Dr. Helen Bateman, MD

Dr. Helen Bateman, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is deeply committed to helping individuals prevent joint damage and preserve quality of life. 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. Bateman is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 972-2000 to schedule. Dr. Helen Bateman, MD is a rheumatologist in Tampa, FL. She earned her medical degree from Charles University At Hradci Kralove, Medical College, and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Bateman provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sarcoidosis: Managing sarcoidosis effectively through medication and monitoring can help prevent irreversible joint damage and other serious complications.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, leading to pain and damage—early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow its progression and prevent irreversible joint destruction.
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and early diagnosis with a rheumatologist helps manage symptoms and prevent disability.
• Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, and early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent joint damage and recurring attacks.
• Dermatomyositis: Managing dermatomyositis effectively means working closely with your doctor to control inflammation and muscle damage, preserving your mobility and quality of life.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, confirmed by blood markers, emphasizes the urgency of working closely with your doctor to control inflammation and reduce the risk of severe joint damage, preserving your quality of life.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Protecting your spine and overall health requires understanding ankylosing spondylitis: early diagnosis allows for effective management and prevention of severe long-term complications like spinal deformity.
• Spondylitis: To prevent the progression of spondylitis and potential complications, such as spinal deformity, it's vital to work closely with your rheumatologist and follow their recommendations.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Don't let the pain of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) control your life; proactive healthcare and early treatment can help control symptoms and prevent long-term health problems.

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. Helen Bateman 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: A DEXA scan is a quick and painless X-ray that helps measure bone density, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis and helping prevent fractures related to arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
• 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: A steroid injection can be a proactive step to reduce inflammation and pain in your joints, helping you manage your arthritis symptoms and maintain mobility.
• Steroid Treatment: Steroid treatment is a proactive approach to managing the inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases, helping you maintain mobility and avoid long-term joint damage.
• Knee Injection: To proactively manage your arthritis, a knee injection can deliver medication directly to the source of inflammation, easing pain and improving mobility.

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. Helen Bateman 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 working closely with a rheumatologist, a patient proactively managed potential symptoms, reducing the risk of long-term joint damage and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• By diligently adhering to a personalized care plan, a patient effectively managed lupus symptoms, significantly reducing the risk of long-term complications and maintaining a fulfilling 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. Helen Bateman:

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 a valuable partner in managing chronic conditions, preventing joint damage, and improving your overall well-being. We work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and support you long-term.

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. Bateman will correctly diagnose the cause to ensure the right treatment plan and prevent further damage.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. Dr. Bateman and her team carefully review your symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and order specific blood tests to identify autoantibodies and markers of inflammation. This crucial first step helps to prevent disease progression and guide treatment.

What are biologic medications and how do they work?

Biologic medications are a modern class of advanced drugs derived from living sources. They work by targeting 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 diet and exercise really help my arthritis?

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

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 develops arthritis, but it's a known risk. Dr. Bateman's role is to screen for and treat the arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Bateman uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in our office to safely and quickly image joints and tendons in real-time. This allows for precise diagnosis of inflammation and accurate guidance during injections, maximizing medication delivery.

What is vasculitis?

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

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Dr. Helen Bateman, 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): 1174527824

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. Helen Bateman 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.