Providing Expert Arthritis Care


MY SERVICESCONTACT

ABOUT

Dr Doug White BSc(Hons), MBChB(Hons), DipMSM, MRCP(UK), FRACP, MBA

I am a Hamilton based Rheumatologist, who offers a thorough, personalised and expert care of inflammatory rheumatic disorders, including autoimmune inflammatory disorders, crystal arthritis, connective tissue disorders, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.

I hold post-graduate qualifications in musculoskeletal medicine and paediatric rheumatology and trained in centres in the UK and Australia, before settling here in Hamilton in 2010.

My approach is patient-focused and I work hard to explain these complex conditions in a way my patients understand.  I’m passionate about the use of technology and new media in healthcare and have developed materials for patients and healthcare providers to improve understanding of rheumatic diseases. I believe that research is an integral part of providing good care and I have contributed to numerous national and international research projects.

You can read more about my research and publications here.

I have been the Honorary Secretary of the New Zealand Rheumatology Association, and am a current member of the Rheumatology Audit Partnership New Zealand and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

MY SERVICES
CONTACT

SERVICES

Before an initial consultation can be booked, a referral is required from your GP, specialist or other healthcare provider. Once we receive the referral, we will make contact in 1-2 days to arrange a time for your appointment. An initial consultation will usually take 60 minutes.

Diagnosis

The first step is to find out what’s going on! This involves an in-depth consultation to discuss your symptoms, a physical examination and review of blood tests and scans. The information gathered through this process helps figure out what the problem is.

Management

The second step is to manage the identified problem. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so we work out the best approach based on the diagnosis. This may include use of medications, advice on diet and exercise, or injections into joints.

Monitoring

Most rheumatic conditions are chronic and therefore require regular monitoring of the condition and how it is responding to the treatments being used. The monitoring mat require regular blood tests, clinic visits, or scans.

COSTS

What you need to know about private medical consultations

Costs, Medical Insurance & ACC

Health insurance policies vary widely between providers in terms of their level and scope of cover. Please make sure you are familiar with your policy.

Doug White Rheumatology is an affiliated provider to Southern Cross. Those who have insurance with other providers are expected to pay for the consultation and then claim the cost back from their insurer.

We do have a clinical services contract with ACC. In addition, if ACC have requested services from Doug White Rheumatology then these will be covered by ACC on your behalf.

Charges will be notified at the time of booking and an invoice sent following your consultation. Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card (MasterCard or Visa).

Doug White Rheumatology is an Affiliated Provider to Southern Cross Health Society

This means that if you are a Southern Cross member, we will apply for insurance pre-approval and process claims on your behalf. If there is a shortfall, or a co-payment is needed you will be advised and asked to pay that after your consultation.

ABOUT RHEUMATOLOGY

Rheumatology – what is it?

rheumatology, noun.

a branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases.

Rheumatic diseases are a diverse group of diseases that commonly affect the joints, but can affect any organ of the body. There are more than 200 different conditions, affecting both children and adults.

They are usually caused by problems of the immune system, inflammation, infections or gradual deterioration of joints, muscles and bones. Many of these diseases are long term and worsen over time.

They are typically painful and limit function. In severe cases, some conditions can result in significant disability and have the potential to have a major impact on both quality of life and life expectancy.

A rheumatologist is experienced in diagnosing the particular condition and helping to work out the best treatment approach.

Below are the most common conditions I see.

Spondyloarthritis

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) refers to a group of conditions where there is inflammation at the junction between ligaments and bone. Some people also have arthritis, eye, skin and bowel complications. Psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are types of spondyloarthritis. I have run a dedicated clinic for people with spondyloarthritis since 2010 and experienced the diagnosis and management of these conditions.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by changes in the cartilage and underlying bone that result in joint pain, stiffness and reduced movement. Getting to the right diagnosis early can help you manage your arthritis and continue doing the things you enjoy.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a type of arthritis caused by your immune system attacking your body (usually joints), instead of the invading organisms as it’s supposed to. The result is inflammation within the joints leading to swelling, pain and stiffness. Picking this up early and getting on to the right treatment can make a huge difference to how you and your joints function in the long term.

Fibromyalgia

People who have fibromyalgia tell me that they feel pain all over, are often tired all the time, may have trouble concentrating or report an irritable bowel or bladder. Fibromyalgia can be tricky to diagnose and manage but understanding what is wrong and what you are able to do can be a big help.

Gout

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in your body. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purines that are part of many foods we eat, and if there is too much, or the kidneys don’t excrete it properly, the uric acid builds up and starts to crystallize.

CONTACT

Use the details below to get in touch and check the map for practice locations. We aim to respond to emails and phone messages within 24 hours.

POSTAL ADDRESS

PO Box 24148

Hillcrest

Hamilton 3253

HEALTHLINK

EDI: whirheum

PRACTICE LOCATION

Glenview Medical Centre

1 Urlich Avenue

Glenview

Hamilton 3206

TELEPHONE

07 856 1115