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Best Rheumatologists in Charleston

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 15, 2024

Introduction to Rheumatology in Charleston

Definition and scope of rheumatology

Rheumatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the joints, muscles, and bones. These conditions, known as rheumatic diseases, can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in various parts of the body.

Rheumatologists are trained to manage complex conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, and many other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Their expertise is essential for accurate diagnosis and development of effective treatment plans.

Overview of rheumatology services in Charleston

Charleston boasts a robust community of rheumatology professionals, with numerous highly rated specialists serving the area. Our analysis reveals that many rheumatologists in Charleston have received top ratings from patients, indicating a high standard of care.

The city offers access to rheumatologists with diverse subspecialties, including those who focus on pediatric rheumatology, internal medicine, and specific conditions like lupus or osteoarthritis. This variety ensures that patients can find specialists tailored to their specific needs.


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List of Rheumatologists in Charleston

AK

Dr. Allen Kaplan

5.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 729-0264

American Board of Allergy & Immunology

American Board of Internal Medicine

State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine (Medical School, 1965)

English

Rheumatology

Diagnostic Laboratory & Dermatologic Immunology

Internal Medicine

Allergy & Immunology

Dr. Hayley Walter

Dr. Hayley Walter

5.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(720) 494-4700

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Rheumatology

SC

Dr. Sarah Compton

5.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(828) 322-1996

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

Dr. Celine Ward

Dr. Celine Ward

5.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 484-6275

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Rheumatology

Dr. Gary Gilkeson

Dr. Gary Gilkeson

5.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 484-6275

American Board of Internal Medicine

University Nc Affil Hosps (Residency Hospital, 1982)

Duke University Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1982)

University Nc Affil Hosps (Internship Hospital, 1980)

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Medical School, 1979)

English

Rheumatology

Dr. Kathleen Maksimowicz-McKinnon

Dr. Kathleen Maksimowicz-McKinnon

5.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(313) 916-2631

American Board of Internal Medicine

HENRY FORD HOSPITAL (Residency Hospital, 2001)

Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Fellowship Hospital, 2001)

Sun Coast Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1998)

English

Rheumatology

Dr. Grace Berlin

Dr. Grace Berlin

5.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 484-6275

American Board of Internal Medicine

PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE (Medical School)

English

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

HM

Dr. Holly Good Mitchell

5.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 577-5011

American Board of Internal Medicine

Medical University of South Carolina (Fellowship Hospital)

Vanderbilt U-Affl Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1995)

Vanderbilt U-Affl Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1993)

Vanderbilt U-Affl Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1990)

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1989)

English

Rheumatology

Dr. Diane Kamen

Dr. Diane Kamen

4.5

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 484-6275

American Board of Internal Medicine

Med University Sc College Of Med (Residency Hospital)

University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 1999)

English

Rheumatology

AN

Dr. Alan Nussbaum

4.3

Charleston, SC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Internal Medicine

HARVARD Medical School (Medical School, 1977)

English

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

GR

Dr. Georgia Roane

4.3

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 571-6067

American Board of Internal Medicine

Tulane University of Louisiana (Medical School, 1990)

English

Rheumatology

SA

Dr. Sofia Aksentijevich

4.1

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English, French, Serbian

American Board of Internal Medicine

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 1996)

University Ill Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1991)

English

French

Serbian

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

Dr. Melissa Cunningham

Dr. Melissa Cunningham

4.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 484-6275

Medical University of Sc (Residency Hospital, 2008)

Medical University of Sc (Fellowship Hospital, 2008)

Medical University of South Carolina (Internship Hospital, 2007)

PA STATE University College OF MED|Pennsylvania State University / College of Medicine (Medical School, 2002)

English

Rheumatology

Dr. James Oates

Dr. James Oates

4.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 484-6275

American Board of Internal Medicine

Duke University Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1994)

Duke University Hospital|Medical University of South Carolina Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 1994)

Duke University Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1992)

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School, 1991)

English

Rheumatology

CP

Dr. Chrysoula Pappa

3.9

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English, Greek

Phone

(843) 571-6067

American Board of Internal Medicine

ARISTOTELIAN UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI / FACULTY OF MEDICINE (Medical School)

Albany Medical Center Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2007)

Albany Medical Center Hospital (Internship Hospital, 2005)

English

Greek

Rheumatology

SS

Dr. Sonia Savani

3.7

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

American Board of Internal Medicine

American Board of Pediatrics

English

Rheumatology

Pediatric Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

Pediatrics

Dr. Faye Hant

Dr. Faye Hant

3.7

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 484-6275

American Board of Internal Medicine

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2001)

English

Rheumatology

RF

Dr. Robert Friedman

3.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Anesthesiology

American Board of Internal Medicine

University Penn (Residency Hospital, 1985)

New York University Grossman School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 1981)

Vanderbilt University (Internship Hospital, 1977)

Weill Cornell Medical College (Medical School, 1976)

English

Pain Medicine

Rheumatology

Anesthesiology

LS

Dr. Lovorka Stojanov

3.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

UNIVERSITY OF RIJEKA / SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (Medical School, 1980)

English

Rheumatology

Dr. Katherine Silver

Dr. Katherine Silver

3.0

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 484-6275

American Board of Pediatrics

Medical University of South Carolina (Medical School, 2009)

