Question 1

What is Rheumatology?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is Direct Specialty Care?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

You can decide on your own to come and see Dr. Amigues! 
No need for referral. 
Please contact us at info@unabridgedmd.com

Question 4

How long can I expect to see my doctor?

Accepted Answer

At UnabridgedMD you will feel that your team takes the time needed to give you the care that you deserve. New patient consultations are typically 90 minutes.  Return patients’ consultations are usually 30 to 40 minutes. You will never feel rushed again at UnabridgedMD.

Question 5

What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Can I be seen in telehealth?

Accepted Answer

YES, patients from Colorado, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan are welcome to be seen via telehealth. 
Patients that live in Colorado are welcomed to be seen in person at our local office. Please contact us for more information.

Question 7

Can my doctor perform joint ultrasound? What about prescribing labs or imaging?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Can Dr. Amigues prescribe medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes! 
We absolutely can prescribe medication and will help you get the prior authorizations needed for them. We can also help you get some financial support from pharmaceutical companies to alleviate the cost of some biologic and newer therapies.

Question 9

Publications

Accepted Answer

View full Publication list here. 
View Colorado lead for the Global Rheumatology Alliance for Covid19 here.

Question 10

Medical Grand Rounds Guest appearance

Accepted Answer

The Growing Epidemic of Psychological Distress in Health Care Professionals
How to address Vaccine hesitancy: Tips From Success Stories

Question 11

Podcast guest appearances

Accepted Answer

This Osteopathic Life Podcast: Conversations with Dr. Isabelle Amigues

Women in ILD Podcast: Connection Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Interstitial Lung Disease

AutoimmuneLearningNetwork Podcast: On the Need for a Switch in Terminology: From CTD-ILD to AI-ILD

Question 12

Mentions

Accepted Answer

CNBC - Patients with Autoimmune Diseases Running out of Hydroxychloroquine
Creakjoint Education - What Is Reactive Arthritis? These Are the Signs You Could Have It: 
Eurekalert.com - News Release
Healio.com - Myocardial Inflammation Frequent in RA Linked to Disease Activity

Question 13

Memberships & Associations

Accepted Answer

American College of Rheumatology 
The American Ballint Association

Question 14

Awards

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

Affiliations

Accepted Answer

Affiliate National Jewish Health

Frequently asked questions