Recommendations

[Mommashaz]

Hello all, I would very much appreciate recommendations for neurologists in the Tampa Bay, USA, area who treat RLS.

I have an appointment at the end of September, but it seems years away.

Thanks for any assistance.

[SueJohnson]

Dr Nura Festic at Jacksonville Sleep Centre in NE Florida 6930 Bonneval Rd #2 [phone] jaxsleepcenter.com/ This is a distance from Tampa Bay but she does telehealth appointments.

[Mommashaz in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks very much, I will reach out to Dr Festic.

[Mommashaz in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks very much!

[ChrisColumbus]

If you can't get the 200 miles from Tampa to Jacksonville and are not keen on a telehealth appointment, the RLS Foundation does list three doctors in Tampa who may have either been recommended by members (but this doesn't necessarily mean they are up-to-date with best practice) or may have just expressed an interest in treating RLS:

rls.org/treatment/find-a-he...

If you want to pursue this, I'd suggest that you contact in advance asking whether they follow the Mayo Algorithm for RLS: if they don't, don't know, or don't answer - don't make an appointment.

[Mommashaz in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Thank you very much for this useful info, much appreciated!

[SueJohnson]

Dr Festic is highly recommended and will prescribe buprenorphine if needed.

The problem with the ones from the RLS Foundation is they are recommended by members who may have been treated with dopamine agonists which they were happy with and may not have needed an opioid. This is why Chris said to check if they follow the Mayo Updated Algorithm on RLS.

[Mommashaz in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks very much!

[FLfish]

I'm in Fort Myers and I'm a telehealth patient of Dr. Andy Berkowitz, who's on the RLS Foundation board. Because he has a second home in FL, he is licensed to do video visits but can't prescribe drugs. He CAN, though, be the guide for your own provider. Although I'm not taking any drugs at the moment, my PCP agreed to work with Dr. B when the time comes and I want to try medication again. Frankly, I think my PCP was relieved, because 1) she was definitely not up to speed on RLS and 2) she was probably was dreading the time it might take to even read the RLS publication for providers I gave her (which you'll get when you join the Foundation). relacshealth.com/

[Mommashaz in reply to FLfish]

Thanks very much. I will reach out to Dr Berkowitz.I am sure the meds I have been on for more than 20 years are outdated.

Thanks again

[SueJohnson in reply to Mommashaz]

The only problem is he doesn't take medicare or any insurance. Otherwise he is excellent.