Dr. Paulette Hahn, MD

Dr. Paulette Hahn, MD is a Rheumatologist at UF Health Pediatric Pulmonary Diagnostic Center - Medical Plaza in Gainesville, 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. Hahn is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (352) 273-8381 to schedule.

Dr. Paulette Hahn, MD is a rheumatologist in Gainesville, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine in 1993 and is affiliated with UF Health Shands Hospital. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Rheumatologic care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. 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. Dr. Hahn's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Paulette Hahn 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. Paulette Hahn 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. Paulette Hahn 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: Persistent joint pain may signal an autoimmune disease. Regular checkups and prompt treatment can help control inflammation and prevent joint destruction.
• Osteopenia: Osteopenia is a warning sign of potential bone fragility; addressing it through diet, exercise, and medication when needed can prevent serious bone fractures.
• Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis, a condition involving calcium build-up in joint cartilage, emphasizes the need for proactive healthcare to minimize inflammation and protect your joints from damage.
• Infective Arthritis: Infective arthritis is a joint infection that, if caught early and treated promptly, can prevent permanent joint damage and preserve your mobility.
• 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 Lung Disease: Rheumatoid lung disease is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis that can be prevented or slowed with early diagnosis and proper management of your RA.
• Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis means your blood tests show markers indicating the presence of this autoimmune disease, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial to prevent long-term joint damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Wrist: Protecting your wrist from the damaging effects of rheumatoid arthritis starts with understanding the condition and seeking timely medical attention for effective treatment and prevention of joint destruction.
• Sarcoidosis: Understanding your risk factors for sarcoidosis and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms can significantly impact your ability to manage the disease and protect your joints.
• 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.
• Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa: Classic polyarteritis nodosa is a rare disease causing inflammation of blood vessels, and early diagnosis with prompt treatment is crucial to prevent serious organ damage and improve your long-term health.
• Pyogenic Arthritis: Early diagnosis and treatment of pyogenic arthritis are crucial for preventing long-term complications like joint destruction and chronic pain, emphasizing proactive healthcare and recognizing infection symptoms.

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. Paulette Hahn 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: Regular DEXA scans can be a vital part of your arthritis management plan, providing insights into bone density and helping you and your doctor create a strategy to maintain strong bones and prevent fractures.
• Joint Drainage: This procedure helps determine whether joint pain and swelling are caused by infection, crystals, or an autoimmune disease, guiding your treatment plan.
• 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: Taking a proactive approach to managing your autoimmune disease, a steroid injection can temporarily reduce inflammation, reducing discomfort and protecting your joints.
• Synovial Biopsy: To better understand the inflammation in your joint and guide treatment, your doctor may recommend a synovial biopsy, helping prevent further joint damage and preserve your mobility.
• Pain Management Through Physical Therapy: Proactively protect your joints and reduce arthritis pain through targeted exercises and stretches guided by physical therapists.

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. Paulette Hahn 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 scheduling regular checkups and diligently following a proactive treatment plan, a patient successfully managed persistent joint pain, preventing further deterioration of their joints and maintaining an active lifestyle.
• By focusing on a balanced diet, weight-bearing exercises, and regular check-ups, a patient proactively managed their osteopenia, significantly reducing the risk of future bone fractures and maintaining a healthy 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. Paulette Hahn:

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 as a long-term partner to manage chronic conditions, prevent joint damage, and improve your overall quality of life.

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. Hahn will accurately diagnose the cause to provide the most appropriate treatment.

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 a diagnosis on its own. Dr. Hahn will consider this result along with your symptoms and other tests to get a complete picture and avoid unnecessary worry.

What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce moisture, primarily leading to very dry eyes and mouth. Management focuses on relieving symptoms to prevent potential complications such as dental problems and eye damage.

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, helping avoid painful attacks and long-term joint damage.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint are generally safe and effective when performed by a rheumatologist. They are a valuable tool to quickly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing for improved function and participation in physical therapy and daily activities. We use them judiciously to manage flare-ups.

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Hahn and her team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis. This is different from mechanical back pain, and accurate diagnosis is key to starting the right treatment and preventing long-term spinal issues like fusion and stiffness.

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

UF Health Pediatric Pulmonary Diagnostic Center - Medical Plaza
1549 Gale Lemerand Dr Rm 2534
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-8381

Dr. Paulette Hahn, 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): 1043255839

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. Paulette Hahn 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.