Dr. Annabelle Lee, MD

Dr. Annabelle Lee, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a key partner in preventive health, specializing in the diagnosis and management of arthritis and autoimmune diseases. 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. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Dr. Lee is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (904) 292-4111 to schedule.

With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, Dr. Lee brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Cebu Institute Of Medicine, Cebu City in 1998, completing an internship at Cebu Velez General Hospital in 1999. Following medical school, she undertook residency training in Rheumatology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (2004), and further specialized with a fellowship in Cooper University Hospital (2006). This extensive training, coupled with her experience in Autoimmune Diseases and Osteoporosis & Screening, allows her to provide exceptional care. Dr. Lee is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center Beaches and Baptist Medical Center Nassau and is fluent in Bisaya and offers consultations in Chinese. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Annabelle Lee is a rheumatologist in Jacksonville, FL and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

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

• Pyogenic Arthritis: Protecting your joints from the devastating effects of pyogenic arthritis, a bacterial infection, starts with recognizing symptoms like intense joint pain and fever, and seeking immediate medical care.
• Palindromic Rheumatism: Palindromic rheumatism is a type of arthritis where joint swelling comes and goes, and early diagnosis helps prevent lasting joint damage.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Managing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) effectively through medication and lifestyle changes minimizes inflammation and prevents further complications, helping you enjoy life to the fullest.
• Systemic Chondromalacia: Early diagnosis of cartilage damage, even if widespread, is crucial for slowing its progression and preventing significant joint pain and disability later on.
• Infective Arthritis: Managing infective arthritis effectively, through antibiotics and other treatments, is vital to controlling inflammation and avoiding serious, long-term joint problems.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Protecting your skin from sun exposure and seeking medical attention for any unexplained rashes can help prevent the progression of cutaneous lupus erythematosus and its long-term effects.
• Granulomatosis: Early detection of granulomatosis is key to preventing irreversible damage to your organs, enabling timely intervention and better long-term health management.
• Lupus: Because lupus can affect many parts of your body, proactive care including regular monitoring and treatment helps prevent serious health problems and preserves your well-being.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early detection of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is crucial, as managing this condition promptly can help prevent long-term joint damage and disability, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
• Arthritis: Protecting your joints starts with understanding arthritis: early detection and proactive management, as supported by WePrevent, can significantly slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Protecting your hip and thigh joints from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps like maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular, low-impact exercise to prevent joint damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Wrist: Early detection of rheumatoid arthritis in the wrist is crucial, as prompt intervention can significantly reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and maintain hand function for longer.

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. Annabelle Lee 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: To prevent future bone problems, a bone density scan helps assess your risk of osteoporosis and other bone-thinning conditions, enabling timely intervention.
• 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: Taking a proactive step with joint drainage can help diagnose underlying conditions like arthritis and infections causing joint pain and swelling.
• Joint Fluid Test: By getting a joint fluid test, you're taking charge of your health. It helps determine the type of arthritis you may have and guides your doctor in choosing the most effective treatment strategy.
• Steroid Injection: As part of your arthritis management plan, a steroid injection provides a powerful, short-term way to control inflammation, enabling you to participate more fully in daily activities.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: To protect your joints from further damage and maintain their health, viscosupplementation using hyaluronate injections can replenish the natural cushioning, easing pain and stiffness.
• Nutritional Counseling: Empower yourself to better manage your arthritis symptoms by understanding how nutrition impacts inflammation and joint health through personalized dietary guidance.

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. Annabelle Lee 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:

• Recognizing the early signs of joint pain and fever, a patient sought prompt medical attention, significantly reducing their risk of pyogenic arthritis. This proactive approach allowed the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent potential long-term joint damage.
• By understanding the patterns of their joint pain and working with a rheumatologist, a patient proactively managed their palindromic rheumatism, minimizing future joint damage and enjoying a more stable quality of life.

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. Annabelle Lee:

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 your condition, 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 joint disease, often called "wear and tear," where cartilage breaks down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Lee will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the right treatment plan is followed.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are safe and effective when performed by a specialist. They rapidly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for better participation in physical therapy and daily life, but are used judiciously to manage flare-ups.

How is psoriatic arthritis different from psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition causing rashes and scales, while psoriatic arthritis is a related condition that also involves joint inflammation. Not everyone with psoriasis gets arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Lee screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. Dr. Lee will review your symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and order specific blood tests to look for autoantibodies and markers of inflammation. This process is crucial for understanding your condition and preventing disease progression.

What are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced medications derived from living sources. They work by targeting very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole system, making them a powerful tool to prevent joint damage and preserve function.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Lee and her team can help determine if your chronic back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis. This is different from mechanical back pain. A thorough evaluation is key to ensuring the correct diagnosis and treatment plan to prevent long-term spinal issues like fusion and stiffness.

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

A positive ANA can be a sign of an autoimmune condition, but it's not definitive. Dr. Lee will consider this result along with your full medical history and other tests to determine if you have an autoimmune disease, avoiding unnecessary worry or misdiagnosis.

13241 Bartram Park Blvd Unit 2105
Jacksonville FL 32258
Phone: (904) 292-4111

Dr. Annabelle Lee, 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): 1043341795

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. Annabelle Lee 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.