Rheumatology is the science and care of immune-mediated (autoimmune and inflammatory) disorders that primarily affect the body's musculoskeletal system.
Rheumatologists are excellent diagnosticians and may be the first clinicians, after a patient has seen several other doctors, to make the diagnosis of what is affecting a patient. I like to define myself and my colleague rheumatologists as “Dr. House without the attitude”.
Once a diagnosis of a rheumatologic disorder is established, a rheumatologist will offer a treatment plan that may include very specific targeted treatment.
For example, a patient comes in with severe joint pain that is worse in the morning, associated with several hours of morning stiffness and swelling. I have a consultation with the patient and make a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. We start treatment that helps the body restore the balance of inflammation, which then leads to remission (with treatment).
Another example of a rheumatologic condition is a patient that has severe swelling and pain every time they eat steaks. I confirm they have gout. We start treatment, including a specific diet, and their pain goes away completely, and in addition, we prevent cardiovascular complications (such as heart failure, myocardial infarction etc.).
And lastly, a patient with a history of the skin disease psoriasis develops joint pain and swelling. I make a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis and start treatment that leads to complete control of his joint symptoms and skin rash.
Direct Specialty care (DSC) promotes the patient-physician relationship by removing third-party payors from the equation. DSC is a different healthcare model from your typical insurance billing medical practice.
Like with your gym, you can have access to DSC with an affordable membership fee.
As a member you have access to your doctor, within days, without having to deal with red tape. Because your doctor does not have to “do numbers” instead of delivering quality medical care, you know that your doctor has more time to take care of your health. You get superior care, the care that was always meant to be delivered so that you can achieve disease remission faster and live the life you were always meant to live.
Your membership also brings you access to discounted laboratory pricing or ultrasound and injections.
We understand urgent situations can happen. We will make every effort to accommodate your schedule. We make the time for you and need to get more that 48 hrs advanced notice to allow someone else to use this time.
If you cancel less than 48h in advance and/or no show, we will charge a cancellation fee. If you cancel repeatedly, we may cancel your membership without advanced notice.
Yes, Dr. Amigues is Certified in joint ultrasound (RhMSUS) and one of the benefit of the membership model is that we offer joint ultrasound as part of our care.
When required, Dr. Amigues will prescribe labs and imaging studies. We have discounted prices or you can use your insurance benefit.
Unless there is a critical or urgent matter, we will review lab results with you during your follow up appointment.
View full Publication list here.
View Colorado lead for the Global Rheumatology Alliance for Covid19 here.
June 2021 National Jewish Health Covid-19 Pandemic Star Award May/June '19 Improving Assessment, Referral and Treatment of RA: Streamlining Processes for Better Patient Care within Our Community.
Colorado alliance for Continuous Medical Education (CME)
Outstanding CME Collaboration of the Year
Excellence in Educational Design Award at the 2019 Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions Conference
2009-2010 Chief Resident at Hospices Civils de Lyon, France