English

Rheumatology

Dr. Edwin Smith

Dr. Edwin Smith

2.9

Charleston, SC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Internal Medicine

Washington and Jefferson College (Undergraduate School)

University of North Carolina Hospitals (Residency Hospital, 1982)

Medical University of South Carolina (Fellowship Hospital, 1982)

University of North Carolina Hospitals (Internship Hospital, 1980)

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Medical School, 1979)

English

Rheumatology

EA

Dr. Erica Anderson

2.9

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 571-6067

American Board of Internal Medicine

Ferris State University (Medical School, 2001)

English

Rheumatology

Dr. Lauren Berry

Dr. Lauren Berry

N/A

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(920) 430-8113

American Board of Internal Medicine

Medical University of South Carolina (Fellowship Hospital)

Cleveland Clinic (Residency Hospital)

Royal College Of Surgeons (Ireland) (Medical School)

English

Rheumatology

SB

Dr. Stephen Balevic

N/A

Charleston, SC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 970-8419

American Board of Internal Medicine

American Board of Pediatrics

Marshall University (Medical School, 2010)

English

Rheumatology

Pediatric Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

Pediatrics

EF

Dr. Emily Farrar

N/A

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Medical University of South Carolina (Medical School, 2002)

English

Rheumatology

SM

Dr. Samantha Minkin

N/A

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 484-6275

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

SC

Dr. Sean Carter

N/A

Charleston, SC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 792-2300

American Board of Internal Medicine

American Board of Ophthalmology

English

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

Ophthalmology

AT

Dr. Ana Tucker

N/A

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

BC

Dr. Bradley Collins

N/A

Charleston, SC

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 793-6980

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

JS

Dr. Jennifer Schmidt

N/A

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 484-6275

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

PB

Dr. Priyanka Ballal

N/A

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 792-9200

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

NH

Nicole Houde

N/A

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(843) 484-6275

English

Rheumatology

PA

Dr. Poorva Apte

N/A

Charleston, SC

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(919) 405-2420

American Board of Internal Medicine

English

Rheumatology

Internal Medicine

Choosing a Rheumatologist in Charleston

Factors to consider when selecting a rheumatologist

Board certifications and qualifications

  • American Board of Internal Medicine certification
  • Additional certifications in related specialties

Experience and specializations

  • Years of practice
  • Subspecialties within rheumatology
  • Academic appointments and research experience

Patient ratings and reviews

  • Star ratings from verified patients
  • Number of reviews
  • Detailed patient feedback

Hospital affiliations

  • Connections with reputable medical institutions
  • Access to advanced facilities and resources

Resources for finding rheumatologists in Charleston

Online directories and rating websites

  • Healthgrades and similar platforms
  • Local medical society directories

Referrals from primary care physicians

  • Leveraging existing medical relationships
  • Coordinated care approach

Recommendations from local support groups

  • Insights from patients with similar conditions
  • Community-based resources

Top-Rated Rheumatologists in Charleston

Dr. Gary Gilkeson

Outstanding Patient Rating

  • 5.0 star rating with 3 reviews
  • Demonstrates high patient satisfaction

Impressive Credentials

  • Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Extensive educational background including University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Specialization

  • Focused practice in Rheumatology

Dr. Kathleen Maksimowicz-McKinnon

Exceptional Patient Feedback

  • 5.0 star rating with 13 reviews
  • Highest number of reviews among top-rated rheumatologists

Strong Educational Background

  • Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Expertise

  • Specializes in Rheumatology

Dr. Sarah Compton

Positive Patient Reviews

  • 5.0 star rating with 3 reviews
  • Indicates consistent patient satisfaction

Professional Qualifications

  • Board certified in Internal Medicine
  • Dual specialization in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Additional Highly-Rated Rheumatologists

Dr. Allen Kaplan

  • 5.0 star rating
  • Multiple specialties including Rheumatology and Allergy & Immunology

Dr. Grace Berlin

  • 5.0 star rating
  • Specializes in both Rheumatology and Internal Medicine

Dr. Holly Good Mitchell

  • 5.0 star rating
  • Extensive educational background including Vanderbilt University

Additional Considerations for Rheumatology Care in Charleston

Accessibility and location of rheumatology practices

Geographic distribution of rheumatologists

  • Concentration of practices in medical districts
  • Availability in different neighborhoods

Transportation and parking options

  • Public transit accessibility
  • Parking facilities at major medical centers

Insurance and payment options

Accepted insurance plans

  • List of commonly accepted insurance providers
  • Importance of verifying coverage before appointment

Self-pay and financial assistance programs

  • Availability of payment plans
  • Potential discounts for uninsured patients

Availability of clinical trials and research programs

Ongoing rheumatology research at local institutions

  • Studies at Medical University of South Carolina
  • Opportunities for patient participation in clinical trials

Benefits of choosing research-active practitioners

  • Access to cutting-edge treatments
  • Contribution to advancement of rheumatology care

Support services and patient education resources

Local support groups for rheumatic conditions

  • Arthritis Foundation chapter activities
  • Lupus Foundation support meetings

Educational workshops and seminars

  • Hospital-sponsored patient education programs
  • Community health fairs focusing on rheumatic diseases