Dr. Ann Chauffe, DO

Dr. Ann Chauffe, DO is a Rheumatology specialist practicing at her Gainesville, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health on weprevent.org, Dr. Chauffe understands that 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, she empowers you to live your best life. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Currently, she is not accepting new patients, but you can call (352) 265-4846 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Chauffe, a clinical assistant professor within the division of rheumatology and clinical immunology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care. She earned her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2007, followed by an internship and internal medicine residency at the University of Pennsylvania, culminating in her rheumatology fellowship at UF Health. This comprehensive training, coupled with her board certifications in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, ensures her patients receive the highest quality care. Her research interests include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis, reflecting a commitment to the latest advancements in the field. Dr. Chauffe's care philosophy prioritizes patient education and collaboration, empowering individuals to actively participate in their health management. Consultations are primarily offered in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Ann Chauffe 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. Ann Chauffe 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. Ann Chauffe 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:

• Spondylitis: Spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment can help prevent permanent joint damage and disability.
• Lupus: Early detection and consistent management of lupus are key to preventing the inflammation and joint damage that can significantly impact your quality of life.
• Joint Pain: Experiencing persistent joint pain? Don't delay seeking medical attention; proactive management can significantly reduce inflammation and preserve your joint health.
• Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare disease causing inflammation of blood vessels, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications like lung or nerve damage.
• Polymyositis: Managing polymyositis effectively requires a close partnership with your rheumatologist to control inflammation, prevent further muscle damage, and maintain your overall quality of life.
• Sarcoidosis: Because sarcoidosis can cause joint pain and inflammation, early detection and prompt treatment can help prevent the development of chronic arthritis and disability.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Foot osteoarthritis can significantly impact your daily life, but proactive management, including regular check-ups and appropriate exercise, can help maintain mobility and reduce long-term complications.
• Granulomatosis: Granulomatosis is a group of rare diseases where abnormal immune cell clumps (granulomas) form in organs, and early diagnosis is crucial for preventing serious organ 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.
• Systemic Chondromalacia: Managing systemic chondromalacia effectively involves proactive steps to protect your joints, such as maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in low-impact exercise, to minimize further damage.
• Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your muscles and skin, making early diagnosis crucial for preventing muscle weakness and skin damage.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment can significantly reduce long-term disability and joint damage.

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. Ann Chauffe 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: Protecting your bones from age-related decline, a bone density scan is a vital screening tool for identifying early signs of osteoporosis and facilitating timely treatment.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: For individuals with arthritis or autoimmune diseases, a DEXA scan is an important tool to assess bone health and take steps to prevent fractures, a common complication.
• Joint Drainage: By draining fluid from an affected joint, we can analyze its contents to better understand and treat your arthritis or other inflammatory condition.
• 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: To ease severe joint pain and stiffness, a steroid injection offers targeted relief, helping prevent further joint damage and improve your quality of life.
• Injection Therapy: Injection therapy is a proactive approach to managing chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases, improving your daily comfort and functionality.
• Biopuncture: As part of your comprehensive arthritis management, biopuncture can provide your doctor with localized information about inflammation in your joints, facilitating more targeted treatment.

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. Ann Chauffe 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 adhering to a proactive treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing long-term spinal issues associated with spondylitis, ensuring a healthier future.
• By diligently adhering to the proactive management plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing severe lupus symptoms, achieving greater peace of mind and a healthier lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Ann Chauffe:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Chauffe and our team are rheumatologists, medical doctors specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. We work with you to diagnose, treat, and manage these conditions, aiming to prevent joint damage and improve your overall well-being. We are committed to being your long-term partner in care.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, often called "wear and tear," where cartilage breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Chauffe will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the appropriate treatment is given.

What is infusion therapy?

Infusion therapy involves receiving medication directly through an IV in a comfortable, medically supervised setting. This method is highly effective for many advanced biologic medications, ensuring the body receives the full dose needed to control disease and prevent flares.

What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture, primarily leading to dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications like dental decay and eye damage.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases that involve inflammation of the blood vessels. Symptoms can vary widely depending on which blood vessels are affected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are critical to prevent potential damage to vital organs.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Chauffe and our team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis. A thorough diagnostic process is essential to distinguish this from mechanical back pain and ensure the right treatment plan is initiated to prevent long-term spinal issues like 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.

What is lupus and what are its common symptoms?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, and heart. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and a butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

1549 Gale Lemerand Dr # 3
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 265-4846

Dr. Ann Chauffe, DO 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): 1306039201

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. Ann Chauffe 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.