This office is a complete disappointment. From the start, it felt like they were more focused on my wallet than my care. Despite having insurance, they kept trying to charge me for different things. I'm honestly relieved to hear they're closing this location soon. As I mentioned in my previous review, I paid my $40 copay at the time of my visit and even kept the receipt--both a paper copy and proof in my bank statement. Now, weeks later, I received another $40 bill in the mail for the same visit. I called CareFirst directly, and they confirmed I do not owe any additional copays. This kind of billing practice is unacceptable and misleading. Having worked in a medical office myself, I've never seen anything like it. Be cautious, everyone--double-check everything and always keep your receipts. read more

Avoid Dr. Rottmann if you want your health concerns to be taken seriously. What I learned from seeing her two times is that you should never pick the "first available" doctor, even if you're desperate to be seen. The doctors who were actually recommended to me had a wait time, and I took a risk on her. Now I can't see any of the other recommended doctors in the practice because she won't transfer me. read more

I see Dr Silinsky. She is great! Takes the time to answer any questions and address concerns. I posted my 1st review to the wrong location...sorry about that. I see her in the Wheaton office. She cares a lot about her patients and it shows. read more

The business office of ARA is subpar, rude and unprofessional. Moreover the two people I spoke with were so crude that one passed me on to her supervisor. The supervisor seemed dimwitted and she hung up on me. Not a good move ever. BTW I was on hold for an entire 34 minutes. I am seriously considering changing physicians and have asked my PCP for a referral. Terrible experience! read more

I have nothing but positive things to say about this practice. Dr.Thomas has excellent bedside manner. She takes the time to ask me what I think about my treatment plan. The office staff also is helpful and patient. I appreciated their honesty when I inquire about the best time to have a test conducted. read more

1. Every patient should receive the same information at check in, especially when the doctor is running 45 minutes behind. 2. Do not collect a copayment before advising that the doctor is running very late. 3. Do not lie to patients about the number of patients that still need to be seen before they can see the doctor. 4. Do not provide inaccurate information and avoid patients seeking the status of their appointment. I will not be returning to this practice due to the unethical and dishonest behavior of the front desk staff. read more

I have been coming to Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates for many years to see Dr. Paul DeMarco. He is empathic and sensitive. He listens closely to my concerns and is kind and supportive. I feel respected and cared for here. The staff are all nice people and I feel totally comfortable when I come there. It's very convenient too having the advantage of being able to get lab work and Xrays when needed. It's a good idea to get there a bit early because there can be competition for parking but it's well worth it!!! read more

Disappointing practice. Despite the fact that there are many doctors on staff, there is no collaboration and you are not permitted to switch doctors. So, if you don't connect with yours, or if you'd prefer a particular gender, too bad. read more

Dr. Grace Ahn has been our entire family's rescues as we getting older. Excellent at diagnostics and Straight forward to offer the most practical options for treatment. We are super grateful. read more

