Best AxSpA doctor list by state?
Hello, all. I just joined and I am ridiculously excited to find this online community. I am in a BAD way with AxSpA.
I am looking to find a Rheumatologist closer to where I live (I travel 3 hours for mine and I'm not super stoked about their lack of experience) and was just wondering if there is a concise forum thread or even section where people weigh-in by state (for U.S.) on top Rheumatologists that know AxSpA inside and out!
also, I’m on humira and it’s been great for me. My neck mobility increased after the first use. Other stuff took longer but it was great to move my neck again without fear of a spasm. 
I love reading comments like this and seeing that there's chance we can feel better with some relief. Happy to hear Humira has helped.
Hugs !!
Nicky (Team Member)
is there anyway you can do telehealth? As long as you go to bloodcenters and radiology at half align with your rheumatologist, you may be able to see someone out of state.
I see Dr Jessica Patel in Greenwich, CT. She’s great. Her partner Dr Lana Bernstein is highly rated. But I really like my relationship with Dr Patel. I especially like that in her office, the nurses don’t let her go home until she’s responded to patient emails/calls. Perhaps finding a rheumatologist that is willing to do telehealth and you only need to see physically once a year could work?This is a good idea. I have no Rheumatologist in my area and I travel 3 hours for mine. I'm not super thrilled with mine, as I essentially just "threw darts" and picked one, and she is quite young/inexperienced (I guess sometimes, that can work out best though) and has quite a militant "it's biologics or nothing" kind of attitude. I'm still holding off on biologics, but my patience is starting to wane.
I use Dr. Mica Yu who does telemedicine and is licensed in many states. You’ll pay out of pocket but flex plan covers and you can submit to insurance for out of network coverage. He focuses strongly on lifestyle and alternate drug therapies which is different from your run of the mill rheumy. https://drlifestyle.org
I looked this over tonight. It is intriguing, I must say. You are happy with Yu? Are you on any of his "alternate drug therapies" and if so, how are you doing?Hi Dee-I follow a plant based diet that he recommends which helps keep my symptoms pretty mild for the most part. He will trial “low dose naltrexone” or “low dose immunotherapy” with people which I haven’t done but will in the future if needed. I do like him-he’s pretty matter of fact and understands every person is different so works with unique needs. He also has some kind of spondylitis himself so he really gets it. The only drawback is the expense.
Hey, thanks Nicky. I'm in Washington State; SE corner and I am in an autoimmune specialist wasteland. There is NOTHING in this area. Spokane is the biggest city in the eastern part of the state and I'm having a hard time finding anyone there. That's 3 hours away from me still.
I'm actually struggling quite badly, really. This latest flare-up has been going since Late January with only maybe 10 accumulative days of reasonable reprieve. The pain and discomfort feels hopeless at times. The lack of any kind of healthcare/medical support or even validation is unbelievable.I go to a rheumatologist in Billings, MT, who is 2 hours away from me, but worth every minute to get there! Dr. John Jenkins. They do have telehealth, but I do not know how they arrange meetings. I have found that I have to constantly forward medical information to him through my local medical doctor, but it keeps her informed and it really keeps everyone in the loop. Thanks for this, Lisa!
