By the Vista/Southwest Spine and Pain Community Outreach Team

Rheumatology issues pose unique challenges for healthcare professionals and patients due to their intricate nature. Often chronic or lifelong, these diseases are elusive to diagnose and necessitate a dedicated partnership between patients and physicians.

Recognizing the increasing community demands and the prolonged waiting times patients face when seeking specialized care, Vista Healthcare stands out as southern Utah’s premier rheumatology provider. Their innovative clinic specializes in treating various musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions.

Vista Healthcare Rheumatology brings world-class rheumatology services to southern Utah, emphasizing efficient patient care while providing a warm, friendly environment.

A rheumatologist treats arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders, and osteoporosis. Dr. Carmen Gota and Dr. Michael A. Grant are the leading rheumatology specialists at Vista’s Joint and Arthritis Center. Their experience helps patients at Vista Healthcare Rheumatology find solutions to their complex health issues.

“These patients really get improvements from the therapies we give them, more so than in a lot of other medical fields,” said Dr. Grant. “Once we’re able to make a diagnosis, we can see the patient’s quality of life visibly improve.”

Dr. Grant is committed to developing the most effective treatment plans to enhance the quality of life of his patients. He strives to develop lifelong relationships with them based on good communication and compassionate care. “I have a lot of support from the ancillary staff, which allows me to really focus on the patients, educate them, and build relationships with them,” Dr. Grant explained.

Dr. Gota is a rheumatology and internal medicine specialist with three decades of clinical experience and is now serving the patients of Vista Healthcare. “I like the challenge of rheumatology,” she said. “As a physician, I can make a great impact on somebody’s health.” Dr. Gota loves listening to her patients and helping them with all their medical needs. “It makes me so happy to see my patients thrive,” she explained. “My goal is to help them feel better as soon as possible, so I am committed to helping them be seen without having to wait for months. If my patients have an urgent problem, I get them in right away.”

Common issues treated at Vista Healthcare Rheumatology include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Chondrocalcinosis

• Osteoarthritis

• Osteoporosis

• Gout

• Lupus

• Myositis and dermatomyositis

• Vasculitis

• Wegener’s Granulomatosis

• Back pain

• Fibromyalgia

• Tendonitis

• Certain autoimmune diseases

• Musculoskeletal pain disorders

Occasionally, joint, muscle, and bone pain may be fleeting and mild, giving rise to the hope that it will resolve naturally. However, when it becomes intense or persists for an extended period of time, it is prudent to seek professional medical guidance.

Rheumatic diseases are typically not easily identifiable in an early stage. Rheumatologists are trained to do the extensive detective work necessary to discover the cause of swelling and joint pain. It is crucial to determine a correct diagnosis early to begin appropriate treatment. Musculoskeletal disorders generally respond best to treatment in the early stages of the disease.

Booking an appointment with Vista Healthcare is simple. You can give them a call or visit their website at vista-hc.com. Should you require specialty care that includes a rheumatologist, endocrinologist, or neurologist or that includes pain management, spinal care, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or sports medicine, give Vista Healthcare a call today at 435-879-7610, or visit their website for more information.

Vista Healthcare is located at 1490 E. Foremaster Drive, Ste. 220 in St. George, Utah.