Dr. Austin Anderson, DO

Dr. Austin Anderson, DO is a Rheumatologist practicing at his clinic in Gainesville, 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. Call (352) 265-0111 to schedule. Dr. Anderson, a Rheumatologist at the University of Florida, brings over 10 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 2014 and completed residency training in Rheumatology at the University Of Florida in 2017, followed by fellowship training in a specialized area at the University Of Florida At Shands. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, adhering to the philosophy, "Listen to your patient; he is telling you the diagnosis." - Sir William Osler. Dr. Anderson provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Pyogenic Arthritis: Pyogenic arthritis is a serious joint infection that needs immediate treatment to prevent permanent joint damage and disability, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention for any sudden joint pain or swelling.
• Osteoarthritis: Don't let osteoarthritis limit your activities! Early detection and appropriate management strategies, such as weight management and joint-protective exercises, can greatly reduce pain and preserve your joint health.
• 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.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Managing osteoarthritis in your hands and wrists involves a proactive approach to reduce pain and inflammation, thereby preserving your hand function and preventing future limitations.
• Bursitis: Managing bursitis effectively through rest, ice, and sometimes medication prevents the condition from worsening and causing chronic pain.
• Gout: Regular checkups and monitoring uric acid levels are key to preventing gout flares and minimizing the long-term effects of this common arthritis.
• Infective Arthritis: Early diagnosis of infective arthritis is crucial because swift treatment can minimize joint damage and help you maintain an active lifestyle.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Protecting your joints from the long-term effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding the condition: RA is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation, and early intervention with proper management is key to preventing disability.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Managing psoriatic arthritis effectively, with the help of your doctor, involves controlling inflammation to protect your joints and prevent long-term pain and stiffness.
• Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Living well with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) means focusing on proactive health management. By working closely with your rheumatologist to monitor symptoms and manage the disease, you can significantly reduce the risk of debilitating complications.
• Autoimmune Vasculitis: Catching autoimmune vasculitis early is crucial because timely treatment can significantly reduce inflammation and minimize the risk of irreversible organ 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. Austin Anderson 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: As part of your overall health plan, a bone density scan provides valuable information about your bone health, allowing for proactive measures to prevent fractures and maintain mobility.
• Bursa Injection: This injection targets inflamed bursae, providing direct relief and helping prevent long-term joint damage caused by inflammation.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Regular DEXA scans can be a vital part of your arthritis management plan, providing insights into bone density and helping you and your doctor create a strategy to maintain strong bones and prevent fractures.
• 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: A joint fluid test helps your doctor understand what's causing your joint pain and swelling, allowing for early and effective treatment to prevent further damage.
• 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.
• Synovial Biopsy: A synovial biopsy is a small tissue sample taken from your joint lining to help doctors diagnose and manage arthritis or other joint conditions early, potentially preventing long-term damage.

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. Austin Anderson 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 diligently attending regular appointments and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of lupus-related inflammation and maintained a positive outlook on their health.
• By proactively addressing potential risk factors and understanding early warning signs of joint pain, a patient was empowered to prevent pyogenic arthritis and maintain healthy joints. This proactive approach ensured they could enjoy their daily activities without fear of future complications.

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. Austin Anderson:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Anderson is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatic diseases, such as musculoskeletal problems and autoimmune conditions. He works with patients to diagnose and treat these conditions, helping manage chronic issues, prevent joint damage, and improve overall well-being.

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 attacks the joints. Dr. Anderson's role is to accurately diagnose the type of arthritis to provide the best possible treatment.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. We carefully review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order specific blood tests to identify autoantibodies and markers of inflammation. This process is crucial for determining the best course of treatment and preventing disease progression.

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

A positive ANA can be a marker for an autoimmune disease, but it's not a diagnosis on its own. A rheumatologist will consider this result along with your symptoms and other tests to determine if you have an autoimmune condition or if it's present without disease. This approach helps avoid unnecessary worry and ensures an accurate diagnosis.

What is a DEXA scan and why might I need one?

A DEXA scan is a simple, painless, low-dose x-ray that measures bone density. It's the gold standard for screening for osteoporosis and helps assess your risk of fracture before it happens, allowing for preventive treatment.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a group of rare diseases causing inflammation of the blood vessels. Symptoms vary greatly depending on which blood vessels are affected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are crucial to prevent damage to vital organs.

What does a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) do?

A joint aspiration, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure where a specialist removes excess fluid from a swollen joint using a needle. This provides immediate pain relief from the pressure and allows the fluid to be analyzed in a lab, helping diagnose the cause of the swelling, which is vital for preventing future problems.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise can't cure arthritis, they're powerful tools for preventing flare-ups. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms, and low-impact exercise strengthens supporting muscles, preventing further strain and improving mobility.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 265-0111

Dr. Austin Anderson, 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): 1679992275

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. Austin Anderson 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.