Robert I. Laugherty, PA-C

Physician Assistant

A physician assistant is a person who has successfully completed an accredited education program for physician assistant, is licensed by the state and is practicing within the scope of that license. Physician assistants are formally trained to perform many of the routine, time-consuming tasks a physician can do. In some states, they may prescribe medications. They take medical histories, perform physical exams, order lab tests and x-rays, and give inoculations. Most states require that they work under the supervision of a physician.

Rheumatologist

Mr. Robert I. Laugherty is a Rheumatologist in Alcoa, TN with special training and skill in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders related to inflammation of the joints, muscles, and ligaments. As a Rheumatologist, Robert I. Laugherty, PA-C performs physical examination, imaging, and testing for musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune conditions, commonly called rheumatic diseases. Rheumatology is a medical specialty dedicated to treating diseases and disorders related to conditions that cause joint, muscle, and bone pain, stiffness, and deformity. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Rheumatologists include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, gout, chronic pain in the back, neck, knee, hip, or other joint, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, vasculitis, lupus, scleroderma, myositis, and antiphospholipid syndrome. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Rheumatologists include x-ray, MRI, and CT imaging, rheumatoid factor testing, c-reactive protein testing, synovial fluid testing, pain medication prescription, physical therapy referral, dietary recommendations, and referral to other specialists as needed.

An internist who treats diseases of joints, muscle, bones and tendons. This specialist diagnoses and treats arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, common athletic injuries and "collagen" diseases.

Primary Care Practitioner

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  Juris Doctor - Master of Business Administration (MBA)

  University of Tennessee Knoxville

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  Physician Assistant (PA)

  Medical College of Georgia - Augusta University

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  Chemistry - Associate of Science (AS)

  Dalton State College

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  Journalism - Bachelor of Science (BS)

  University of Florida

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  Member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants

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  Member of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

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• Member of the Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers

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• Member of the Tennessee Rheumatology Society