I went to Rheumatologist and Arthritis group in Wheaton. On Tuesday February 4. Had an appointment With Dr. DeMarco. Upon arriving at the office. The gentleman at the front desk. Was pleasant. This office has a book of information to fill out. If you are a new patient, one should arrive an hour prior. However I didn't had to wait too long. To be seen . As I awaited in the patient room for Dr. Dimarco arrival, I didnt wait too long. Dr. Dimarco walked into the room, both of his hands filled with his laptop, and lots of loose papers. He walked into the room, immediately sat down and began typing, typing, typing. Never said good afternoon. Never introduce himself to me. After about 10 minutes of me being frustrated. I introduce myself by saying my name. He never took his eyes from his computer. He said hello and continues to type. I'm not sure how long I sat there. It seems like a long time. Let's say 45 mins. Dr. DeMarco spend 40 mins totally focused on typing. The last 5 minutes. He briefly ask me a few questions. I was done. I took my MRI REPORT TO HIM, AND THE FILM. I asked him if he had a chance to review. He answered by saying kind off. Never discussed. I should have gotten up and walked out. Leaving him to his dedicated typing. I was taken to the Lab. I needed a Vitamin D. Labs. I was immediately told if it wasnt covered I would have to pay.$259. I told the lab tech. I cannot afford to pay for the lab. They didn't care. All this office cares about is the $$$$. I personally feel Dr. Dimarco was not attentive to my visit in any way. He was most interested in his typing. What he was typing I had no idea. He did ask me if I was going to pay for my visit outright. Since he noticed I had no insurance. I looked at him in dismay. How could that Be. As soon as you enter the office. The first question you're being asked is for your I'd and insurance card. How can he asked if I'm paying for my visit. This office only cares about the money. Not about their patients well being. I feel every doctor should introduce themselves to their patient. It's a matter of respect and professionalism. Should show eye contact. Should spend some time listening to the patient. The reason the patient is there. I'm not there for free. I'm paying for a visit. I'm there for a reason. I'm sick. I was referred by another Physician. The day I was there. I was feeling extremely sick. I was just starting on a virsus. But I still made my appointment. I would not recommend Dr. Dimarco, at this time. I think he's a nice person. If only he dosent spend as much time typing and not having a moment to speak with the patient. I didnt feel he cared, about me. Or my well being enough during this visit to recommend him highly. Everyone deserves a second chance. The benefit of the doubt. I think Dr. Dimarco can be a great doctor. If again, I stress he focus on the patient rather than spending all of the patients time visit. Typing! Typing.! Some of the office staff needs to learns some compassion rather than making the $$$$$ as a First priority. Patient should matter. Caring should always be an important factor. read more

I'm very happy with my interactions with the Olney office, and Dr. ElTaraboulsi! They were efficient, kind, professional and thorough. Everybody was really nice. When it took a few minutes to get my blood drawn, they acknowledged me and let me know it would be just a few minutes. The entire team was really great. Dr. ElTaraboulsi was thorough, listened when I talked, and treated me the way every patient wants to be treated. The only drawback for me is that I have only severe muscle strain, not arthritis, so for now I don't need to come back! I absolutely recommend this practice. Thank you read more

Dr. Matsumoto has been an essential piece of the puzzle in helping with my diagnoses and care. He's professional, patient and genuinely shows an interest in helping me be as healthy as I can. I always leave knowing what next steps are. He takes the time to listen and discuss options for care. I appreciate a Doctor who's patient and willing to stop and think before he prescribes a plan of care. I never feel rushed and I trust that he has my best interests at heart. He is invaluable! The staff in the front office, lab and check out are awesome as well. Everyone is friendly! I am always greeted when I come in and I generally get called back pretty quickly. Sometimes there's a bit of a wait but never so much that I want to start turning tables over. In comparison to some of the other Doc's offices I've been in, this one stays close to scheduled times. Sometimes in other places I dread walking in because the people can be so disgruntled, but not here! Thank you to the whole team for making what can be a difficult experience, so calming. Love this practice! read more

Dr Berhanu is phenomenal and honestly is the main reason I keep coming here. She is patient, understanding, very thorough, and makes sure you fully understand what's going on. The clinic though could improve... its not the first time a nurse has been clearly sick with some cold... given I and I'm sure many others are on immuno suppressants, I have no idea why they allow their employees to come to work clearly sick. Once a nurse was coughing and sneezing literally every minute as she was asking me questions and taking my blood tests... don't think this is okay.. Also. I think it's a ridiculous to regularly have to wait over an hour to see the doctor... I usually come 15 min early (as ur supposed to) and still didn't see the doc for an hour and 15 min. Another time I came 15 min late and was told I would have to reschedule if I came past the 15 min grace period. I still didn't see the doc til 1hr 15min past my appt time... don't think it's fair to say the clinic can't wait 15 min for the patient if they expect the patient to wait 1 hr and 15-30min regardless of what time they actually come. So when you come here, expect to spend 5-10 min looking for parking, 1 hr and 15 min waiting for ur appt. a 15 min talk with the doc. And then 15 for tests if u need them. About 2 hrs not including the commute. With my commute that's 3 hours off work to visit the doctor when I spend 15 min with her. That is absurd!! read more

