A Patient Focus
At Sarasota Arthritis Center, it’s our mission to help our patients live with reduced pain. We designed this page to explain how our offices work to help make things easier for you.
Excellence in Rheumatology Care since 1977. Accepting New Patients
Whether you’re a new face or a familiar friend, we look forward to seeing you. Preparing for your visit beforehand will help save time and get the most from your visit.
Arrival Information
Please arrive 15 minutes early for your scheduled appointment with your doctor. If you are a new patient and this is your very first appointment with our office, you must arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
Directions & Parking
All of our locations have complimentary parking available to our patients. For directions, please call our office prior to your appointment date and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Accessibility
All locations are handicap accessible by ramp, elevator, or walkway, with handicap parking available. Please call our office if you need additional information or clarification.
Items to Bring
For faster check-in:
We request that you complete the online pre-registration forms prior to your appointment. These will come to you by email and/or by cell phone through a company called Phreesia. It is important that you complete this information prior to your scheduled appointment to keep you and the office running on time as much as possible. Please call our office if you need assistance in completing the online registration.
Cancellations
Kindly give us 24 hours advance notice if you are unable to make an appointment. This allows us to provide care to other patients in need of an appointment.
Insurance Plans
Although we take most insurance plans, please contact our office prior to scheduling an appointment or changing your insurance plan to make sure we are in-network with your insurance provider. If you are looking for new insurance, please refer to the provided link for information regarding various insurance plans. https://www.arthritiscenters.net/service/insurance-guide/
For additional Medicare resources: https://www.mymedicarematters.org/
When you stop into any of our locations, our caring staff and knowledgeable physicians are ready to help. Here’s what you can expect during your visit.
You will check in at the front-desk. If you haven’t completed the pre-registration paperwork, you will be asked to complete it while in office via a Phreesia Pad or your phone. Our Patient Care Coordinators are there to assist you in the form completion. Any copay and balances on your account will be collected at this time.
If you’ve completed your pre-registration paperwork and paid your copay or any balances via Phreesia before your arrival, just check-in at the front desk to let us know you’ve arrived. Our staff will ask to see your insurance card(s). You will sit in our comfortable waiting room so we can call you into a room at the appropriate time.
Consultation
During the appointment your doctor will discuss your primary health concerns and goals. If after your appointment we believe we can truly help you and you are ready for help, we will advise you on the next step of the process. Expect to be in office between 60-90 minutes for your first appointment.
During the Consult
The next step can be different for each person depending on what we feel is necessary for you to help you. In most cases the doctor will complete an exam and order any necessary testing to assist in diagnosis and treatment. We may offer you advice on how you can resolve your issues without undergoing care or you may even be referred to another doctor that is more suitable for your condition if we don’t feel we can help.
However, the majority of patients are recommended to have proper testing for further evaluation and to begin treatment.
End of the Consult
After your visit with the doctor and their care team, you will need to check-out with our Patient Care Coordinators. They will provide you with your next appointment, give you any orders for testing, initiate any referrals if requested, and provide you with an informational packet regarding our practice, policies, and expectations. If it was determined in the appointment that follow-up is unnecessary, they will send any referrals requested by the doctor.
We will review your test results and establish a clear picture of what your goals and expectations are. The doctor will inform you of what their expectations are of you and go over treatment options. This is the perfect time to have any of your questions answered regarding your diagnosis, treatments, and next steps. We want to make sure that all of your concerns and questions are addressed prior to starting any treatment with our practice.
It is important that you keep your follow-up visits with your provider. This ensures that any treatments you are on are maintaining efficacy and helping improve your quality of life. These visits are also important for you to discuss any concerns with your provider, or if you are still experiencing symptoms. Your provider will order maintenance labs and refill any prescriptions to get you until your next appointment. These visits will generally alternate between your doctor and the nurse practitioner who is part of your care team.
"I have been treated for many years by Dr. Huguenin at the Englewood office of the Sarasota Arthritis Center. I have every confidence in her ability to manage my Lupus treatment. I find her to be thorough, knowledgeable & compassionate. I have recommended her many times & will continue to do so!"
"Dr. Brad Weitzner is wonderful. He is very thorough and really listened to my concerns and empathized. After ordering various tests he was able to come up with a solution that is now helping me to manage my condition. The office and staff are very kind and efficient which makes it a pleasure to stay on top of my condition."
