Dr. Annabelle Lee, MD, Rheumatology

Dr. Annabelle Lee, MD

Rheumatology in Port St. Joe, FL

(22 reviews)

Dr. Annabelle Lee, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. She is a dedicated partner in the senior health journey, committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive Rheumatologic care for older adults... Read More Below

Accepting New Patients 25+ Years Experience
Professional Details

Dr. Annabelle Lee, MD is a Rheumatologist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. She is a dedicated partner in the senior health journey, committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive Rheumatologic care for older adults (65 and over). Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Lee's expertise extends to diagnosing and managing complex rheumatic conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and lupus, common in seniors. General Rheumatologists possess specialized expertise in these areas, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure optimal care.

Dr. Annabelle Lee, MD is a rheumatologist in Jacksonville, FL and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience in Autoimmune Diseases and Osteoporosis & Screening, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Cebu Institute Of Medicine, Cebu City in 1998, followed by an internship at Cebu Velez General Hospital and residency training in Rheumatology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in 2004. Further specializing in her field, she completed fellowship training in Cooper University Hospital in 2006. Dr. Lee is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center Beaches and Baptist Medical Center Nassau. She is currently welcoming new patients and offers telehealth appointments. She is fluent in Bisaya and also offers consultations in Chinese. Please call (904) 292-4111 to schedule an appointment.

A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Annabelle Lee is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.

Dr. Annabelle Lee is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive rheumatologic care. She expertly diagnoses and manages complex rheumatic conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a personalized and coordinated approach. Her focus extends beyond treatment to understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for optimal well-being and independence.

By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Annabelle Lee can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.

Specific Plans Accepted

Aetna

    Also Accepts These Carriers

    • AvMed
    • Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
    • Blue Card PPO
    • Blue Choice HMO
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
    • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
    • Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
    • BlueOptions HMO
    • Choice Care Network PPO
    • Choice Care PPO
    • Choice Large Group POS
    • Choice POS
    • Choice Plus POS
    • Choice Plus POS II
    • Cigna
    • Cigna PPO
    • Curative
    • Curative EPO
    • Curative PPO
    • Curative PPO Plus
    • Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
    • Empower - Small Employer Groups
    • Empower POS
    • First Health
    • First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
    • Florida Blue
    • HMO Premier HMO
    • Humana
    • Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
    • Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
    • Medica Choice
    • National POS
    • Navigate HMO
    • Navigate POS
    • Nexus Open Access
    • Open Access Plus
    • Open Choice PPO
    • Options PPO
    • Preferred PPO
    • Preferred Patient Care
    • Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
    • Select HMO
    • SimplyBlue HMO
    • UnitedHealthCare
    • myBlue EPO

    Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Annabelle Lee provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:

    • Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis, characterized by calcium deposits in joint cartilage, may not always cause symptoms, but when it does, treatment focuses on pain relief and improved joint function to help you stay active.
    • Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis affects the joints and is associated with psoriasis; however, with proper medical management, including medication and lifestyle changes, it's possible to significantly reduce pain and live more comfortably.
    • Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: The gradual breakdown of cartilage in your shoulder joint, known as osteoarthritis, causes pain and limited movement, yet with a personalized treatment plan from your doctor, involving pain relief and physical therapy, you can manage symptoms and preserve your ability to care for yourself.
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis of Wrist: If rheumatoid arthritis is causing pain and swelling in your wrist, know that you're not alone. With a proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment strategy that focuses on pain relief and joint protection, you can significantly improve your comfort and ability to do the things you love.
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis of Hand: Rheumatoid arthritis in the hand is a condition causing painful inflammation and stiffness in the joints, making everyday tasks difficult, but with proper treatment, like medication and physical therapy, you can manage pain and maintain your independence.
    • Classic Polyarteritis Nodosa: Classic polyarteritis nodosa involves inflammation of blood vessels, potentially leading to organ damage; managing this condition involves medications to control inflammation and prevent complications, enabling you to live a fuller life.
    • Arthritis of the Neck: Experiencing pain and stiffness in your neck? This could be neck arthritis, which can limit your mobility; thankfully, your doctor can recommend treatment plans like exercises, medication, or even injections to ease your discomfort and help you stay active.
    • Temporal Arteritis: Managing temporal arteritis involves prompt medical attention and taking prescribed medications to reduce inflammation in your blood vessels, significantly lowering the risk of vision loss and allowing you to maintain your independence.
    • Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is characterized by significant pain and stiffness, primarily in the shoulder and hip areas, but treatment can effectively control the inflammation and improve your ability to carry out everyday tasks.
    • Osteoarthritis of Spine: Osteoarthritis of the spine, a common type of arthritis, involves the breakdown of cartilage between the vertebrae, leading to pain and stiffness, but manageable with exercise, medication, and lifestyle changes to maintain comfort and mobility.
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis of Knee: Managing rheumatoid arthritis in the knee involves a collaborative approach with your doctor to find the right treatment plan that reduces pain and inflammation, allowing you to remain mobile and independent.
    • Bursitis: While bursitis can cause significant discomfort in joints, with appropriate medical care including medication and therapeutic exercises, many seniors find relief and can continue to enjoy their favorite activities.

