Arthritis, Autoimmune & Allergy, LLC

04/06/2026

👋 Welcome to our team, Fritzie!

We’re excited to welcome Fritzie as part of our front desk support team.

She works behind the scenes as a Virtual Medical Assistant, helping with scheduling, coordination, and keeping things running smoothly.

You may not see her in the office, but she plays an important role in supporting your care.

We’re glad to have her with us!


386-676-0307
www.ArthritisAllergy.com

04/02/2026

🎙️Ask Ann & Jodie
Medical Mysteries Made Simple – RA Infusion: What to Expect

Starting infusion therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, Ann, Jodie, and Scott walk you through what to expect during an infusion visit, so you feel comfortable and prepared.

💡 Infusion therapy helps calm the immune system and reduce inflammation
💡 Treatments are closely monitored for safety
💡 Most patients relax, read, or nap during their visit

You’re not alone — we’re with you every step of the way.

📞 386-676-0307
🌐 www.ArthritisAllergy.com

RA infusion therapy can sound intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be.In this episode of Ask Ann & Jodie, we walk you through what to expect during an infus...

03/31/2026

“Doctor… do I have lupus or not?”
By Yong H. Tsai, MD

One of the hardest words in medicine is “maybe.”

Patients come in with fatigue, pain, and a positive ANA. They leave hearing terms like:

“Possible lupus.”
“Undifferentiated connective tissue disease.”

You want a yes or a no.

So why can’t we just say it?

Because lupus is not a single virus or a broken bone you can see on an X-ray.

Lupus is a syndrome — a collection of signs, symptoms, and lab findings.

That’s why we don’t rely on gut feelings.

We use a scorecard.

In 2019, rheumatology societies created a weighted point system to help us answer one question objectively:

Is this lupus?

Step 1: The Gatekeeper
Before we even open the scorecard, you need an entry ticket: a positive ANA (1:80 or higher).
No positive ANA? The door is usually closed.

Step 2: The Points
Once you’re through the gate, we start adding up evidence.

But not all symptoms are equal.

Kidney inflammation? Very heavy evidence.
A butterfly rash? Strong evidence.
Swollen joints? Significant.

Hair loss? Mild.
Fever? Mild.
Fatigue alone? Zero points.

You need 10 points to officially classify lupus.

Let me show you what that means.

Patient A:
Positive ANA
Hair loss (2 points)
Low white blood cells (3 points)

Total: 5 points.

Verdict: Not lupus.

Patient B:
Positive ANA
Swollen joints (6 points)
Butterfly rash (6 points)
Low complements (4 points)

Total: 16 points.

Verdict: Definite lupus.

The scorecard protects patients.

It prevents us from labeling someone with a lifelong autoimmune disease based on vague symptoms and a borderline lab.

It also prevents us from starting powerful medications unless the evidence truly supports it.

Is medicine always black and white?

No.

Sometimes we treat “early” or “incomplete” lupus before someone reaches 10 points — especially if waiting could cause harm.

But the scorecard keeps us careful.

It reminds us that diagnosis is not fear-driven.
It is evidence-driven.

And that protects you.

Have you ever felt stuck in the “maybe” stage of a diagnosis?


📞 386-676-0307
🌐 www.ArthritisAllergy.com

03/30/2026

Happy Doctors’ Day to Dr. Tsai.

The staff sometimes joke that he is “on his phone” between patients.

But in reality, he is often reviewing medical literature, studying complex cases, and looking for answers.

Just this week, he spent extra time researching a rare condition, brought the patient back for additional testing, and was able to confirm a diagnosis.

Now, treatment begins.

His camera roll may not be very exciting — but it’s full of learning.

We are grateful for the dedication and thought he brings to every patient, every day.


386-676-0307
www.ArthritisAllergy.com

03/28/2026

🎉 A special celebration for our team

We had the chance to celebrate work anniversaries for Ann 1 year. Ashlyn 3 years, and Kathy 18 yeaes — and recognize all that they bring to our office every day.

We also said goodbye to Amanda as she begins an exciting new chapter with her own jewelry business.

Grateful for the time we shared and wishing her all the best on her new journey.


386-676-0307
www.ArthritisAllergy.com

03/28/2026

🎉 A special celebration for our team

We had the chance to celebrate work anniversaries for Ann 1 year. Ashlyn 3 years, and Kathy 18 yeaes — and recognize all that they bring to our office every day.

We also said goodbye to Amanda as she begins an exciting new chapter with her own jewelry business.

Grateful for the time we shared and wishing her all the best on her new journey.


386-676-0307
www.ArthritisAllergy.com

03/27/2026

Happy Friday from Philly 🐾

Checking in to make sure everything is running smoothly before the weekend.

Wishing everyone a relaxing and comfortable weekend!


386-676-0307
www.ArthritisAllergy.com

03/25/2026

🎉 Happy 18th Work Anniversary, Kathy!

For 18 years, Kathy has been an essential part of our team — bringing knowledge, consistency, and steady support behind the scenes.

We are grateful for all that you do every day for our patients and our office.

Thank you for being part of our journey.


386-676-0307
www.ArthritisAllergy.com

03/23/2026

“It looks like you might have lupus.”

Those words sent Sarah into weeks of anxiety.

She was 35. Tired. Achy. Losing some hair. Her ANA came back positive at 1:80.

Her primary doctor mentioned lupus.

She panicked.

When she came to see Dr. Tsai, he slowed everything down.

He checked for the true hallmarks of lupus:
• Butterfly rash
• Sun sensitivity
• Mouth ulcers
• Organ involvement

All negative.

Then he explained:

“The ANA is a screening test. Think of it like a smoke detector.
Is it a house fire… or just burnt toast?”

Up to 15% of healthy people can have a positive ANA.

Fatigue and joint aches are common. They are not specific for lupus.

More specific antibody tests were ordered.

They were negative.

Sarah did not have lupus.

The lesson?

A positive ANA alone is not a diagnosis.

Context matters. Symptoms matter. Careful evaluation matters.

Have you ever been told you had a positive ANA and worried what it meant?


📞 386-676-0307
🌐 www.ArthritisAllergy.com

03/18/2026

Movement matters.

Even with rheumatoid arthritis or other rheumatic diseases, gentle exercise can help reduce stiffness and improve joint health.

These tips from the American College of Rheumatology show safe ways to stay active.

What type of movement helps you feel better — walking, stretching, swimming?

Tell us in the comments.


386-676-0307
www.ArthritisAllergy.com

03/17/2026

🍀 A little St. Patrick’s Day fun in the clinic!

From green outfits to Philly making his rounds (as usual), we had a few smiles in between patient care.

We hope everyone had a lucky and joyful St. Patrick’s Day!


386-676-0307
www.ArthritisAllergy.com

03/16/2026

March is autoimmune disease awareness month.

www.ArthritisAllergy.com