I've been seeing Dr. Rosenberg at this practice for more than 30 years. He listens very carefully, always has very helpful treatment recommendations when needed, and responds well to questions. Also has a great sense of humor. I've also used the physical therapy facility in the Wheaon Building many times. I've always found the physical therapy staff to be very patient and helpful at helping me heal, mitigate pain, and improve my mobility and range of motion. They've kept me going through numerous bouts of arthritis pain and recoveries from joint surgery. Without them, I'd probably be completely immobile. read more

I see Dr. Respicio at both of their locations. BEDSIDE MANNER I've been to a few doctors before I came across Dr Respicio and when I did it was like a breath of fresh air. She really listened to me and was direct and respectful with her comments and suggestions. There was no talking down to me in a condescending matter, no talking around subjects. Just a respectful conversation leading up to best next steps for an effective treatment plan. OFFICE LOCATION Convenient location in a office building with a ok size lot. Depending on the time of day your appointment is you may find it difficult to get a parking spot. It's a short enough walk from the Wheaton Metro so that's an alternative as well. PATIENT PORTAL They have their own online network where (after you decide to enroll, which is totally optional) you can put in request for prescription refills, request copies of lab reports, request new appointments, and a few other things I'm forgetting. They usually respond to messages within 24 hours and everytime I've had a problem they were very prompt with getting back to me, sometimes even giving me a call back in lieu of another email message. OTHER ITEMS It is a very busy medical office so you will have to wait and sometimes (though not too often) they get behind and may be late with starting your appointment. Staff is ok, straight to the point and matter-of-fact but they're also very efficient. I've never had any problems with insurance claims, address, invoices, charges here. They also have a physical therapy office on a different floor of the same building. That's also where they hold seminars & workshops as well (they usually have posts about the events in the dr's office or you can ask the front desk staff for more details). They accept most major insurance. BOTTOM LINE/CONCLUSION A great office in a convenient location, but sometimes with a backlog so come with a bit of patience. Note - I've only seen Dr. Respicio so I can't speak for how the other doctors are here. read more

I had my first appointment with Dr. DeMarco at 11:15 am they asked me to be there at 10:45 so I did. So far no problems, very nice staff and place. At 11:15 am I was in the room waiting for the doctor... and I waited and waited... At 12:15 pm I decided it was time to go, Doctor DeMarco never came. I drove an hour to be there and another hour back, I deserve respect. read more

After a 45 min. telehealth visit with Dr. Matsumoto (it would not have mattered who the MD was) where he refilled my prescription and suggested some calcium, I received a $768 bill. When I called to inquire about it, the answer was it is the insurance company's fault. Not to get into the weeds on the broken medical care system, but this business needs to inform patients about their charges prior to allowing something like this to happen. If you are thinking of using this business then make sure you get really clear on their fees. read more

Overall great experience, Dr.Ahn was through and professional. Staff was friendly and helpful. Facilities were clean and organized. I would reccomend this Doctor. read more

It was very rushed, I had 10 minutes with the doctor and then I was shuffled to different places for different tests. I thought after the tests I would get to talk with the doctor about what he thought my issue might be and what I should do next, but they just told me I could leave. I didn't get any of my questions answered and the lady at the front desk said if they didn't call me with the results of the tests I didn't need to reschedule. I asked if the doctor could call me. Some other person called but it was unclear who they were and they couldn't answer questions. Despite all of this I was going to give 4/5 stars and assume it was my fault for not talking faster, but they charged something like $4,000 for the visit and around $800 for the 10 minute consult. If you are going to charge $800 for the consult, it should at least be 20 or 30 minutes. If you choose this place, make sure you talk quickly. read more

