Dr. Kari Sutter, MD

Dr. Kari Sutter, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care at her clinic in West Palm Beach, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she recognizes 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's committed to empowering you to live your best life. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Please call (561) 804-0200 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kari Sutter, MD is a rheumatologist in West Palm Beach, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. A graduate of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2002, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her experience, coupled with a commitment to preventative care, positions her as a trusted partner in your health journey. As an academic medical center, Cleveland Clinic Florida provides world-class care, prioritizing best-in-class patient experiences and superior clinical outcomes, a philosophy deeply integrated into Dr. Sutter's approach. Dr. Kari Sutter provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Osteoarthritis of Hand: Don't let hand osteoarthritis take control of your life. Seeking timely medical care and adopting a preventive lifestyle can help manage symptoms and protect your hand joints from irreversible damage.
• Arthritis: Don't let arthritis control your life. WePrevent empowers you to learn about risk factors and take steps toward early diagnosis and treatment, helping you maintain mobility and independence.
• 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.
• Juvenile Chronic Arthritis: Because juvenile chronic arthritis can significantly impact joint health, preventative care through close monitoring and timely intervention is crucial for children's well-being.
• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively, through lifestyle changes and/or medication, is key to preventing further deterioration and disability associated with arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Hand and wrist osteoarthritis can be effectively managed to prevent further joint deterioration and maintain function; regular check-ups with a rheumatologist are crucial for early detection and appropriate treatment.
• Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Understanding and managing risk factors for shoulder osteoarthritis, such as repetitive movements or injury, can help prevent or delay the onset of this painful condition and preserve your shoulder's health.
• 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.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition affecting the muscles, but with proper management, you can significantly reduce pain and stiffness, and improve your overall well-being.
• 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.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing ankylosing spondylitis effectively through medication and lifestyle changes helps prevent spinal stiffness, fusion, and significant pain, preserving mobility and quality of life.
• Spondylitis: Recognizing the symptoms of spondylitis early and seeking medical attention can help slow disease progression, reducing long-term pain and disability associated with this condition.

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. Kari Sutter 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: 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: This simple test analyzes fluid from your affected joint, providing crucial information to diagnose arthritis and autoimmune conditions, leading to faster treatment and better outcomes.
• 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.
• Knee Injection: A knee injection can help reduce pain and inflammation in your knee joint, allowing you to stay active and prevent further damage.
• Injection of Tendon: To proactively manage tendon pain and protect your joints, this injection may reduce inflammation and promote healing.

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. Kari Sutter 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 the risk factors and incorporating a tailored exercise program, a patient significantly reduced the potential for hand osteoarthritis, maintaining their ability to enjoy daily activities.
• By proactively managing potential risk factors and attending regular check-ups, a patient successfully maintained a healthy lifestyle, ensuring they could continue to enjoy activities they loved without pain.

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. Kari Sutter:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. They work with you to diagnose and manage these conditions, often chronic, to prevent further joint damage and improve your overall well-being. They are your long-term partners 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. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Sutter will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the correct treatment plan is followed.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Sutter and our team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis. We differentiate this from mechanical back pain through a thorough diagnostic process. This ensures the right treatment is started to prevent long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

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, helping diagnose the cause of the swelling (like gout or infection), which is essential for preventing future problems.

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. Sutter screens for and treats psoriatic arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

What is infusion therapy?

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

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.

What is vasculitis?

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

525 Okeechobee Blvd Fl 14
West Palm Beach FL 33401
Phone: (561) 804-0200

Dr. Kari Sutter, 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): 1356510762

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. Kari Sutter 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.