Looking for a specialist who listens and takes your insurance? Ask patients in our community. Compare nerve, joint, and migraine recovery logs from real patients—100% free with a private @handle and zero login wall.
Click to Ask a Question or Post Your Experience ▾
Post to Migraine, Pain & Joints Space (15 Seconds • No Account or Email Required)
Or read existing discussions in Migraine, Pain & Joints Space →
749,040 Verified U.S. Physicians • 51 States & Territories • Zero Sponsored Placements
Preparing for an appointment? Jump to our 60-Second Visit Script Builder ↓

Rheumatology Doctors Who Perform the Procedure You Need—and Take Your Insurance.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881), arthrocentesis synovial crystal analysis for gout (CPT 20610), and targeted biologic infusion therapy (CPT 96413). Filter by your insurance carrier, state, or procedure below.

4. Complete Physician Directory

All Rheumatology Physicians (965)

Page 26 of 27

Dr. Steven Stern, MD

Louisville, KY 40202

★★★★★ 4.5 (22)
59th KY Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (43,422 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Douglas Smith, MD

Indianapolis, IN 46260

★★★★★ 4.5 (22)
83rd IN Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (140,230 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Aaron Pumerantz, DO

Toledo, OH 43623

★★★★★ 4.5 (26)
90th OH Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (113,407 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Alan Elliott, MD

Hixson, TN 37343

★★★★★ 4.5 (26)
71st TN Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (91,246 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$201 Cash

Dr. Robert O'brian, MD

Eldersburg, MD 21784

★★★★★ 4.5 (26)
33rd MD Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (31,751 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Rohan Chawla, MD

Palm Harbor, FL 34684

★★★★★ 4.5 (18)
80th FL Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (146,420 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$216 Cash

Dr. Michael Froncek, MD

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

★★★★★ 4.5 (22)
13th NJ Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (2,026 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Michael Istfan, MD

South Charleston, WV 25309

★★★★★ 4.5 (26)
36th WV Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (6,407 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Kyle Harner, MD

Greenville, NC 27834

★★★★★ 4.5 (18)
64th NC Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (84,818 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Michael Guma, DO

North Arlington, NJ 07031

★★★★★ 4.5 (26)
41st NJ Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (21,139 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. William Shoemaker, MD

Wilmington, NC 28401

★★★★★ 4.5 (18)
53rd NC Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (57,709 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Sara Baig, MD

Edina, MN 55435

★★★★★ 4.5 (22)
83rd MN Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (62,045 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Roshan Kotha, MD

LA Mesa, CA 91942

★★★★★ 4.5 (22)
37th CA Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (2,656 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$239 Cash

Dr. Andrew Mermelstein, MD

East Norriton, PA 19401

★★★★★ 4.5 (17)
72nd PA Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (99,931 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Grant Louie, MD

Wheaton, MD 20902

★★★★★ 4.5 (17)
96th MD Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (230,796 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Durga Adhikari, MD

Summerville, SC 29486

★★★★★ 4.5 (17)
68th SC Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (129,147 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Betsy Shook, MD

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

★★★★★ 4.5 (21)
90th PA Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (11,099 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Day Lennep, MD

Jackson, MS 39216

★★★★★ 4.5 (17)
84th MS Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (153,593 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Glenn Douglas, MD

Nashville, TN 37232

★★★★★ 4.5 (17)
3rd TN Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (800 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$202 Cash

Dr. Abie Samuel, DO

St Petersburg, FL 33705

★★★★★ 4.5 (21)
47th FL Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (34,480 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$216 Cash

Dr. Lorna Campbell, MD

Fargo, ND 58103

★★★★★ 4.5 (25)
80th ND Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (1,613 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Saud Alvi, MD

Toledo, OH 43606

★★★★★ 4.5 (25)
69th OH Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (45,809 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash
★★★★★ 4.5 (21)
73rd IL Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (80,359 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$218 Cash

Dr. Jatin Patel, MD

Roswell, GA 30076

★★★★★ 4.5 (21)
79th GA Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (105,398 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Brendan Thoms, MBBS

Burlington, VT 05401

★★★★★ 4.5 (25)
75th VT Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (914 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Gheorghe Ignat, MD

Cleveland, OH 44130

★★★★★ 4.5 (25)
63rd OH Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (26,926 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Lynn Ludmer, MD

Baltimore, MD 21202

★★★★★ 4.5 (25)
76th MD Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (518 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Ashley Green, MD

Concord, NC 28025

★★★★★ 4.5 (21)
42nd NC Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (34,009 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Michael Thakor, MD

Fort Collins, CO 80528

★★★★★ 4.5 (24)
95th CO Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (159,362 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$211 Cash

Dr. William Shergy, MD

Huntsville, AL 35802

★★★★★ 4.5 (16)
86th AL Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (176,595 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Gary Gordon, MD

