Function-focused PM&R evaluation
Arthritis and Rheumatologic Conditions
Physmedi evaluates how arthritis and selected rheumatologic conditions affect pain, movement, mobility, and daily function.
- Pain, movement, and function
- Physician-led PM&R evaluation
- Rheumatology coordination when appropriate
The PM&R focus
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation focuses on how a condition affects movement, mobility, comfort, independence, work, exercise, self-care, and participation in daily life. For arthritis and selected rheumatologic conditions, the evaluation centers on functional effects and appropriate medical management within Physmedi’s scope.
When an evaluation may be helpful
An evaluation may be considered when joint or musculoskeletal symptoms limit walking, standing, reaching, gripping, sleep, work, exercise, self-care, or another important activity. The appropriate setting depends on the diagnosis, medical stability, symptoms, records, and whether another specialty is already involved.
Relationship to rheumatology
PM&R care does not replace a rheumatologist’s diagnosis and management of systemic autoimmune disease. Physmedi may coordinate with or refer to rheumatology when the history, examination, records, or treatment needs extend beyond the practice’s function-focused PM&R role.
Patients should not stop disease-directed medication or specialist follow-up unless the treating clinician instructs them to do so.
What the evaluation may consider
- Where pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, or limited movement occurs
- How symptoms affect mobility and daily activities
- Medical history, medications, prior care, and relevant specialist treatment
- Joint motion, strength, gait, balance, posture, and functional tasks
- Imaging, laboratory reports, and other records already available
- Whether rehabilitation, equipment, testing, another specialist, or another care plan may be appropriate
An evaluation does not promise medication, therapy, imaging, an injection, a procedure, surgery, or a specific result.
Coordinated care
Depending on the findings, the plan may include education, activity guidance, medication review within the clinician’s scope, outside rehabilitation planning, equipment or orthotic considerations, diagnostic evaluation, or coordination with primary care, rheumatology, orthopedics, neurology, or another specialist.
Physmedi does not currently provide physical, occupational, or other therapy services in its offices.
How to prepare
- Bring a current medication and allergy list.
- Provide relevant primary-care, rheumatology, orthopedic, or other specialist notes.
- Bring available imaging and laboratory reports.
- Describe prior therapy, medications, injections, procedures, or surgery and the response.
- Identify the activities or functional goals that matter most.
- Provide insurance, referral, and authorization information when required.
Locations, coverage, and referrals
Physmedi has offices in Orlando, Clermont, and Kissimmee. Clinician and service availability may vary by office. Coverage, referral requirements, and authorization rules vary by plan; verification does not guarantee coverage or payment.
Frequently asked questions
Does Physmedi replace a rheumatologist?
No. Physmedi’s PM&R role focuses on pain, movement, mobility, function, and appropriate medical management. Systemic autoimmune disease may require rheumatology management.
What records may help?
Relevant specialist notes, medication lists, imaging, laboratory reports, prior treatment information, and functional concerns may help the team review the request.
Does Physmedi provide physical therapy in the office?
No. Physmedi does not currently provide physical, occupational, or other therapy services in its offices.
Does submitting a request confirm an appointment?
No. It begins a secure review and does not schedule or confirm an appointment.
Request an arthritis or rheumatologic PM&R review
Tell the team how the condition affects pain, movement, mobility, or daily function. The team will review the information and explain the appropriate next step.
Request an AppointmentSubmitting a request does not schedule or confirm an appointment.Medical office? Send a secure referral.Already a patient? Use the Patient Portal.
This information is educational and does not replace individualized medical advice. Do not use this page or the appointment-request pathway for urgent or emergency care. If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
