Utah's Rheumatology Hospitals: Top-Rated Or Room For Improvement?

Utah is home to several hospitals with rheumatology departments, including the University of Utah Hospital Rheumatology Clinic in Salt Lake City, which has 20 physicians covering 6 specialty areas of medicine. Rheumatologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating rheumatic conditions, which involve the joints, soft tissues, autoimmune system, vascular system, and connective tissues. Some of the common conditions treated by rheumatologists include rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, gout, and lupus. The average patient rating of rheumatologists in Utah is 4.22 stars, with 50 of these doctors practicing at a U.S. News Best Regional Hospital.

The University of Utah Hospital Rheumatology Clinic in Salt Lake City

The clinic's rheumatologists are trained to employ various medications, such as analgesics, NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs, infliximab, and adalimumab, to alleviate pain and enhance patients' quality of life. They may also recommend occupational therapy as part of the treatment plan. One of the benefits of seeking care at the University of Utah Hospital Rheumatology Clinic is the cost-effectiveness of their approach. By working closely with primary care physicians, the rheumatologists can develop more focused treatment plans, optimizing patients' time and resources.

Additionally, the clinic has geriatric specialists who are experts in treating elderly patients and the unique conditions they face, such as frailty, incontinence, memory problems, arthritis, and decreased functioning. Geriatric specialists also closely monitor the medications prescribed to older adults to minimize adverse side effects and prevent harmful drug interactions, which are more common in this demographic due to complex health issues.

The University of Utah Hospital Rheumatology Clinic stands out for its comprehensive approach to rheumatology care, combining medical expertise with a patient-centric focus. By offering specialized treatments and considering the specific needs of geriatric patients, the clinic contributes to improving the quality of life for individuals with rheumatic conditions in Utah and beyond.

Rheumatologists in Utah: average patient ratings

Rheumatology specialists in Salt Lake City, Utah, have an average rating of 3.5 stars out of 5, based on at least two or more patient ratings. This is slightly lower than the national average of 3.8 stars.

When choosing a rheumatologist, patients can refer to reviews and ratings, as well as areas of expertise, insurance information, hours, and location. Rheumatologists treat diseases that affect the joints, soft tissue, and connective tissues.

The University of Utah Health has a team of specialists in the field of rheumatology. They discuss treatment plans with patients to help manage rheumatic diseases and limit their impact on patients' lifestyles.

The Rheumatology Clinic of Utah recommends that patients first see a family practice or internal medicine physician for undiagnosed conditions. This approach can be more cost-effective, and a primary care physician's diagnosis can help rheumatologists better utilize their time and focus their treatment plans.

One notable rheumatologist in Utah is Dr. Richard Gremillion, MD, who practices in Sandy, Utah, and is affiliated with Lone Peak Hospital. He has a rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars.

The Arthritis Clinic of Central Utah

Arthritis is a disease that leads to joint pain, stiffness, and damage. Rheumatology is a medical sub-specialty that focuses on diseases and conditions related to musculoskeletal disease and autoimmune conditions (rheumatic diseases). Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating joint and musculoskeletal pain caused by a variety of autoimmune and other diseases or conditions.

The clinic's team of experienced rheumatologists and arthritis specialists provides comprehensive care for patients with all types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. They offer a range of treatments, such as medication management, joint injections, physical therapy, and education on arthritis management. The clinic also has on-site diagnostic services, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, to help accurately diagnose arthritis and develop an effective treatment plan.

In addition to medical treatments, the Arthritis Clinic of Central Utah also offers support and resources to help patients manage the impact of arthritis on their daily lives. This includes education on arthritis-friendly exercises and diet, as well as support groups and counselling services to address the mental and emotional aspects of living with a chronic condition. The clinic's goal is to provide holistic care that addresses not just the physical symptoms but also the overall well-being of its patients.

Intermountain Health St George Regional Hospital

Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital, formerly known as Dixie Regional Medical Center, is a 284-bed hospital located across two campuses in St. George, Utah. The hospital is a major medical referral centre for northwestern Arizona, southeastern Nevada, and southern Utah.

The hospital's main campus is located at 1380 East Medical Center Drive, also known as the River Road Campus. The state-of-the-art facility spans over 420,000 square feet and includes 132 acute inpatient beds and an emergency department. The hospital provides award-winning care and is recognised for its clinical excellence and compassionate caregivers.

Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital has a rich history dating back to 1913 when Dr. Donald A. McGregor, with community support, established the Washington County Hospital. Initially, the hospital was situated in the former Morris Hotel with only seven beds. In 1917, it was renamed McGregor Hospital to honour its founding physician. Over the years, the hospital expanded, and in 1972, a bond was approved for the construction of the new Dixie Medical Center, which opened in 1976.

In 2003, a new $100 million campus was built at 1380 East Medical Center Drive, funded by community philanthropy and Intermountain Healthcare. The hospital's name was changed to St. George Regional Hospital in 1990 to reflect the region's growth and diversity. In 2020, Intermountain Health Care announced that the hospital would be renamed Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital, dropping the word "`Dixie`" due to its controversial associations and to standardise its naming conventions.

Today, Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital offers a range of specialised services, including heart health, newborn intensive care, neurosciences, trauma care, and cancer treatment. The hospital has been recognised as a Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital by Truven Health Analytics. It also collaborates with Stanford University through its Intermountain Precision Genomics program, utilising precision genomics to personalise cancer testing, diagnosis, and treatment.

Rheumatic conditions treated

Rheumatologists in Utah treat diseases that affect the joints, soft tissue, autoimmune system, vascular system, and connective tissues. The University of Utah Hospital Rheumatology Clinic in Salt Lake City has 20 physicians who cover 6 specialty areas of medicine.

The Arthritis Clinic of Central Utah is a rheumatology clinic that specializes in treating joint inflammation, joint pain, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, among other conditions.

Some of the best rheumatologists in Utah include Dr. Malgorzata Hanczyc in Provo, Dr. Gregory Austad in Layton, and Dr. Carmen Gota in Saint George. These doctors are affiliated with top hospitals in the state, such as Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital - Davis, and Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital, respectively.

Frequently asked questions