Dr. Robert Digiovanni, DO

Dr. Robert Digiovanni, DO is a Rheumatologist practicing at Suncoast Internal Medicine Consultants in Largo, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive health, committed 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), Dr. Digiovanni's expertise extends to the crucial role of early detection and management of joint conditions. He understands 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 and empower you to live your best life. He serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Dr. Digiovanni is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (813) 515-2929 to schedule.

Dr. Robert Digiovanni, DO is a rheumatologist in Largo, FL. He has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, and is affiliated with HCA Florida Largo Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Digiovanni earned his medical degree from A. T. Still University Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by an internship at Suncoast Hospital, providing foundational clinical experience. His residency training in Rheumatology was also completed at Suncoast Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of individuals experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Further specializing, Dr. Digiovanni pursued fellowship training at the University of Arizona Health Science Center, enhancing his expertise in this crucial area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Digiovanni's approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and patient-centered, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health management. Dr. Robert Digiovanni provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis is the presence of calcium crystals in your cartilage, which can lead to arthritis if left unmanaged, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups to catch and manage it early.
• Spondylitis: Spondylitis can cause significant pain and stiffness in the spine; proactive management through regular doctor visits and adherence to treatment plans can greatly improve your quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Lung Disease: Protecting your lungs is crucial if you have rheumatoid arthritis, as it can sometimes lead to rheumatoid lung disease, which is best addressed through proactive monitoring and treatment.
• Arthropathy Associated With Reiters Disease: Early diagnosis and management of Reiter's-associated arthropathy are crucial preventive measures to control inflammation and avoid permanent 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Infective Arthritis: Early diagnosis of infective arthritis is crucial because swift treatment can minimize joint damage and help you maintain an active lifestyle.
• Systemic Vasculitis: Systemic vasculitis, an inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels, requires careful management to reduce inflammation and prevent serious consequences like organ damage or disability.
• Lupus: Protecting your joints and overall health from the effects of lupus starts with understanding the condition and working closely with your doctor for proactive management.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Ankle Foot: Experiencing pain or stiffness in your ankles and feet? It's important to seek medical attention as early as possible to manage rheumatoid arthritis and prevent its progression.
• Dermatomyositis: Protecting your health from dermatomyositis involves understanding its symptoms like muscle weakness and skin rash, as early detection and treatment significantly reduce long-term complications.

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. Robert Digiovanni 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: 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: Taking a proactive step with joint drainage can help diagnose underlying conditions like arthritis and infections causing joint pain and swelling.
• Joint Fluid Test: Taking the proactive step of a joint fluid test can help your doctor identify the underlying cause of your arthritis, leading to a personalized treatment plan and better long-term joint health.
• Steroid Injection: To ease severe joint pain and stiffness, a steroid injection offers targeted relief, helping prevent further joint damage and improve your quality of life.
• Trigger Point Injection: Trigger point injections are a proactive step to ease muscle pain and stiffness, helping you maintain mobility and prevent further joint problems.
• Biopuncture: Biopuncture is a minimally invasive procedure that may help pinpoint the source of your joint pain and inflammation, guiding your rheumatologist toward the most effective treatment 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. Robert Digiovanni 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 diligently following a proactive health plan, guided by regular check-ups, a patient successfully minimized the risk of developing arthritis related to chondrocalcinosis, and enjoyed greater peace of mind.
• By adhering to a proactive treatment plan and attending regular checkups, a patient significantly reduced the potential for spondylitis-related pain and stiffness, allowing them to enjoy a more active and comfortable lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Robert Digiovanni:

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 due to wear and tear, where cartilage breaks down. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Dr. Digiovanni accurately diagnoses the cause to ensure the appropriate treatment for each condition.

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. Digiovanni's role is to screen for and treat the arthritis to prevent irreversible joint damage.

What is vasculitis?

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

How can I prevent osteoporosis or slow it down?

Preventing or slowing osteoporosis involves adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking. A rheumatologist can assess your risk factors, perform a DEXA scan to screen for bone loss, and develop a personalized plan for early intervention to prevent fractures.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

Yes, corticosteroid injections into a joint, performed by a specialist, are generally safe and effective for rapidly reducing inflammation and pain. They are used strategically to manage flare-ups, allowing for improved participation in physical therapy and daily activities.

What does it mean if my ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test is positive?

A positive ANA can be a marker for autoimmune disease, but it's not definitive. A rheumatologist will consider this result alongside your full medical history and other tests to determine if you have an autoimmune condition, avoiding unnecessary worry or misdiagnosis.

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, allowing for preventive treatment.

Suncoast Internal Medicine Consultants
13644 Walsingham Rd
Largo FL 33774
Phone: (813) 515-2929

Dr. Robert Digiovanni, DO 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): 1770572778

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. Robert Digiovanni 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.