Dr. Laura Cruse, MD

Dr. Laura Cruse, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Fletcher in Tampa, FL. Dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care, she 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. She serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Dr. Cruse is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, so please call (813) 345-2380 to schedule.

With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, Dr. Cruse brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in 1999 and 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. Her fellowship-trained expertise extends to a full range of internal medicine and rheumatology services, including the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, such as musculoskeletal pain disorders, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. She has been a sub-investigator in multiple rheumatological clinical trials, and her commitment to community service is evident through volunteer work at the Migrant Clinic for Catholic Charities. Dr. Cruse offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively, through lifestyle changes and/or medication, is key to preventing further deterioration and disability associated with arthritis.
• 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 Shoulder: Don't let shoulder osteoarthritis limit your activities. Early detection and a tailored treatment plan, including physical therapy and medication, can significantly improve your shoulder function and prevent further deterioration.
• Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist: Don't let hand or wrist osteoarthritis limit your daily activities; early intervention with appropriate treatment strategies, such as physical therapy and medication, can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent joint damage.
• 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.
• Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis: While blood tests may be negative for certain markers in seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, experiencing persistent joint pain and inflammation warrants a rheumatologist's assessment for timely intervention and to minimize future complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your muscles and skin, making early diagnosis crucial for preventing muscle weakness and skin damage.
• Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Don't let hip and thigh osteoarthritis limit your life. Early detection through regular checkups with your doctor and implementing preventative strategies like physical therapy can help you manage symptoms and avoid long-term complications.
• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Rheumatoid arthritis affecting your hands can lead to significant joint destruction if not properly managed; focusing on early detection, appropriate medication, and regular check-ups are vital for preventing long-term complications and preserving quality of life.

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. Laura Cruse 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: Protecting your bones from age-related decline, a bone density scan is a vital screening tool for identifying early signs of osteoporosis and facilitating timely treatment.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: Take a proactive step towards bone health with a DEXA scan – it's a simple test that can identify weakening bones, crucial for managing arthritis and preventing future complications.
• Joint Drainage: Joint drainage is a procedure that helps remove excess fluid from your joints, relieving pain and potentially identifying the cause of inflammation.
• 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: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: As a proactive step in managing your arthritis, viscosupplementation with hyaluronate involves injections to improve the joint's shock-absorbing capacity, reducing inflammation and improving function.
• Cortisone Injection: To proactively manage your arthritis symptoms and prevent further joint damage, a cortisone injection can provide significant relief by reducing inflammation.

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. Laura Cruse 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 implementing a personalized exercise regimen and dietary modifications, a patient significantly reduced joint pain, improving their mobility and overall quality of life. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain an active lifestyle and prevent further deterioration of their condition.
• By understanding their arthritis risk factors and adhering to a personalized prevention plan, a patient experienced significant relief from joint pain and improved daily activities. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain an active and 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. Laura Cruse:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Cruse and her team are medical doctors specializing in rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis and lupus. They work with you to diagnose and treat these conditions, helping manage symptoms, prevent further joint damage, and improve your overall well-being. They are your long-term partners in managing chronic conditions.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where cartilage breaks down over time, often due to wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Cruse will accurately diagnose the underlying cause to ensure the appropriate treatment is provided.

What is lupus and what are its common symptoms?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including joints, skin, kidneys, and heart. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and sometimes a butterfly-shaped facial rash. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing organ damage.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. Dr. Cruse and her team review your symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and order specific blood tests to look for autoantibodies and markers of inflammation. This crucial first step helps us understand the disease and develop a plan to prevent 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.

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 your body gets the full dose needed to control disease and prevent flares.

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 osteoporosis screening, helping us assess your risk of fracture before it occurs, so we can initiate preventive treatment.

What is fibromyalgia and how is it treated?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Treatment is multi-faceted, focusing on preventing flare-ups through a combination of medication, gentle exercise, stress management, and improved sleep hygiene.

AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Fletcher
3500 E Fletcher Ave Ste 400
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 345-2380

Dr. Laura Cruse, 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): 1043322019

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. Laura Cruse 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.