Wynnewood, PA 19096

★★★★★ 4.5 (24)
86th PA Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (157,753 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Thuc Nguyen, MD

Everett, WA 98201

★★★★★ 4.5 (24)
59th WA Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (9,585 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$222 Cash

Dr. Randall Johnson, MD

The Woodlands, TX 77380

★★★★★ 4.5 (16)
97th TX Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (298,556 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Mujahed Alikhan, MD

Houston, TX 77005

★★★★★ 4.5 (24)
84th TX Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (136,978 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$212 Cash

Dr. Eric Orlowsky, MD

Charlotte, NC 28207

★★★★★ 4.5 (16)
68th NC Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (97,100 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$209 Cash

Dr. Adam Grunbaum, DO

Trinity, FL 34655

★★★★★ 4.5 (16)
64th FL Pct

Top Billed Procedure: Autoimmune Arthritis & Biologic/DMARD Safety Evaluation [CPT 99214] • Musculoskeletal ultrasound synovitis grading (CPT 76881) & subspecialty diagnostics (89,301 CMS services/yr).

✓ Accepts Kaiser Permanente ~$216 Cash
Interactive 60-Second “Show This to Your Doctor” Visit & CPT Builder • Defends Against the 11-Second Interruption Rule (PMID 29972200)

Walk Into Your 15-Minute Appointment With Exact Labs, CPT Codes & Opening Words

Clinicians interrupt patients after a median of 11 seconds (J Gen Intern Med, PMID 29972200). Select your appointment reason below to generate your 1-page script:

15-Minute Exam-Room Agenda • High-Volume Endocrinology

Hypothyroidism, Subclinical TSH Drift (2.5–8.0 mIU/L) or Thyroid Nodule

1. Your 10-Second Opening Script (Read Verbatim Before the 11-Second Interruption)

"I have two specific goals for our 15 minutes today: first, my morning TSH is [X] mIU/L with persistent fatigue and cold intolerance, so I would like to evaluate Free T4, Free T3, TPO Antibodies, and Ferritin together; second, if we palpate any thyroid asymmetry, can we perform an in-office neck ultrasound (CPT 76536)?"

2. In-Office Medicare CPT Procedures to Verify Before Booking
CPT 76536 In-Office High-Resolution Thyroid & Neck Ultrasound

Confirms the endocrinologist images thyroid nodules themselves rather than sending you to a hospital radiology department.

CPT 60100 Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy

Identifies structural thyroid specialists vs. general diabetes-only clinics.

3. Exact Blood & Diagnostic Labs to Request on Your Order Sheet
  • ✓ TSH + Free T4 + Free T3 (drawn before 8:30 AM fasting)
  • ✓ Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) & Thyroglobulin Antibodies (Hashimoto rule-out)
  • ✓ Serum Ferritin + Vitamin D 25(OH)D (required for T4-to-T3 deiodinase conversion)
4. Day-1 Pre-Appointment Rule

Hold all Biotin (Vitamin B7) supplements for 72 hours before your blood draw so streptavidin assay interference does not create a false TSH/Free T4 reading.

Patient Triage & Insurance Verification Guide

Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing a Specialist by CPT Volume & Insurance Network

Why does CMS Medicare Part B procedure volume matter when choosing a specialist?

General directory listings show what a doctor claims to treat, whereas federal CMS Medicare Part B claims reveal what they actually perform every week. For example, seeing an endocrinologist who performs 400+ in-office thyroid neck ultrasounds (CPT 76536) per year or a gastroenterologist in the top decile for adenoma detection colonoscopy (CPT 45385) prevents unnecessary outside imaging referrals and repeat appointments.

How does dotMD prevent health-system lab rollups and low-rated clinics from skewing Page 1?

Large hospital networks often bill tens of thousands of automated lab draws or vaccination claims under a single department chair NPI. Our directory triage engine isolates individual practicing clinicians (300 to 4,500 Medicare beneficiaries/year) and requires a minimum 4.2-star verified Google patient consensus with at least 15 reviews for default showcase rankings.

How does the GreatDoc™ Star Rating separate bedside manner from front-desk billing complaints?

The GreatDoc™ rating—calculated by the Proprietary DotMD™ J3 Model—audits patient reviews across clinical diagnostic accuracy, unhurried listening, and procedure skill while flagging administrative friction points (such as $250 annual clinic fees, parking validation costs, or phone hold times) so you know exactly what to expect before walking into the waiting room.

How do I verify if a doctor takes my specific PPO, HMO, or Medicare plan?

Every flagship physician profile on dotMD includes an interactive Insurance Network & Cash-Rate Checker covering Original Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and regional PPO/HMO plans—plus the exact CMS geo-adjusted CPT 99204 self-pay cash rate ($195–$260) and 3-question script to verify network participation with the billing desk.