Dr. Stephen Bell, MD

Dr. Stephen Bell, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at his clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Rheumatologic care. He 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. He serves individuals of all ages experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or symptoms suggestive of arthritis or autoimmune conditions. Please call (561) 626-9696 to confirm if Dr. Bell is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Stephen Bell, MD is a rheumatologist in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Dr. Bell has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening and is affiliated with Jupiter Medical Center. He 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. His approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis silently weakens bones, increasing fracture risk, but proactive steps like diet, exercise, and medication, when needed, can help you maintain strong bones and prevent complications.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition affecting the muscles, but with proper management, you can significantly reduce pain and stiffness, and improve your overall well-being.
• 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.
• Bursitis: Managing bursitis effectively through rest, ice, and sometimes medication prevents the condition from worsening and causing chronic pain.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Rheumatoid arthritis in the hand is a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain and potentially leading to irreversible damage if left untreated; early diagnosis and proper management are crucial for preventing long-term disability.
• Lupus: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and treatment, helping prevent long-term joint damage and other complications.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Managing psoriatic arthritis effectively, with the help of your doctor, involves controlling inflammation to protect your joints and prevent long-term pain and stiffness.
• Osteoarthritis of Foot: Protecting your foot joints from osteoarthritis involves understanding your risk factors and taking steps to slow disease progression, ultimately preserving your quality of life.
• 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.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Managing cutaneous lupus erythematosus involves careful skincare, medication, and lifestyle choices to control inflammation and reduce the risk of further skin complications and potential organ involvement.
• Fibromyalgia: Recognizing fibromyalgia's symptoms like widespread pain and sleep disturbances, and seeking timely medical care can help you prevent the escalation of pain and fatigue.
• Osteoarthritis: Don't let osteoarthritis limit your activities! Early detection and appropriate management strategies, such as weight management and joint-protective exercises, can greatly reduce pain and preserve your joint health.

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. Stephen Bell offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Steroid Injection: As part of your arthritis management plan, a steroid injection provides a powerful, short-term way to control inflammation, enabling you to participate more fully in daily activities.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injection: This injection provides a natural way to reduce joint inflammation and pain, allowing you to maintain your quality of life and reduce joint damage.
• Aspiration (Removal of Substance from Body): Aspiration is a valuable tool in confirming the cause of joint swelling, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions such as arthritis or infection.
• Biological Therapy: To manage your autoimmune disease effectively, biological therapy offers a powerful option to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms before significant joint damage occurs.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): As part of your arthritis management plan, consider Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) to help restore proper joint function and reduce inflammation.
• Ultrasound, Musculoskeletal: Ensure your joints are working as well as possible. A musculoskeletal ultrasound is a valuable tool for detecting early signs of arthritis, enabling early intervention and preserving joint health.
• Ultrasound-Guided Injection: Ultrasound guidance ensures your medication reaches the affected area precisely, maximizing its effectiveness in managing your arthritis and minimizing long-term joint damage.

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. Stephen Bell 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 focusing on a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and incorporating regular weight-bearing exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk of osteoporosis, fostering a greater sense of well-being and confidence in their bone health.
• By actively participating in a proactive management plan, a patient significantly reduced the pain and stiffness associated with Polymyalgia Rheumatica, leading to improved mobility and a better 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. 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. Stephen Bell:

What is a rheumatologist and how can they help me?

A rheumatologist is a doctor specializing in musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. They work with you to diagnose, treat, and manage your condition over time, aiming to prevent further joint damage and improve your overall well-being.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition 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. Bell will accurately diagnose the cause to ensure the correct treatment plan is followed.

How is an autoimmune disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is like solving a puzzle. Dr. Bell and his team will review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order specific blood tests to look for autoantibodies and inflammation markers. This crucial first step helps prevent disease progression.

How does a rheumatologist use ultrasound in the office?

Dr. Bell uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the 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 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.

Are steroid injections into a joint safe?

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

Can you help with chronic back pain?

Dr. Bell and our team can help determine if your back pain is related to inflammatory arthritis, like ankylosing spondylitis, which requires a different approach than mechanical back pain. A thorough diagnostic process is essential to ensure the correct treatment is started, preventing potential long-term spinal fusion and stiffness.

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 screening for osteoporosis and helps us assess your risk of fracture before it happens, allowing for preventive treatment.

7108 Fairway Dr Ste 300
Palm Beach Gardens FL 33418
Phone: (561) 626-9696

Dr. Stephen Bell, 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): 1215425749

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. Stephen Bell 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.