Rheumatology
Specialized diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and complex inflammatory conditions
Rheumatology is the specialty focused on specialized diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and complex inflammatory conditions. OpenDoc keeps the common visit types visible so patients can compare the care path before they book. Transparent pricing on this page currently ranges from $75 to $3,000 across 14 common visit types. Rheumatologists are the specialists who diagnose and treat over 100 types of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, from rheumatoid arthritis to lupus. With average wait times of 2-3 months for a new rheumatology appointment through insurance, cash-pay patients on OpenDoc can access evaluations starting at $250 significantly faster. Over 54 million Americans have some form of arthritis, and rheumatology is consistently ranked among the specialties with the longest appointment wait times nationwide.
Common services and transparent pricing
Pricing estimates are modeled from the current OpenDoc specialty taxonomy, visit archetypes, and transparent cash-pay assumptions. Posted provider pricing should be treated as the source of truth whenever it is available. Pricing last reviewed April 8, 2026.
- New Patient Rheumatology Evaluation — $250–$450: New Patient Rheumatology Evaluation is a common rheumatology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Follow-Up Visit — $125–$250: Follow-Up Visit is a common rheumatology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Joint Injection (Corticosteroid) — $150–$400: Joint Injection (Corticosteroid) is a procedure-oriented rheumatology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Infusion Therapy (Biologic — per session) — $500–$3000: Infusion Therapy (Biologic — per session) is a common rheumatology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Bone Density Scan (DEXA) Referral & Review — $75–$200: Bone Density Scan (DEXA) Referral & Review is a screening-focused rheumatology service for earlier detection, monitoring, or preventive care planning.
- Comprehensive Autoimmune Lab Panel — $200–$600: Comprehensive Autoimmune Lab Panel is a diagnostic rheumatology service used to clarify the condition before treatment decisions are made.
- Lab Panel Review Consultation — $100–$200: Lab Panel Review Consultation is a common rheumatology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Lupus Evaluation (Comprehensive) — $275–$500: Lupus Evaluation (Comprehensive) is a common rheumatology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Second Opinion Consultation — $300–$550: Second Opinion Consultation is a common rheumatology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Gout Management Visit — $150–$300: Gout Management Visit is a common rheumatology entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Ultrasound-Guided Joint Injection — $250–$600: Ultrasound-Guided Joint Injection is a procedure-oriented rheumatology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis) — $150–$400: Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis) is a procedure-oriented rheumatology service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a rheumatologist visit cost without insurance?
A new patient rheumatology evaluation costs $250 to $450 cash pay, with follow-up visits ranging from $125 to $250. Initial visits are longer because autoimmune conditions require detailed history-taking and review of prior labs and imaging.
How long does it take to get a rheumatology appointment?
Through insurance, the average wait time for a new rheumatology appointment is 2 to 3 months due to a severe nationwide shortage of rheumatologists. Cash-pay patients on OpenDoc often access appointments weeks faster because they can see any available rheumatologist regardless of network restrictions.
What blood tests does a rheumatologist order?
Common rheumatology labs include ANA (antinuclear antibody), RF (rheumatoid factor), anti-CCP, ESR, CRP, complement levels (C3/C4), and anti-dsDNA. A comprehensive autoimmune panel costs $200 to $600 cash pay at independent labs. Your rheumatologist will select specific tests based on your symptoms and suspected diagnosis.
Do I need a referral to see a rheumatologist?
No referral is needed for cash-pay visits on OpenDoc. This is particularly valuable for rheumatology where insurance referral processes add weeks to an already long wait time. If you have joint pain, swelling, suspected autoimmune symptoms, or abnormal lab results, you can search for a rheumatologist directly.
How much do biologic infusions cost out of pocket?
In-office biologic infusions (such as Remicade or Rituxan) typically cost $500 to $3,000 per session cash pay, depending on the medication and dosing. Hospital infusion centers may charge $5,000 to $15,000 for the same infusion. Some rheumatologists offer significant savings through office-based infusion with buy-and-bill pricing.
What is the difference between a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon?
Rheumatologists are internal medicine specialists who diagnose and treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions with medications — they do not perform surgery. Orthopedic surgeons treat structural joint problems and perform joint replacements. If your joint problem is caused by inflammation or autoimmunity, start with a rheumatologist. If caused by injury or wear, see an orthopedist.
How much does a cortisone injection cost at a rheumatologist?
A corticosteroid joint injection costs $150 to $400 cash pay, depending on the joint and whether ultrasound guidance is used. Ultrasound-guided injections cost $250 to $600 but are more accurate, particularly for deep joints like the hip or shoulder. These are significantly less than hospital-based injection prices.
Can a rheumatologist diagnose fibromyalgia?
Yes, rheumatologists commonly diagnose and initially manage fibromyalgia, though it is not an autoimmune condition. Rheumatologists are often referred fibromyalgia patients because the widespread pain mimics inflammatory arthritis. Once confirmed, long-term fibromyalgia management may be transitioned to a primary care physician or pain specialist.