Who is a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is a specialized medical doctor who focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and immune system. These diseases are often referred to as rheumatic diseases or autoimmune disorders. Rheumatologists undergo extensive training in internal medicine followed by additional specialized training in rheumatology.
Rheumatologists are experts in managing a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), gout, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, scleroderma, vasculitis, and other autoimmune diseases. They employ a variety of diagnostic techniques such as blood tests, imaging studies (like X-rays and ultrasound), and clinical evaluations to accurately diagnose these complex conditions.
Why You Should Consider India for Rheumatic Treatment?
India has emerged as a preferred destination for rheumatology treatment, offering international patients access to world-class healthcare facilities, specialized rheumatologists, and comprehensive treatment options. Here are compelling reasons why individuals should consider India for rheumatology care:
Expertise of Rheumatologists: Indian rheumatologists are highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. They receive rigorous education and training at esteemed medical institutions, both in India and abroad, and often have specialized expertise in advanced treatment modalities.
Advanced Healthcare Facilities: India boasts modern hospitals and specialized rheumatology centers equipped with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure. These facilities adhere to international standards of medical care, ensuring accuracy in diagnosis, safety in treatment procedures, and optimal outcomes for patients with rheumatic conditions.
Cost-Effective Treatment: Medical expenses in India, including consultation fees, diagnostic tests, medications, and surgical interventions, are significantly lower compared to many Western countries. Patients can benefit from substantial cost savings without compromising on the quality of care or expertise of healthcare professionals.
Comprehensive Range of Services: Indian healthcare providers offer a comprehensive range of rheumatology services, including specialized diagnostic procedures (such as musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI), advanced treatments (like biologic treatment and immunosuppressive drugs), and multidisciplinary care approaches involving physio doctors, nutritionists, and psychologists.
Holistic Patient Care: Indian hospitals prioritize patient-centered care, emphasizing empathy, respect, and personalized attention throughout the treatment journey. From initial consultation to ongoing management and follow-up, patients receive dedicated support from healthcare teams committed to enhancing their well-being and quality of life.
Choosing India for rheumatology treatment ensures access to top-tier medical expertise, advanced facilities, and personalized care at a fraction of the cost compared to many Western countries. Whether individuals are seeking diagnosis, ongoing management, or specialized treatments for rheumatic conditions, India offers a conducive environment to achieve optimal health and well-being with confidence and satisfaction.
Best Rheumatologists in India
Following is a list of the most reputed & experienced Rheumatologists in India
*If you need any help from us, please fill the contact form at the bottom of the page. You may also chat with us on WhatsApp or Telegram by clicking the chat buttons below the page. Wishing you the best!
- Rheumatologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sundeep Kumar Upadhyaya is one of the best Rheumatologists in India, working at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
- He has over 30 years of experience in modern medicine, spondylitis, rheumatology, arthritis, and other connective tissue disorder treatment.
- Dr. Upadhyaya has also been a crucial part of various research.
- He was one of the first rheumatology experts in India to introduce bioagents to treat rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory spondylitis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Dr. Upadhaya provides training for PG students in Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.
- Rheumatologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 35 years’ experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Rohini Handa is one of the best Rheumatologists in India.
- He offers treatment for Rheumatic Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Paget’s disease.
- He has received many prestigious awards and orations.
- Dr. Handa has written/co-written more than 335 papers, chapters, and review articles for national and international journals.
- Rheumatologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Prasan Deep Rath is one of the reputed Rheumatologists in India with 20+ years of proficient experience and has become one of the trustworthy names in the field of Rheumatology.
- He completed his MD in Internal medicine from Patparganj in Indraprastha Extension, Delhi, and is currently functioning as the Director and Head of the Rheumatology department at Max Super Speciality Hospital, one of the finest medical institutes in Delhi, India.
- Rheumatologist
- Over 15 years' Experience
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sumeet Agarwal is a well-known name in the field of rheumatology and clinical immunology, presently serving as the Head of the Department at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram.
- With an experience spanning more than 15 years, Dr. Sumeet Agarwal has established himself as a leading expert in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, specializing in conditions such as lupus, scleroderma, vasculitis, arthritis, and many more.
