Rheumatology
Specialists in inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease.
What does a rheumatologist do?
Rheumatologists are physicians who diagnose and manage autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, especially those affecting joints, muscles, and connective tissue: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory back conditions, and unexplained joint swelling or persistent inflammation that labs keep hinting at.
Diagnosis is a rheumatologist's signature skill; these conditions often develop gradually and imitate one another, and sorting them out takes pattern recognition across symptoms, exams, and labs. Management is then long-term teamwork between you, the rheumatologist, and your primary-care provider.
When to see one, and how to choose
Signals that commonly lead to a rheumatology referral: joint pain with swelling and prolonged morning stiffness, joint symptoms alongside rashes or fatigue, gout attacks that keep returning, or inflammatory markers that stay elevated without explanation. A primary-care provider evaluates first; when inflammatory disease is suspected, a clinician may refer promptly, since these conditions are typically easier to manage when caught early. ProviderQuoHealth shows credentials, accepted insurance, and accepting-new-patients status; the guides below cover specialty referrals for military families and veterans.
For a joint that is suddenly severely painful, hot, and swollen, especially with fever, seek care promptly rather than waiting for a referral; for severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Don't search a directory.
Find rheumatology providers near you
Rheumatology on ProviderQuoHealth
Carolina Rheumatology & Internal Medicine
Frequently asked
What's the difference between seeing a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon for joint pain?
Rheumatologists manage inflammatory and autoimmune causes of joint problems medically; orthopedic surgeons address structural and mechanical problems, sometimes surgically. Swelling, prolonged morning stiffness, and multi-joint symptoms point toward rheumatology; injury and mechanical pain point toward orthopedics. A clinician can help you start in the right place, and both appear in this directory.
Why does early referral matter for inflammatory arthritis?
Inflammatory conditions are generally easier to manage before joint damage accumulates, so clinicians often refer promptly when they suspect one. This page is general education; a clinician will assess your situation.
When is a joint problem urgent?
A joint that becomes suddenly, severely painful, hot, and swollen, especially with fever, needs prompt evaluation. For severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Don't search a directory.
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About our medical review process
The editorial health content on this page was reviewed by Myra A. Jones BSN, RN, CCM, a registered nurse, for medical accuracy and adherence to current clinical standards as of July 30, 2026. Provider listings are directory data from the public NPPES registry and provider submissions; they are not part of clinical review. ProviderQuoHealth’s health content is reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals before publication and re-checked when the content materially changes.
Important: Not Medical Advice
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you have about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of something you have read on ProviderQuoHealth. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.