Dr. David Baldinger, MD

Dr. David Baldinger, MD is a Rheumatology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is a trusted partner in preventive health. 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. Dr. Baldinger is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey and encourage you to call (239) 458-3338 to schedule an appointment. As a Millennium Physician Group rheumatology provider, Dr. Baldinger is serving the Fort Myers area at 14171 Metropolis Ave. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from St. George's University in 1985 and further specialized with fellowship training at George Washington University in 1992. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. His commitment to comprehensive care, informed by his extensive training and experience, underpins his patient-centered approach to care. Dr. David Baldinger provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Granulomatosis: Understanding your risk factors for granulomatosis and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms arise can significantly reduce the severity of this condition.
• Osteoarthritis of Knee: Protecting your knee joints from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps to manage your weight and activity levels to avoid further damage.
• Polymyositis: By understanding the symptoms of polymyositis, a serious muscle disorder, and seeking prompt medical care, you can reduce your risk of long-term complications like severe muscle weakness and respiratory problems.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Protecting your hand and wrist joints from further damage due to osteoarthritis requires understanding your risk factors and taking steps to manage the condition effectively through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and pain; proactive management, including lifestyle changes and medication, can effectively control symptoms and minimize future joint damage.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Catching psoriatic arthritis early through regular health checks and recognizing its symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of irreversible joint damage and improve your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Shoulder: Don't let rheumatoid arthritis in your shoulder limit your life – proactive management, including regular check-ups and prescribed treatments, can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Dermatomyositis: Since dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease affecting muscles and skin, prompt diagnosis and ongoing care are essential to limit its impact and maintain your overall well-being.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Protecting your foot joints from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps to slow disease progression, ultimately preserving your quality of life.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Managing spinal osteoarthritis proactively through regular checkups and appropriate treatment can help reduce inflammation and slow the progression of joint damage, improving long-term health.
• Scleroderma: Protecting your health from the damaging effects of scleroderma involves understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms to prevent irreversible organ damage.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Managing cutaneous lupus erythematosus involves careful skincare, medication, and lifestyle choices to control inflammation and reduce the risk of further skin complications and potential organ involvement.

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. David Baldinger offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injection: As a proactive step in arthritis management, this injection helps restore cushioning in your joints, potentially delaying the need for more invasive treatments.
• Biological Therapy: To manage your autoimmune disease effectively, biological therapy offers a powerful option to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms before significant joint damage occurs.
• Biopsy: Taking a proactive step, a biopsy can help confirm a suspected diagnosis, allowing for early intervention and prevention of further joint damage.
• Knee Injection: By receiving a knee injection, you can take a proactive step towards controlling your knee pain and preserving your joint health for the long term.
• Cancer Pain Management: Managing cancer pain is a crucial step in your treatment journey, allowing for better symptom control and overall well-being.
• Injection Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better joint health by exploring injection therapy; it can effectively target inflammation and pain, improving your mobility and quality of life.

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. David Baldinger 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 understanding their risk factors and diligently following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully managed their condition, maintaining a positive outlook on their well-being. This proactive approach significantly reduced the chances of further complications.
• By understanding their risk factors and implementing a weight management plan, a patient proactively reduced the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee, resulting in a healthier lifestyle and greater peace of mind.

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. David Baldinger:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. They are skilled at diagnosing and treating these conditions, often chronic, to help prevent joint damage and improve your overall well-being. We are here as your long-term partners in managing your 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 in which the body's immune system attacks the joints. Dr. Baldinger's role is to accurately diagnose the specific type of arthritis to ensure the most appropriate treatment plan is followed.

How is psoriatic arthritis different from psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition causing rashes and scales, while psoriatic arthritis is a related condition causing joint inflammation. Not everyone with psoriasis develops arthritis, but it's a risk, and Dr. Baldinger screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent joint damage.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Baldinger's practice emphasizes preventing osteoporosis through adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and smoking cessation. A rheumatologist can assess your risk factors, perform a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss, and develop a personalized plan for early intervention to prevent fractures.

Can diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

Absolutely. While diet and exercise don't cure arthritis, they are powerful tools for prevention. An anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms, and low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling strengthens muscles supporting joints, preventing further strain and improving mobility.

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 your full medical history, symptoms, and other test results to determine if you have an autoimmune condition. This ensures an accurate diagnosis and avoids unnecessary anxiety.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Baldinger and our team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis. We differentiate this from mechanical back pain through a thorough diagnostic process. This process is critical to ensure the right treatment plan is initiated, preventing long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

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.

13813 Metro Pkwy
Fort Myers FL 33912
Phone: (239) 458-3338

Dr. David Baldinger, 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): 1144228362

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. David Baldinger 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.