- Throughout his career, Dr. Agarwal has been at the top of innovation, having been the pioneer of several rheumatological approaches, such as intra-articular injections, soft-tissue injections, skin biopsy, muscle & nerve biopsy, minor salivary gland biopsy, etc.
- He has received several honors and distinctions in his training as well as professional career.
- His dedication to improving medical procedures has only raised the bar for the industry while simultaneously improving patient outcomes.
- Rheumatologist, Chennai, India
- Over 38 years’ experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Ramakrishnan S is a senior consultant with 38+ years of experience in Rheumatology from Chennai.
- He has been a gold medalist during his MBBS in academics and has also won several awards in practice.
- Dr. Ramakrishna published 38 articles and presented 40 papers in various national and international journals
- Rheumatologist, Chennai, India
- Over 32 years’ experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Brig K Shanmuganandan is a reputed rheumatologist in India with 32 years of experience in total.
- He is into internal medicine specialization and has pursued his MD in general medicine from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune.
- He has worked on 10 research projects and 70 publications.
- Rheumatologist, Chennai, India
- Over 36 years’ experience
- Apollo Hospitals Greams Road
Profile Highlights:
- Rajasekar B is a recognized Rheumatologist from India having an experience of 36 years in this field.
- Patients can contact him for treatment and consultation for various rheumatology-related issues.
- He has published many studies in prominent Indian and International journals.
Musculoskeletal pain, whether in muscles or joints, is a frequent occurrence in many people that interrupts their everyday lives and activities.
The musculoskeletal system, which consists of bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues, serves as the body’s support system. It enables mobility, protects essential organs, and keeps us upright. However, for millions of people, chronic illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders can severely affect them.
While minor pains are typical, chronic musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly if associated with probable rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune illnesses, requires a visit with a rheumatologist. These professionals can identify and treat the underlying source of your discomfort.
Rheumatologists are specialists who diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases, which affect the joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles. They are experts at addressing various musculoskeletal disorders such as stiffness, weakness, restricted range of motion, creaking or clicking joints, swelling, burning, discomfort, reddish skin, and functional impairment. Many of these issues come from autoimmune illnesses, in which your immune system mistakenly targets itself. Rheumatologists are specialists in determining the source of your discomfort, whether it is an autoimmune disorder or something else completely.
Rheumatologists typically use drugs to treat diseases, though they may also suggest physical treatment and lifestyle adjustments. In case surgery is required, then they might suggest an orthopedic doctor.
For children experiencing similar rheumatic symptoms, a pediatric rheumatologist specializes in these conditions. Children with arthritis, autoimmune diseases including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Kawasaki disease, or scleroderma, and unexplained symptoms like inflammation, musculoskeletal pain, weakness, joint swelling, or rash are commonly treated by pediatric rheumatologists.
Needless to say, rheumatologists treat more than 100 different rheumatic diseases as well as other ailments, such as:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
- Gout
- Fibromyalgia
- Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE)
- Tendinitis
- Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA)
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
- Lupus Nephritis
- Lyme disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
- Sarcoidosis
- Scleroderma
- Sjogren Syndrome
However, the problem that most rheumatologists face is that patients come to see them after their disease has worsened. Therefore, the sooner you visit a rheumatologist, the lower your risk of experiencing pain or needing a wheelchair.
If you have musculoskeletal system-related symptoms or a disease then finding a reliable, skilled rheumatologist should be at the top of your priority list. Even though there are many excellent doctors, not every rheumatologist will be the best fit for you.
Thus, choosing a rheumatologist you can trust is essential since they will probably be a part of your life for a while. In that case, it might be a little difficult and confusing to find a rheumatologist who fits your needs.
To begin with, discovering a rheumatologist with experience in your particular musculoskeletal or autoimmune condition can be incredibly useful.
Hence, it’s important to find a doctor with whom you feel comfortable because you may work with them for the rest of your life since rheumatic diseases are frequently chronic conditions that require ongoing management.
Even though India is home to numerous accomplished and skilled rheumatologists, finding the ideal one in the country is still difficult for everyone. Moreover, the success or failure of your treatment will largely depend upon the doctor you will choose.