"Had my first appointment with Dr. Manohar today, she is amazing. I feel so comfortable with her. I couldn't think of a better person to trust to manage my RA, I am so pleased!"
"I've been a patient at the SAC for years. Dr. Cindy Johnston is always very thorough and takes her time examining you and discussing different treatment options."
"I have been followed by other doctors for 20 years for osteopenia. I was recommended recently to the arthritis center and I selected Dr Drucker. He is a brilliant physician and takes the whole person into consideration before making treatment decisions. I trust his judgment completely and recommend him and the arthritis center without reservation."
"Dr Kaitlyn Lima is a JEWEL! She is kind, patient and attentive. She is never dismissive, and listens intently! Her change in my medication protocol has been a lifesaver! Highly recommend!"
"Kind considerate efficient . Appreciate Dr Lynn Shue! She is very competent! Refers if needed"
"Everyone at Sarasota Arthritis Center is very helpful and polite . Dr. Boodoo is very professional always feel better upon leaving his office."
"I was so happy to find Dr. Gordian at Bradenton Arthritis. She quickly found my problem that 3 other MD's missed. Under her care I have ready begun to find some relief. She listens, asked pertinent questions and when I leave I feel confident that I'm in good hands. I highly recommend her."
"My experiences with Sarasota Arthritis Center have been excellent. Dr. Yonker is knowledgeable, thorough, incredibly organized, and has great doctor/patient skills. The office runs on time, check in and check out is smooth, the infusion center is well-run, and I actually look forward to my visits. You all are the best!"
"I was lucky that my doctor was Robert Ikeman. By God, how lucky I feel to meet a doctor with such professional ethics, kindness and very focused on my health. Even though I don't speak fluent English, he did everything possible to understand us with such kindness and patience. Thank you !!!!"
Please read and become familiar with our office policies. They will download as a single, multi-page document. If you have questions, please call our Main Office in Sarasota, Florida at 941-365-0770. If you are a new patient you can email us at newpatients@arthritiscenters.net.
For your convenience, our new patient packet will be sent via email link for completion 10 days prior to your scheduled new patient appointment. If you experience difficulties with online completion or would like to fill out a packet manually, please download the New Patient Packet below.
Several reliable organizations provide Support, Education and Advocacy information. A few are listed below. To view a more detailed list click the button below.
Clicking on the foundation below links to the associated link
Would you like to learn more? Our patient resources provide information about diseases, treatments, and support organizations.
Support, Education & Advocacy
Advocacy
Education
Support
Do you or your loved one suffer from an autoimmune condition? If so, you can find support and education from several reliable organizations. Some support organizations are listed below. Learn more about advocacy to take action and improve access to care.
Lupus
Lupus
SLE
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease that causes systemic inflammation which affects several organ systems.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Arthritis Treatment
Joint Replacement Surgery
Osteoarthritis Treatment
Modern joint replacement surgeries are performed by orthopedic surgeons and involve removal of the worn cartilage from both sides of the joint, followed by resurfacing of the joint with a metal and plastic replacement implant that looks and functions much like your normal joint.
Phone: 941-365-0770
Fax: 941-955-8984
Phone: 941 567-4021
Fax: 941-567-4024
Phone: 941-484-4409
Fax: 941-485-3444
Here are the most frequently asked questions to help you get started.
Please click on the link below to see a comprehensive list of insurance plans we accept at our offices.
All potential patients are required to have a referral from a provider they see, whether it is their primary care doctor or another specialist. The reason for this requirement is so that our practice may triage patients appropriately and be able to service those patients who need treatment.
Yes. Each time a patient misses an appointment without providing proper notice, another patient is prevented from receiving care. Missed appointments (“no shows”) are subject to a $50.00 fee that is billed to the patient. Multiple “no shows” in a 12-month period can result in discharge from the practice.
New patient no show fees are $125.00. This is billed to the patient and must be paid prior to being able to reschedule the new patient appointment. Two new patient no shows will prevent the patient from being scheduled in the future with our practice. Please call the office if you are unable to keep your appointment.
