Excelsior Springs, Mo. – Excelsior Springs Hospital (ESH) is expanding its commitment to providing specialized care to residents by offering rheumatology services through a partnership with Dr. Shashank Radadiya.
Rheumatology focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases that cause inflammation in the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. These conditions, which are autoimmune in nature, mistakenly attack the body’s tissues. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing joint deformities and long-term disability, making Radadiya passionate about increasing access to care.
Radadiya explained that he became a rheumatologist due to the opportunities for future research in the field and his desire to help those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders such as lupus, systemic sclerosis, and spondyloarthropathies.
His journey in medicine began overseas in India, where he attended the Government Medical College in Surat. After moving to the United States, he continued his education, earning certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine with a subspecialty in rheumatology.
After completing his education, Radadiya pursued a fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, and completed his residency through the Geisinger Health System at the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Today, “I still work at the VA hospital in Kansas City, Missouri,” he said. “I also travel to seven different locations to help patients.”
Despite his demanding schedule, Radadiya saw an opportunity to serve the Excelsior Springs community by offering rheumatology services at ESH. He recognized the burden placed on patients who had to travel long distances for specialized care and wanted to reduce that strain, especially for those requiring long-term treatment.
At ESH, Radadiya provides early treatment for autoimmune conditions, which he explained is “essential in preventing joint damage and disability.” By offering these services locally, patients no longer have to travel far for critical care.
In addition to his medical expertise, Radadiya emphasizes ethical and transparent care for all patients. He pointed out that over time, many individuals will need to see a rheumatologist for arthritic pain, and he wants to ensure they receive upfront and honest information about their treatment options without unnecessary financial strain.
“If a patient truly has a rheumatological disease, I will see them and treat them,” he said. “I have seen so many patients in my life with a positive test who are immediately diagnosed and put on medication, only to see a physician every four to six months. Twenty percent of women will have a positive test, but only one percent will actually have the disease. I have stopped patients from taking medication they don’t need because, although the test is positive, they don’t have the disease.”
For those seeking rheumatological care at ESH, Radadiya explained that patients must consult with their primary care physician and receive a referral. Afterward, they will undergo testing to detect potential autoimmune disorders, including an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, which looks for antibodies that attack the body’s cells. If the ANA test is positive, further testing will be conducted, including a Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (CCP) Antibody blood test to assess joint involvement.
He added that all lab work and treatment options can remain local, eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances and ensuring their healthcare needs are met close to home. Patients requiring “infusions, injections, and medications” will also be able to receive those treatments at ESH.
In addition to his healthcare efforts, Radadiya visits ESH four days a month—two Mondays, one Thursday, and one Friday—seeing up to 24 patients per visit. “If a patient is diagnosed with a rheumatological disease, I will ensure they are tested and treated as soon as possible, often within the next week,” he said.
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