Dr. Joseph Forstot, MD is a Rheumatologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults (65 and over) at his clinic in Boca Raton, FL. He 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. Prospective patients should call (561) 368-5611 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Joseph Forstot, MD is a rheumatologist in Boca Raton, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. With this extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine in 1975, 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. He is affiliated with Boca Raton Regional Hospital and is accepting telehealth appointments. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Forstot provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Joseph Forstot is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Forstot is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive rheumatologic care with a compassionate and personalized touch. He excels at diagnosing and managing complex rheumatic conditions, collaborating seamlessly with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure optimal care plans are tailored to the unique needs of each individual. His approach prioritizes understanding the patient's personal goals and creating a supportive environment that maximizes comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Joseph Forstot can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- 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 POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SimplyBlue HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Joseph Forstot 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.
- Osteoarthritis of Hand: Hand osteoarthritis involves the wearing down of cartilage in the hand's joints, leading to discomfort and reduced dexterity, but treatments like splints, medication, and occupational therapy can help manage symptoms and preserve independence.
- Scleroderma: Managing scleroderma involves working closely with your doctor to find treatments that alleviate symptoms, such as skin tightening, and protect vital organs, enabling you to enjoy your daily life.
- Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh: Osteoarthritis in the hip and thigh can cause significant discomfort, making daily tasks challenging. However, through a careful approach involving medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments, we can effectively manage the condition, reducing pain and improving your overall quality of life.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine, causing stiffness and pain, but with the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and maintain your mobility.
- Chondrocalcinosis: Chondrocalcinosis is a condition where calcium crystals build up in the cartilage of your joints, sometimes causing pain and stiffness.
- Vasculitis: If you have vasculitis, it means your blood vessels are inflamed, sometimes causing symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain; working closely with your doctor on medication and lifestyle adjustments can significantly ease symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term condition causing painful joint swelling and stiffness, but with proper medical care, many seniors can manage their symptoms and maintain their independence.
- Arthritis: Different types of arthritis exist, and understanding your specific diagnosis allows you and your doctor to develop a personalized care plan, improving your comfort and reducing limitations caused by the condition.
- Osteoarthritis of Shoulder: Osteoarthritis in your shoulder can limit your ability to perform daily tasks, but with the right approach, including medication, exercises, and lifestyle adjustments, you can regain mobility and reduce discomfort, improving your quality of life.
- Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease affecting both muscles and skin, but thankfully, working closely with your doctor and receiving appropriate treatment can ease your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
- 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.
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. Joseph Forstot 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: A DEXA scan is a painless test using X-rays to measure bone density, helping your doctor assess your risk of osteoporosis and fractures, common concerns for seniors.
- Joint Drainage: In some cases, draining fluid from a swollen joint helps confirm a diagnosis and allows for the introduction of medication directly into the joint to speed up healing.
- Joint Fluid Test: A joint fluid test helps your doctor determine the cause of your joint pain and swelling, guiding them towards the most effective treatment.
- 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: Myofascial trigger point injections are a treatment option that can help relieve persistent muscle pain and stiffness in seniors, improving their mobility and overall comfort.
- Steroid Injection: For seniors with inflammatory joint conditions, steroid injections are a treatment option that can help decrease swelling and stiffness, making daily activities easier.
- Trigger Point Injection: For seniors with persistent muscle pain that limits daily activities, trigger point injections can offer temporary pain relief, allowing for increased participation in physical therapy or other treatments.
- Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate: To help manage the discomfort of osteoarthritis, viscosupplementation injections replenish the natural cushioning in your joints, improving mobility and reducing pain.
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. Joseph Forstot 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 bursitis pain significantly reduced, a senior couple was able to resume their weekly trips to the local farmers market, enjoying the fresh produce and socializing with neighbors.
- With the help of a specialized care plan, a senior was able to resume knitting, a cherished hobby, with significantly reduced hand pain. The family felt immense relief knowing their loved one could once again enjoy their favorite activities.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He 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 (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Rheumatologic care with Dr. Joseph Forstot:
- What is a Rheumatologist?
- Dr. Forstot and our team are rheumatologists, medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other diseases affecting joints, muscles, and bones. We are experts in managing complex conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, focusing on reducing pain and improving quality of life for our patients.
- What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
- Osteoarthritis is a "wear and tear" condition where cartilage breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own joints. Dr. Forstot is an expert in diagnosing and treating both.
- I have joint pain. Should I see a rheumatologist or an orthopedic surgeon?
- Dr. Forstot and other rheumatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating arthritis and joint pain, often with medications and non-surgical treatments. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in joint replacement surgery. While they sometimes collaborate, a rheumatologist is typically the best first step for evaluating unexplained joint pain.
- 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. This provides rapid relief from pain and swelling. The area is numbed beforehand, and while there might be a moment of pressure, the procedure is quick and generally well-tolerated.
- What are biologic medications or 'infusion therapy' for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Biologic medications are a newer, advanced class of treatments very effective for rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike general anti-inflammatories, they target specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation. Some of these medications are given as an infusion in a clinic or infusion center.
- 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, requiring a specialist like Dr. Forstot 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 are key specialists in managing its symptoms. Treatment focuses on a multi-faceted approach, including gentle exercise, stress management, and specific medications to reduce pain and improve sleep.
- What is Sjögren's syndrome?
- Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition most commonly causing dry eyes and mouth. It can also be associated with fatigue and joint pain. Dr. Forstot can help manage the systemic aspects of the disease and works with ophthalmologists and dentists to coordinate care and relieve symptoms.
1050 NW 15th St Ste 208A
Boca Raton FL 33486
Phone: (561) 368-5611
Dr. Joseph Forstot, 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): 1144323023
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. Joseph Forstot 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.