term disability.
• Steroid Injection: Steroid injections are sometimes used to quickly reduce inflammation and pain in a specific joint, allowing for improved function and preventing long-term damage.
• Trigger Point Injection: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune condition? Trigger point injections offer targeted pain relief, reducing the strain on your joints.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: As a proactive step in managing your arthritis, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate involves injections to improve the joint's shock-absorbing capacity, reducing inflammation and improving function.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Rheumatology in Florida.

Dr. Amir Agha is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By proactively addressing potential bursitis triggers with guidance from a rheumatologist, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future flare-ups and maintained a more active lifestyle.
• By understanding their spinal health risks and following a proactive exercise plan, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of developing debilitating osteoarthritis pain. This proactive approach ensured a more comfortable and active lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Rheumatologic care with Dr. Amir Agha:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They can help manage chronic conditions, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall well-being through long-term care.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where cartilage breaks down, often due to wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Agha's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the appropriate treatment is given.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Agha and our team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis. We differentiate this from mechanical back pain through a careful diagnostic process. This process is crucial to ensure the right treatment is started promptly, preventing long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

What is fibromyalgia and how is it treated?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Treatment is multi-faceted, focusing on preventing flare-ups through a combination of medication, gentle exercise, stress management, and improved sleep hygiene.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Agha uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the office as a safe, real-time imaging tool. This allows for precise diagnosis of joint and tendon inflammation, and accurate guidance for injections, maximizing medication delivery.

What does it mean if my ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is positive?

A positive ANA can be a marker for autoimmune disease, but it's not definitive. A rheumatologist will consider this result alongside your symptoms and other tests to determine if you have an autoimmune condition, avoiding unnecessary worry or misdiagnosis.

What causes a gout flare, and how can I prevent one?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals forming in a joint. Common triggers include red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Preventing flares involves medication to lower uric acid and lifestyle changes to manage these triggers, helping to avoid painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

Arthrocentesis is a procedure where a specialist removes excess fluid from a swollen joint using a needle. This provides immediate pain relief and allows lab analysis of the fluid to diagnose the cause of swelling, which is essential for preventing future problems.

Bay Arthritis Institute, Inc
2401 State Ave Ste 100
Panama City FL 32405
Phone: (850) 972-1692

Dr. Amir Agha, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1831381789

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Rheumatology like Dr. Amir Agha are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your rheumatology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.