    This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.

    To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Annabelle Lee offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:

    • Bone Density Scan: This non-invasive test, a bone density scan, helps detect early signs of bone thinning, enabling timely interventions and reducing the chance of bone fractures in seniors.
    • Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan: To help manage your arthritis and prevent falls, a DEXA scan helps reveal how strong your bones are, guiding treatment decisions to improve bone health.
    • Joint Drainage: As part of your senior care plan, joint drainage can help relieve pain and swelling caused by conditions like arthritis by removing excess fluid.
    • Joint Fluid Test: To ensure your treatment plan is as effective as possible, a joint fluid test aids in distinguishing between various joint diseases, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Musculoskeletal Function Test: A musculoskeletal function test helps your doctor understand how well your muscles and joints are working, guiding treatment for conditions like arthritis.
    • Myofascial Trigger Point Injection: As part of a comprehensive pain management plan, trigger point injections can specifically target muscle knots and reduce discomfort associated with various rheumatic conditions.
    • Steroid Injection: As part of a comprehensive care plan, steroid injections help manage flare-ups of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, offering seniors targeted symptom relief.
    • Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: As part of your osteoarthritis management, viscosupplementation uses injections of hyaluronic acid to improve joint function and reduce your need for pain medication.

    Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.

    All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Rheumatology in Florida.

    Dr. Annabelle Lee is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:

    • With the rheumatologist's guidance, a senior couple found relief from the debilitating joint pain caused by chondrocalcinosis, allowing them to resume their cherished weekly ballroom dancing.
    • With careful management of their psoriatic arthritis, a senior couple was able to enjoy their daily walks again, a cherished activity that had become increasingly difficult. The relief from joint pain allowed them to feel more secure and confident in their home environment.

    These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

    • Primary Location:
      Practice
      3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
      Phone: (850) 229-5752
      View on Map
    Education History
    • HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)

    Here are answers to some common questions about Rheumatologic care with Dr. Annabelle Lee:

    What is a Rheumatologist?
    Dr. Annabelle Lee and her team are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. They are experts in managing complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
    What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
    Osteoarthritis is a "wear and tear" condition where cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation. Dr. Annabelle Lee is an expert in diagnosing and treating both.
    I have joint pain. Should I see a rheumatologist or an orthopedic surgeon?
    Dr. Annabelle Lee and her team of rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and managing arthritis and joint pain, often with medications, injections, and other non-surgical treatments. Orthopedic surgeons focus on surgical procedures like joint replacements. A rheumatologist is usually the best first step for diagnosing unexplained joint pain.
    What is gout and how is it treated?
    Gout is a very painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint, most commonly the big toe. Treatment has two goals: treating the immediate, painful flare-up with anti-inflammatory medications, and preventing future attacks with long-term medications that lower uric acid levels in the body.
    What is Sjögren's syndrome?
    Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition that most commonly causes significant dry eyes and dry mouth. It can also be associated with fatigue and joint pain. Dr. Lee can help manage the systemic aspects of the disease and works with ophthalmologists and dentists to coordinate care and provide relief for the symptoms.
    What is a joint injection and does it hurt?
    A joint injection is a procedure where medication, often a powerful anti-inflammatory, is placed directly into the painful joint space. It's used to quickly relieve pain and swelling. The area is numbed beforehand, and while there might be some pressure, the procedure is generally quick and well-tolerated.
    What is vasculitis?
    Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can cause the vessel walls to thicken, weaken, or narrow, restricting blood flow and potentially damaging organs. It's a rare group of diseases, so a specialist like Dr. Annabelle Lee is needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment with medications to control the inflammation.
    Can you help with fibromyalgia?
    Yes, we can help with fibromyalgia. It's a complex chronic pain condition, but rheumatologists like Dr. Lee are key specialists in managing its symptoms. Treatment focuses on a multi-faceted approach, including gentle exercise, stress management techniques, and specific medications to reduce pain and improve sleep.

    13241 Bartram Park Blvd Unit 2105
    Jacksonville FL 32258
    Phone: (904) 292-4111

    Dr. Annabelle Lee, 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): 1043341795

    Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

    The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Rheumatology like Dr. Annabelle Lee are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.

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