Dr. Lisa Balistreri, MD

Dr. Lisa Balistreri, MD is a Rheumatology specialist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, 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 understands the vital role of preventative measures in managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases. 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. Please call (904) 953-2000 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Lisa Balistreri, MD is a rheumatologist in Jacksonville, FL, affiliated with Mayo Clinic In Florida. She 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 approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health management. She understands the importance of proactive strategies in preventing disease progression and maintaining optimal well-being. Dr. Lisa Balistreri provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Having seropositive rheumatoid arthritis signifies your immune system is attacking your joints; proactive management with medication and lifestyle changes can slow progression and protect your mobility.
• 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: Managing rheumatoid arthritis effectively means actively participating in its treatment and taking steps to control inflammation, thereby preventing long-term joint destruction and preserving mobility.
• Granulomatosis: Early detection of granulomatosis is key to preventing irreversible damage to your organs, enabling timely intervention and better long-term health management.
• Arthritis: Arthritis can impact your daily activities, but with WePrevent's resources on prevention and management, you can take control of your health and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
• Joint Pain: Managing joint pain effectively, through lifestyle changes and/or medication, is key to preventing further deterioration and disability associated with arthritis.
• Vasculitis: Vasculitis is an inflammation of your blood vessels that, if caught early, can be managed to prevent serious organ damage and improve your quality of life.
• 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.
• Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the skin and internal organs, making early diagnosis and proactive management crucial for preventing serious complications and preserving your quality of life.
• 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.
• Polymyositis: Protecting your muscle health involves recognizing the signs of polymyositis, an autoimmune condition causing muscle inflammation and weakness, which, if left untreated, can lead to significant disability.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can be managed effectively to prevent severe joint pain and loss of function; regular checkups with your doctor and proactive treatment can help you maintain mobility and 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. Lisa Balistreri offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Soft Tissue Injections: To proactively manage your arthritis, soft tissue injections can reduce inflammation and pain, helping you maintain mobility and improve your quality of life.
• Prolozone® Injections: For individuals experiencing persistent joint pain, Prolozone® injections may offer a path to improved joint stability and a better quality of life by addressing underlying issues.
• Pain Management Through Physical Therapy: Ease arthritis discomfort and enhance your mobility with a physical therapy program designed to strengthen supporting muscles and improve range of motion.
• 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.
• Shoulder Injection: As a proactive step in managing arthritis, a shoulder injection can provide targeted pain relief and reduce inflammation in your shoulder joint.
• Injection Therapy: To prevent irreversible joint damage, consider injection therapy; it's a proactive treatment option for managing autoimmune diseases and reducing pain and inflammation.
• Injection of Tendon: By addressing tendon inflammation early with an injection, you can help prevent long-term joint damage and maintain 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. Lisa Balistreri 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 adhering to a prescribed medication regimen and incorporating regular exercise into their routine, a patient significantly reduced the impact of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis on their daily life, maintaining a high quality of life.
• By proactively working with a rheumatologist, a patient successfully managed their persistent joint pain, minimizing the risk of long-term complications and ensuring a higher quality of life.

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. Lisa Balistreri:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune conditions. They are a valuable partner in managing chronic conditions, preventing further joint damage, and improving your overall well-being. We work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan for long-term health management.

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. Balistreri's role is to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Balistreri uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in our office as a safe, real-time imaging tool. This allows for precise diagnosis of joint and tendon inflammation, and accurate guidance for injections, maximizing medication delivery.

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

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

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. We carefully review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order specific blood tests to look for autoantibodies and inflammation markers. This process is crucial to understanding your condition and preventing disease progression.

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, the gold standard for osteoporosis screening. It helps us assess your risk of fracture before it occurs, allowing for timely and effective preventive treatment.

What is vasculitis?

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

4500 San Pablo Rd S
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000

Dr. Lisa Balistreri, 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): 1871900316

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. Lisa Balistreri 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.