Best Rheumatologists in Chandler

Introduction to Rheumatology in Chandler, Arizona

Overview of Rheumatology

Rheumatology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. These disorders primarily affect the joints, muscles, and bones, but can also impact other organs and tissues throughout the body.

Rheumatologists in Chandler, Arizona, are trained to manage a wide range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, gout, and various forms of inflammatory arthritis. Their expertise extends to over 100 different diseases that can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues.

Importance of Choosing the Right Rheumatologist

Selecting an appropriate rheumatologist is a significant decision that can greatly influence the quality of care and overall treatment outcomes. In Chandler, patients have access to several qualified professionals, each bringing unique expertise to the field.

The relationship between a patient and their rheumatologist is particularly important due to the chronic nature of many rheumatological conditions. A strong, trust-based partnership can lead to better communication, improved adherence to treatment plans, and more effective management of symptoms over time.

Based on the data provided, Chandler offers a diverse group of rheumatologists with varying levels of experience, language skills, and patient ratings. For instance, Dr. Amjad Shehadeh and Dr. Amer Al-Khoudari both speak Arabic in addition to English, which may be beneficial for Arabic-speaking patients in the community.

Navigating the Doctor Selection Process in Chandler

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rheumatologist

Board Certification and Qualifications

• Importance of American Board of Internal Medicine certification
• Relevance of additional specialties (e.g., Dr. Kelly Krohn's expertise in Internal Medicine and Bone & Joint Non-Surgical Orthopedics)

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• Analysis of star ratings (e.g., Dr. Amjad Shehadeh's 5.0 rating vs. Dr. Mohammad Shakir's 2.7 rating)
• Consideration of review volume (e.g., Dr. Amer Al-Khoudari's 122 reviews vs. Dr. Amjad Shehadeh's 1 review)

Hospital Affiliations

• Local affiliations (e.g., Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center)
• Importance of hospital quality and accessibility

Languages Spoken

• Availability of multilingual doctors (English, Arabic, Urdu)
• Importance of clear communication in rheumatology care

Resources for Finding Rheumatologists in Chandler

Online Platforms and Directories

• Utilization of Healthgrades and similar websites
• Importance of comprehensive doctor profiles and patient reviews

Local Medical Community

• Seeking referrals from primary care physicians
• Consulting with local hospitals and medical centers

Top-Ranked Rheumatologists in Chandler

Dr. Amjad Shehadeh

Overview

• Perfect 5.0 star rating (note: based on 1 review)
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Rheumatology

Key Information

• Languages: English and Arabic
• Gender: Male
• Hospital affiliation: Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
• Contact: (602) 528-1200

Dr. Kelly Krohn

Overview

• High 4.8 star rating based on 50 reviews
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Rheumatology, Internal Medicine, and Bone & Joint Non-Surgical Orthopedics

Education and Experience

• Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine
• Residencies in Internal Medicine and Family Medicine
• Medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine (1993)

Key Information

• Language: English
• Gender: Male
• Multiple hospital affiliations including Washington Hospital and Saint Clair Hospital
• Contact: (866) 974-2673

Dr. Amer Al-Khoudari

Overview

• Strong 4.4 star rating based on 122 reviews
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Rheumatology

Education and Experience

• Fellowship at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
• Residency at University of Toledo
• Medical degree from Damascus University, Syria

Key Information

• Languages: English and Arabic
• Gender: Male
• Hospital affiliation: Chandler Regional Medical Center
• Contact: (480) 372-8200

Dr. Mohammad Shakir

Overview

• 2.7 star rating based on 51 reviews
• Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Education

• Medical degree from University of Arizona / College of Education (2001)

Key Information

• Languages: English and Urdu
• Gender: Male
• Multiple hospital affiliations including Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Chandler Regional Medical Center
• Contact: (480) 855-4078

Additional Resources for Finding the Right Rheumatologist

Importance of In-Person Consultations

Assessing communication style and patient comfort

• Schedule initial consultations with top-rated rheumatologists
• Evaluate how well the doctor listens and addresses concerns
• Consider the doctor's bedside manner and approachability

Discussing treatment approaches and philosophies

• Inquire about their experience with specific rheumatological conditions
• Ask about their preferred treatment methods and philosophies
• Discuss how they stay updated with the latest advancements in rheumatology

Utilizing Online Platforms for Research

Exploring doctor profiles on Healthgrades and similar websites

• Review detailed information about education and certifications
• Check hospital affiliations and compare with local options in Chandler
• Note any additional specialties, such as Dr. Kelly Krohn's expertise in Bone & Joint Non-Surgical Orthopedics

Reading patient testimonials and detailed reviews

• Pay attention to the number of reviews (e.g., Dr. Al-Khoudari has 122 reviews)
• Look for patterns in patient feedback across multiple reviews
• Consider both positive and negative comments to form a balanced perspective

Considering Practical Factors

Office location and accessibility

• Check the proximity of the doctor's office to your home or workplace in Chandler
• Consider the convenience of hospital affiliations (e.g., Chandler Regional Medical Center)

Language considerations

• Note that Dr. Shehadeh and Dr. Al-Khoudari speak Arabic in addition to English
• Dr. Shakir offers services in Urdu, which may be beneficial for certain patients

Insurance acceptance and cost considerations

• Verify if the rheumatologist accepts your insurance plan
• Inquire about out-of-pocket costs and payment options
• Consider the long-term cost implications of ongoing rheumatological care