Thus, to make it easier for you, this article will guide you through how to find the best rheumatologist in India for your needs by considering the important factors listed below:
Key Factors to Be Considered in Choosing the Best Rheumatologists in India
Years of Experience
To provide you with the best possible care, your rheumatologist must stay up to date on all the newest discoveries and interventions, such as dietary changes and physical exercise. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), heat treatment, and even massage have all been shown to significantly reduce pain. You need someone who is well-read, reassuring, smart, and self-assured in their abilities.
Keeping these aspects in mind, we gave the doctor’s years of experience doing a particular type of treatment the utmost importance when selecting the top rheumatologists in India. Even if experience and expertise are not always related, it is evident that doctors with at least 10 years of experience are much more efficient than doctors with less experience.
While selecting the best rheumatologists in India, we have also ensured that the doctors are well-updated with the latest strategies and treatment approaches to speed up your healing.
As our website caters primarily to international patients who travel abroad for critical problems, thus we made it a priority to include the best rheumatologists in India. You can be assured that you will be given a high-quality course of care if your rheumatologist is updated on treatments.
Academic Qualifications
The academic backgrounds of the rheumatologists are also carefully considered when deciding who the best rheumatologists in India are.
We make sure that the doctors are both licensed and board-certified in rheumatology. A medical license signifies they’ve completed all the necessary training required by the state. Board certification goes a step further – it confirms they’ve passed a rigorous exam demonstrating their expertise in rheumatology.
In addition, the doctors’ credentials are also considered, including their knowledge and skills, as well as certification to perform any specific type of treatment. Many continuously learn by conducting research, participating in professional organizations, and attending conferences to stay updated with the latest advancements.
While an MBBS is the foundation for medical practice, most Indian rheumatologists complete additional training through national and international fellowships, further strengthening their expertise.
Reputation of the Graduating University of the Doctors
When selecting the top rheumatologists in India, the reputation of their medical college plays a significant role. Graduates from renowned institutions have typically undergone rigorous training programs, often mentored by leading experts in the field. These institutions also emphasize cutting-edge research, ensuring that doctors stay at the forefront of advancements in rheumatology.
Therefore, our list comprises rheumatologists who hail from prestigious medical colleges from all over the world. This signifies their strong foundation in medical knowledge and their exposure to the latest developments in rheumatology.
Reputation of the Practicing Hospital
The reputation of the practicing hospital is another important consideration when selecting the best rheumatologists in India. To function effectively, a good doctor requires a supportive environment in addition to the best tools and facilities. For a seamless medical experience and patient satisfaction, the OPD area, operating room, surgical equipment, recovery room, and everything else in the hospital must be excellent. As a result, we select the best rheumatologists who work in hospitals with exceptional infrastructure and who have been evaluated by organizations such as NABH and JCI.
Diversified Experience of Doctors
The diversity of experience among rheumatologists is another thing that is taken into account; however, it is not a key factor. Government, military, and trust-run hospitals frequently treat a diverse spectrum of patients with difficult diseases. This exposure enables their rheumatologists to acquire a larger range of skills and knowledge.
Hence, we prioritize rheumatologists who thrive in this diversified context. By incorporating certain rheumatologists from these facilities, we assure a well-rounded selection capable of meeting a broader variety of patient requirements.
Patient Feedback and Doctors' Overall Reputation
Patient feedback and the doctors’ overall reputation in the healthcare industry were considered as the final and most important factors in compiling a list of the top rheumatologists in India.
A good rheumatologist is more than just someone with skills and knowledge. They must consider your problems seriously and pay you sympathetic and empathic attention. To make sure they give you the best treatment and interventions, they should carefully answer your queries.
You can get a feel of the doctor’s expertise, work atmosphere, and manner from the patient reviews.
Ginger Healthcare, a leading medical assistance company, interacts with hundreds of patients in hospitals across the country each month. As a result, we constantly receive feedback from rheumatology patients in hospitals across India. Thus, while compiling the list of the top rheumatologists in India, we consulted with our team and chose the names of the doctors based on our collective feedback over the years.
So whether you’ve already seen a rheumatologist and want a second opinion, or this is your first time looking for this specialty, we at Ginger Healthcare can assist you. We hope that these suggestions provide you with the confidence to choose the best rheumatologists in India for you.
We hope the list was helpful! Please provide us with feedback if and when you receive treatment from any of the doctors on the list. We’re wishing you success!