Compare 28 rheumatologists in Durham, NC. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
28
Rheumatologists
100%
Accepting patients
68%
Most common: MD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Durham is a Duke town when it comes to healthcare. Duke University Hospital is a top-10 nationally ranked medical center, and the Duke Health system is by far the dominant provider in the city. For residents who need something beyond what Duke offers locally, UNC Chapel Hill is only 15 minutes west. The concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical companies in Research Triangle Park means the area attracts physicians who want to be near research.
Durham has 28 rheumatologists. The most common credential is MD (68%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Downtown Durham, Brightleaf District, Ninth Street, and Trinity Park.
Durham is compact compared to Raleigh and Charlotte. Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital are both within a few miles of downtown. Most medical offices cluster along Erwin Road near the Duke campus or along NC-147 (Durham Freeway). Getting to UNC Chapel Hill is a straight shot west on I-40. The area is small enough that most drives to medical appointments are under 15 minutes.
Nearby hospitals include Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Durham VA Health Care System. Local training programs run through Duke University School of Medicine and North Carolina Central University. Duke University Hospital is consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the nation.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is the dominant carrier, with strong Duke Health network coverage. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna are common through large employers and the biotech sector. NC Medicaid through WellCare and AmeriHealth Caritas covers Duke Regional and community health centers. Duke's employee health plan is one of the largest in the Triangle. 43% accept Medicare.
The first visit takes 45 to 60 minutes. The rheumatologist will perform a detailed joint exam (checking for swelling, warmth, and tenderness in every joint), review your blood work, and take a thorough history of your symptoms including when they started, what triggers them, and how they have progressed. They may order additional labs, X-rays, or ultrasound. Treatment plans often involve medication adjustments over several visits to find the right combination.
Duke Health dominates the local market. If your insurance covers Duke, it simplifies referrals and records. If not, Duke Regional Hospital and community health centers offer broader insurance acceptance.
See a rheumatologist for persistent joint pain or swelling in multiple joints, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, unexplained rashes combined with joint pain, positive autoimmune blood tests (ANA, rheumatoid factor), gout attacks, chronic widespread pain or fatigue your PCP suspects is fibromyalgia, or any condition where your immune system appears to be causing inflammation.
Office visit copay: $30-75 · Rheumatoid factor/ANA panel: $100-300 · Biologic infusion: $1,000-5,000 per treatment · Joint ultrasound: $200-500
The Research Triangle's pharmaceutical and biotech concentration means Durham residents sometimes have access to clinical trials not available elsewhere. Ask your Duke provider about trial eligibility for chronic conditions.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that attacks the joints. Rheumatologists prescribe disease-modifying drugs early to prevent joint damage and manage the condition long-term.
Lupus can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. Rheumatologists manage flares, monitor organ involvement, and adjust treatment to keep the disease under control.
Wear-and-tear arthritis causes joint pain and stiffness that worsens over time. Rheumatologists help distinguish it from inflammatory arthritis and develop management plans that keep you active.
Sudden, intense joint pain (often in the big toe) may be gout. Rheumatologists confirm the diagnosis, treat acute flares, and prescribe long-term uric acid-lowering therapy to prevent future attacks.
Widespread pain, fatigue, and brain fog that cannot be explained by other conditions may be fibromyalgia. Rheumatologists diagnose it, rule out other causes, and create a multifaceted treatment plan.
Durham, NC has 28 licensed rheumatologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of rheumatologists in Durham, NC are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has the broadest network and covers most Duke providers. Some Duke specialists may require prior authorization. NC Medicaid is accepted at Duke Regional and Lincoln CHC.
An office visit copay is $30 to $75. A rheumatoid factor/ANA panel costs $100 to $300. Biologic infusions cost $1,000 to $5,000 per treatment. Joint ultrasound runs $200 to $500. Actual costs in Durham, NC depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Biologic medications are the biggest cost driver in rheumatology. Biosimilars (generic-equivalent biologics) can significantly reduce costs. Manufacturer copay programs can bring patient costs down to $5 to $25 per month. Ask your rheumatologist about all financial assistance options.
Duke Health is the primary system in Durham. Duke University Hospital handles complex and specialty care, while Duke Regional Hospital provides community-level services. For non-Duke options, Lincoln Community Health Center and UNC Health (in nearby Chapel Hill) are alternatives.
43% of rheumatologists in Durham, NC accept Medicare. Medicare covers rheumatology visits and medically necessary treatments, including biologic infusions administered in the office (Part B). Oral biologic medications are covered under Part D. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Some rheumatologists in Durham, NC accept NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities), the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers rheumatology services in all states. Coverage for biologic medications requires prior authorization and varies by state formulary. Many patients qualify for manufacturer assistance programs. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm NC Medicaid (Healthy Opportunities) participation before scheduling.
No. Duke provides primary care, routine specialist visits, and urgent care alongside its nationally ranked specialty programs. Duke Primary Care has offices throughout Durham for everyday medical needs.
Durham's Lincoln Community Health Center accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and offers sliding-scale fees. UNC Health facilities in Chapel Hill (a 15-minute drive) may also be in your network. Duke Regional Hospital accepts a broader range of plans than the main Duke campus.
Top accepted carriers in Durham, NC include unitedhealthcare, qhp-11512, cigna, medicare, and centene.
Rheumatology visits are covered as specialist visits. Biologic medications (Humira, Enbrel, Rinvoq, etc.) are expensive, often $2,000 to $6,000 per month before insurance. Most are covered under specialty pharmacy benefits with prior authorization. Manufacturer copay assistance programs can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs. Your rheumatologist's office typically handles authorization paperwork.