If you are a new patient, you will be asked to arrive at least 30 minutes early and bring a copy of your insurance card(s) and drivers license or ID. If you have any pertinent records that contribute to your care, please provide those as well. To properly expedite your appointment and allow for the provider to maximize the time spent with you, please make sure you complete the new patient forms that are provided through Phreesia via email and cellphone, or by completing them from our website and sending them in.
Existing patients are required to bring a copy of their insurance and ID cards to every appointment. It is important to complete the pre-registration paperwork prior to your visit. Some forms occur on a yearly basis, while others are required (either by law, by payer, or practice) at each appointment. This is to ensure we bill the most accurate and up to date information to prevent any costs from being shifted to you, the patient.
All patients must bring a list of their current medications as well as the method of payment for any balances, copays, coinsurance and deductibles.
Prescription refills, in general, will be filled at every appointment with your doctor. You will be provided enough to cover your needs until your next appointment. It is important that you keep your appointments with your doctor and complete any requested labs or testing, or refills can be denied. Clinical staff have 48 hours to respond to all refill requests so it is important that you call well in advance of you running out of your medications.
If you are experiencing an allergy or other reaction to your medication, intolerance to your medication, have a new planned procedure coming up, or have received notification your insurance is denying your medication and may require a change in treatment, our office staff will book you an appointment with your doctor. This can either be an in-office or virtual (telehealth) visit with your provider.
In order to provide the best care possible, if you are experiencing any concerns, exacerbations of your disease (increase in symptoms), please try to call our office during normal business hours so that we may reach your doctor who knows you best.
We currently have three (3) locations: Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice. You can use the location tab on our website to search where our doctors and nurse practitioners travel to in order to determine the best location for your needs.
If your doctor ordered you a medication that will be administered in one of our offices, our Infusion Coordinators will work with your insurance plan to get your medication(s) approved and processed. This can take up to 4 weeks, sometimes more depending on your insurance plan’s requirements. Once the medication is approved, one of our Infusion Coordinators will call you to schedule your appointment, explain your benefits and estimated costs, and answer any remaining questions you may have.
If your doctor ordered you a medication that will be administered by you (self-administration), our Biologics Coordinators will work with your insurance plan and specialty pharmacy to get your medication(s) approved and processed. This process can take up to 4 weeks, sometimes more if your insurance determines further information or criteria is required to approve your medication.
Please refer to our Rx Coordination page under Services tab on our website for even more detailed information.
We understand that a lot can happen during your appointment with your doctor and you can be given a lot of information all at one time. This is why at each of our locations we have a Patient Navigator who can assist you further with any questions you may have and at no additional cost to you. They are trained in insurance, biologics coordination, disease navigation, and can provide you with additional resources to help you further understand your diagnosis, prescribed treatments, and the importance of your insurance plan choices.
Reach out to your office location of choice to get in touch with one of our Patient Navigators for assistance!
All of our offices are open Monday thru Thursday, 7:30AM to 5:30PM EST. Appointments are generally available between the hours of 8:00AM to 4:45PM EST.
Yes! Even if you are seen at another location for your doctor appointments, you are able to receive your injections and infusions at one of our other locations if it is more convenient. Please let the infusion coordinators know that you’d like to receive treatment at another one of our offices. You may also request the location change with the infusion nurses when booking your next appointment.
Yes! We are happy to be able to provide payment plans under certain circumstances utilizing Phreesia. Please call our office and speak with the billing department to set up a payment plan. Phreesia is a third party vendor that is securely integrated with our EMR system and is HIPAA compliant. Payments will automatically be charged to the card you keep on file until your balance is paid.
If you do not have a login, please notify your doctor’s nurse or the medical phone operators to get set up.
You can access the patient portal via our website by clicking on the “For Patients” tab and it is up at the top.
You can also click Here to access the patient portal.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or your local emergency number for immediate assistance, and go to the ER.
Once you are stable, please contact our office to alert your provider of the medical incident/issue. Your doctor’s nurse and staff will work to get you an appointment (in-person or telehealth) with your provider to follow-up.
We are able to see patients by appointment only. If you need to cancel an appointment, please contact our office at least 24 hours in advance. To expedite the check-in process prior to your appointment, please complete the pre-registration paperwork that will be emailed and texted to you through Phreesia. Please bring your insurance cards, method of payment, and identification with you to every appointment.
