Dr. Laura Summers, MD

Dr. Laura Summers, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. She practices at her clinic in Orlando, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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 and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (407) 859-4540 to schedule.

Dr. Laura Summers, MD is a rheumatologist in Orlando, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from West Virginia University in 1990 and is Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is affiliated with Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients are empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Summers provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Laura Summers 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 Summers 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 Summers 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 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.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease where cartilage breaks down, causing pain and stiffness; early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can significantly slow its progression and prevent disability.
• 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.
• 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.
• Osteoarthritis of Spine: Protecting your spine from the progression of osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and adopting preventive strategies to slow disease advancement and preserve quality of life.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Managing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) effectively through medication and lifestyle changes minimizes inflammation and prevents further complications, helping you enjoy life to the fullest.
• Gout: Managing gout effectively through lifestyle changes and medication helps control inflammation, reducing pain and protecting your joints from long-term harm.
• 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.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: A seropositive rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis means you have the disease confirmed by blood tests, highlighting the need for a customized treatment plan to manage inflammation and prevent irreversible joint destruction.
• 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.
• Bursitis: Managing bursitis effectively through rest, ice, and sometimes medication prevents the condition from worsening and causing chronic pain.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a skin condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment can help prevent lasting skin damage and improve your 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 Summers 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.
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: For individuals with arthritis or autoimmune diseases, a DEXA scan is an important tool to assess bone health and take steps to prevent fractures, a common complication.
• 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: By getting a joint fluid test, you're taking charge of your health. It helps determine the type of arthritis you may have and guides your doctor in choosing the most effective treatment strategy.
• 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.
• Synvisc® Injection: To ease arthritis pain and improve joint function, Synvisc injections provide cushioning and reduce friction in your joints.
• Pain Medication Management: Take control of your arthritis symptoms by working with your doctor to create a safe and effective pain medication plan.

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 Summers 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 and addressing repetitive movements at work, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing shoulder osteoarthritis, allowing them to continue enjoying their active lifestyle.
• By understanding their risk factors and incorporating a proactive exercise plan, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, maintaining their active 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 Summers:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

Dr. Summers is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatic diseases, including musculoskeletal problems and autoimmune conditions. She works with patients to diagnose, treat, and manage these conditions, often over the long term. This includes preventing joint damage and improving overall health and 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 over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage. Dr. Summers will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the right treatment and prevent further joint damage.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. Dr. Summers and her team review symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and order specific blood tests to identify autoantibodies and inflammation markers. This crucial first step helps prevent 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 definitive. Dr. Summers will interpret this result along with your full medical history and other tests to determine if you have an autoimmune condition, avoiding unnecessary worry or misdiagnosis.

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Dr. Summers and her team can assess your risk factors for osteoporosis and use a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking are important for preventing or slowing bone loss. Early intervention can help prevent fractures.

What causes a gout flare, and how can I prevent one?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid crystals forming in a joint. Common triggers include red meat, shellfish, and alcohol. Preventing flares involves a partnership between medication to lower uric acid levels and lifestyle changes to manage these triggers, which can prevent painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

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. Summers can screen for and treat the arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Summers uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the 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.

3160 Southgate Commerce Blvd Ste 30
Orlando FL 32806
Phone: (407) 859-4540

Dr. Laura Summers, 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): 1992753503

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 Summers 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.