Dr. Cindy Johnston, MD is a Rheumatology specialist practicing at our Sarasota, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Rheumatologic care for older adults. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Rheumatologists possess specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing complex rheumatic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and lupus common in seniors, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other healthcare providers to ensure optimal care. She is committed to serving older adults (65 and over) and providing the highest quality of care tailored to their unique needs. Prospective patients should call (941) 365-0770 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Cindy Johnston, MD is a rheumatologist in Sarasota, FL with extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. She is affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital and is accepting telehealth appointments. As a Board Certified in Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, she approaches patient care with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Dr. Johnston strives to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. She is dedicated to providing exceptional care and is committed to the well-being of her patients. Dr. Cindy Johnston provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Cindy Johnston is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Cindy Johnston is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive rheumatologic care with a focus on understanding each individual's unique needs. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach, addressing complex rheumatic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis with personalized strategies to maximize comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Cindy Johnston can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Select HMO
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Cindy Johnston 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:
- Bursitis: Bursitis, a common source of joint pain in older adults, involves inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs near your joints; managing it often involves simple measures like rest and over-the-counter pain relievers to maintain mobility and independence.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Living with psoriatic arthritis, a condition related to psoriasis, can be challenging due to joint pain, but many treatments are available to relieve discomfort and improve your quality of life.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: If you're experiencing persistent back pain and stiffness, it might be ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the spine, but there are effective treatments to manage the condition and prevent further limitations.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis of Knee: Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the knee can be effectively managed through medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, minimizing pain and improving your ability to move freely.
- Osteoarthritis of Knee: Osteoarthritis of the knee is the wearing down of the cartilage in the knee joint leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility; but don't worry, a combination of strategies like managing weight, physical therapy, and possibly medication can significantly lessen symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis of Shoulder: Experiencing shoulder stiffness and pain due to rheumatoid arthritis? You're not alone. Many effective treatments are available to help reduce inflammation, ease pain, and regain range of motion in your shoulder, allowing you to maintain your active lifestyle.
- Osteoarthritis of Hip: With hip osteoarthritis, the protective cushion in your hip joint wears down, causing pain and reducing your ability to move freely; however, joint replacement surgery or less invasive treatments can significantly alleviate pain and improve your quality of life.
- Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: This more severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, called seropositive, is identified by the presence of certain antibodies, but through regular monitoring and medication, you can slow the progression of the disease and maintain your mobility and quality of life.
- Muscle Weakness: Experiencing muscle weakness? It's crucial to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and find the best approach for improving your muscle strength and reducing discomfort.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Living with RA can be challenging, but with the support of a healthcare team and proactive management strategies such as medication, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, seniors can greatly improve their mobility and daily functioning.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): While PMR can cause significant pain and stiffness in the shoulders and hips, making simple actions difficult, it's a treatable condition and with proper medical care, you can expect a substantial improvement in your quality of life.
- Osteoarthritis of Foot: Osteoarthritis of the foot is a common condition in older adults where the cartilage cushioning the joints in your feet wears down, causing pain and stiffness.
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. Cindy Johnston offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Density Scan: As part of your comprehensive care plan, a bone density scan helps your doctor understand the health of your bones, allowing for proactive measures to maintain mobility and independence.
- 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: This simple procedure involves examining fluid from a joint to identify infections, crystals, or inflammatory cells, helping manage conditions like arthritis.
- Musculoskeletal Function Test: Measuring your muscle strength and joint movement through this test allows for better monitoring of the effectiveness of your arthritis treatment.
- 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: Steroid injections can provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation in arthritic joints, improving mobility and quality of life for seniors.
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. Cindy Johnston 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 guidance on managing bursitis, a senior was able to resume their beloved hobby of gardening, enjoying the vibrant colors of their flowers without the persistent joint pain.
- With psoriatic arthritis better managed, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of weekend getaways, relishing the freedom to explore new destinations without the constant pain.
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
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Rheumatologic care with Dr. Cindy Johnston:
- What is a Rheumatologist?
- Dr. Johnston is a rheumatologist, a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. She is skilled in managing complex conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to help improve your 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. Johnston is an expert in diagnosing and treating both.
- I have joint pain. Should I see a rheumatologist or an orthopedic surgeon?
- Dr. Cindy Johnston 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. While they sometimes collaborate, a rheumatologist is typically the best first point of contact for unexplained joint pain.
- What is Sjögren's syndrome?
- Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition that most commonly causes dry eyes and mouth. It can also be associated with fatigue and joint pain. Dr. Johnston can help manage the systemic aspects of the disease and works with ophthalmologists and dentists to coordinate care and provide relief for symptoms.
- What is lupus?
- Lupus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, and other organs. Dr. Johnston can create a personalized treatment plan to manage symptoms, control inflammation, and minimize flare-ups.
- What are biologic medications or 'infusion therapy' for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Biologic medications are a newer, advanced class of drugs very effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike general anti-inflammatories, they target specific parts of the immune system causing inflammation. Some are given as an infusion in a clinic or infusion center.
- Can you help with fibromyalgia?
- Yes, we can help with fibromyalgia. It's a complex chronic pain condition, but rheumatologists 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.
- 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 best managed by a specialist like Dr. Cindy Johnston.
1945 Versailles St
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 365-0770
Dr. Cindy Johnston, 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): 1932332384
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. Cindy Johnston 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.