Best Rheumatologists in St. Louis
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to Rheumatology in St. Louis
Definition of rheumatology
Rheumatology is a specialized branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Rheumatologists are experts in managing complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that can affect various parts of the body.
Common conditions treated by rheumatologists include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, gout, fibromyalgia, and various forms of vasculitis. These disorders often require long-term management and specialized care to improve patients' quality of life and prevent disease progression.
Importance of choosing the right rheumatologist
Selecting the right rheumatologist is a significant decision that can greatly influence the quality of care and treatment outcomes for patients with rheumatic diseases. A skilled rheumatologist can provide accurate diagnoses, develop tailored treatment plans, and offer ongoing support to manage chronic conditions effectively.
Rheumatic conditions often require long-term care, making the relationship between patient and doctor particularly important. A strong, trust-based partnership with your rheumatologist can lead to better communication, improved adherence to treatment plans, and more satisfactory health outcomes over time.
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List of Rheumatologists in St. Louis
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Medical School)
English
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital
Barnes Jewish Hospital
Memorial Hospital Belleville
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 2010)
Barnes - Jewish Hospital (Internship Hospital, 2006)
Barnes-Jewish Hospital (Internship Hospital, 2006)
Drexel University College of Medicine (Medical School, 2005)
University of Pennsylvania (Undergraduate School, 1996)
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (Undergraduate School, 1996)
English
Barnes Jewish Hospital
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital)
Ssm Heath St. Mary's Hospital (Residency Hospital)
Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram (Medical School)
English
Community Hospital of Staunton
Rheumatology
American Board of Internal Medicine
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE (Medical School)
English
Mandarin
Barnes Jewish Hospital
OSF Saint Paul Medical Center
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Pediatrics
American Board of Internal Medicine
SOUTHWEST COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINEHEALTH SCIENCES (Medical School)
English
Memorial Hospital
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital
Barnes Jewish Hospital
Rheumatology
Pediatric Rheumatology
American Board of Internal Medicine
St Louis University Group of Hospitals Program (Residency Hospital)
Scripps Clin (Fellowship Hospital, 1976)
Saint Louis University Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1973)
Saint Louis University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1972)
English
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
Pediatric Rheumatology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 1978)
Hennepin County Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1976)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Internship Hospital, 1973)
Washington Center / School of Medicine (Medical School, 1972)
English
Barnes Jewish Hospital
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (Medical School)
English
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital
Barnes Jewish Hospital
Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
Jmt Arthritis Elimination (2001)
Naet Allergy Elimination (2000)
Reiki Master (1997)
Logan College of Chiropractic (Medical School, 1997)
Skidmore College (Undergraduate School, 1991)
English
Chiropractic
Rheumatology
Acupuncture
Allergy & Immunology
Pediatric Allergy & Immunology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Saint Louis University School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital)
King Edward Medical University (Medical School, 1991)
English
Iron County Medical Center
Hedrick Medical Center
Mercy Hospital St. Louis
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
MUMBAI UNIVERSITY / BOMBAY HOSPITAL INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (Medical School)
English
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital
SIH St. Joseph Memorial Hospital
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Barnes-Jewish Hospital - St. Louis (Fellowship Hospital, 2015)
Barnes-Jewish Hospital-St. Louis (Fellowship Hospital, 2015)
Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Residency Hospital, 2013)
Cleveland Clinic Health System-Huron Hospital (Internship Hospital, 2011)
HANYANG UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (Medical School, 2001)
English
Deaconess Hospital
Harrison County Hospital
Memorial Hospital of South Bend
Rheumatology
Hospital Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA / ANCHORAGE CAMPUS (Medical School, 1989)
English
Telugu
HSHS St. Joseph''s Hospital Highland
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
Rheumatology
Internal Medicine
Overview of Selecting a Rheumatologist in St. Louis
Factors to consider when choosing a rheumatologist
Board certification and qualifications
- Review American Board of Internal Medicine certifications
- Consider additional subspecialty certifications
Experience and expertise
- Years of practice in rheumatology
- Specific areas of focus within rheumatology
Hospital affiliations
- Major affiliations include Barnes Jewish Hospital
- Consider accessibility of affiliated hospitals
Patient reviews and ratings
- Examine star ratings on platforms like Healthgrades
- Read patient testimonials for insights into doctor-patient relationships
Resources for finding rheumatologists in St. Louis
Online directories and review websites
- Utilize Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor profiles
- Cross-reference with other medical review sites
Referrals from primary care physicians
- Consult with your general practitioner for recommendations
- Discuss your specific rheumatological needs
Local medical institutions
- Contact Washington University School of Medicine
- Inquire at Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Top-Rated Rheumatologists in St. Louis
Dr. Alfred Kim
Education and Certifications
- Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine (2005)
- Fellowship: Washington University School of Medicine (2010)
- Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine
Hospital Affiliations
- Barnes Jewish Hospital
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0 star rating based on 6 reviews
- Highly regarded for patient care and expertise
Dr. Dany Thekkemuriyil
Education and Certifications
- Medical School: Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram
- Fellowship: Washington University School of Medicine
- Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine
Hospital Affiliations
- Community Hospital of Staunton
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0 star rating based on 7 reviews
- Praised for comprehensive care and patient communication
Dr. John Atkinson
Education and Certifications
- Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine (1969)
- Board Certifications: American Board of Allergy & Immunology, American Board of Internal Medicine
Hospital Affiliations
- Barnes Jewish Hospital
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0 star rating based on 3 reviews
- Recognized for extensive experience and research contributions
Dr. Benjamin Schwartz
Education and Certifications
- Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1972)
- Board Certifications: American Board of Allergy & Immunology, American Board of Internal Medicine
Hospital Affiliations
- Barnes Jewish Hospital
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0 star rating based on 2 reviews
- Noted for expertise in both rheumatology and allergy & immunology
Dr. Vladimir Despotovic
Education and Certifications
- Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine
- Additional expertise in Critical Care Medicine
Hospital Affiliations
- Barnes Jewish Hospital
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0 star rating based on 1 review
- Recognized for multidisciplinary approach to patient care
Additional Considerations for Choosing a Rheumatologist
Insurance coverage and accepted plans
Importance of verifying insurance acceptance
- Contact the rheumatologist's office to confirm accepted insurance plans
- Understand potential out-of-pocket costs
In-network vs. out-of-network considerations
- Evaluate the cost differences
- Weigh the benefits of seeing a specific specialist against potential higher costs
Office location and accessibility
Proximity to patient's home or workplace
- Consider travel time and convenience
- Evaluate parking options or public transportation accessibility
Facility amenities
- Accessibility features for patients with mobility issues
- On-site diagnostic services or lab work capabilities
Language preferences and availability of interpreters
Multilingual physicians in St. Louis
- Dr. Vladimir Despotovic (English, Croatian)
- Dr. Zhe Liang (English, Mandarin)
- Dr. Chyi Hsieh (English, Mandarin)
Interpreter services
- Inquire about availability of professional medical interpreters
- Discuss options for patients with hearing impairments
Telemedicine options
Availability of virtual consultations
- Inquire about telehealth services offered by rheumatologists
- Understand the types of appointments suitable for telemedicine
Technology requirements
- Necessary devices and internet connectivity
- Familiarity with video conferencing platforms