I've had my share of doctor's visits, which are oftentimes poor and rushed, but I'm pleased to say this was the best experience I've had in recent memory. Big thanks to Dr. Grace Ahn and the staff for taking wonderful care of my non-English speaking mother. Finding Dr. Grace Ahn was a stroke of luck in my search for a bilingual rheumatologist (Korean/English). To anyone in a similar situation - YES, she speaks both languages. More importantly, Dr. Ahn showed fantastic beside manner to my mother, was thorough in her evaluation and was kind/responsive to our questions. She spent a significant amount of time with us in the treatment room and after, to discuss my mother's x-rays and DEXA scan results. PROs - Parking: Ample parking (in an otherwise busy parking lot) designated for Arthritis and Rheumatoid Associates patients. - Waiting Time / Registration: Was a breeze as a result of completing our forms in advance. Wait time was short/reasonable. Arrived at 2pm and was seen 15-20 minutes later. Was also able to schedule x-rays and DEXA scan the same day with limited wait time. - Front Desk / Technicians: Kind and willing to assist. Special thanks to Michelle, Laura and the DEXA scan technician (whose name escapes me). - Dr. Ahn**: Immensely thorough, great bedside manner, speaks Korean/English CONS - Had some trouble registering on the patient portal (never received an enrollment token) but didn't deter from an otherwise pleasant experience No opinion yet on the billing process as our appt was just yesterday. Bottom line, if you're looking for a fantastic rheumatologist, Korean speaking or not, Dr. Ahn is the person to see! read more

Awesome place to go for treatment! Whether it's for physical therapy or regular treatments from a Rheumatologist, you are in good hands. Courteous staff, and expert treatment from doctors. Dr. Demarco is excellent! He will get to the root of the problem and give you great treatment. He truly goes above and beyond his call of duty to assure that all patients as well as staff are well cared for. Appointment scheduling is quick and easy, and if you should need emergency scheduling, they will accomodate you to the best of their ability. After 14 years of multiple symptoms, Dr. Demarco was able to give tests and exams, I was able to receive an accurate diagnosis. I would recommend ARAPC to anyone who is searching for excellent care in this field. They are truly the best. read more

I used the office in Gaithersburg. They did an ultrasound of my ankle. The doctor told me she will check results and let me know if I need an MRI. That was in November 2019. Now is July 2020. I never receive a doctor's call. I went to other place and have things done. Avoid this place. read more

So many things were done so poorly by your office regarding my last visit: (1) I went to your practice in 2014 but because it had been over only THREE years since then, I was treated like a new patient and had to fill out a ton of forms all over again for no reason other than your offices don't want to keep medical histories more than a few years back. (2) I had to take off extra time from work to get to your offices a full 30 minutes before my appointment time, assumedly because you didn't want me to inconvenience you or your schedule by being late. Then, after waiting half an hour in your reception area doing nothing because you demanded that I fill out all my forms ahead of time, I sat in the examination room for almost an hour waiting for a doctor. When he came in he didn't even bother to apologize. This is absolutely disgraceful, clearly you don't want to be delayed by patients but you have no issue doing that exact same thing yourself to paying customers. (3) Dr. Matsumoto was wholly unhelpful and seemed to know nothing about my case history. He clearly didn't do any research beforehand and even left the room to jump on his computer to do so in the middle of the appointment. I left with no help whatsoever for my syndrome's symptoms except for a scrip for some medicine that my primary care physician suggested. No value added at all. Overall, I find ARAPC to be a self-absorbed, arrogantly run practice that cares about itself more than the patients. This has been my experience with more than one doctor there, the other being Angus Worthing a few years back in Chevy Chase. You don't seem to have any empathy for your patients and worse yet, you rush them thru a session to the point that nothing is ever achieved. Oh wait, actually something is... you successfully take our money for doing nothing. Must be a nice way to make a living. read more

Dr. Matsumoto is the guy to see if you need a rheumatologist, he's the brightest of the bright with superb knowledge, skills and also communicates extremely well with you. The staff are as good as it gets, helpful, courteous and a refreshing pleasure to deal with. Thanks everyone, Roger read more

The research side of this practice is an absolute nightmare, terrible treatment of this patient. They are unprofessional, rude and overly controlling. Best Advice- Stay Away. read more

I agree 100% with the review from Jennifer S. I see Dr. Nicole Thomas, she is great! My experience has always been that everyone there is very nice! I highly recommend Dr. Thomas. read more

Teresa is wonderful, everyone is really helpful and go out of their way to make you feel valued. They also understand in pt how to be gentle, which is very different from NRH. read more

I saw Dr Jeffrey Potter in this practice for fatigue symptoms. I found him to be an excellent doctor who is very thorough with a great bedside manner. He actually took the time to review all of my records some of which had not arrived by the time of my appointment. He actually took the time to contact the other Physicians to collect the records so that he could have an informed discussion with me about my health. That is very important to me, particularly in today's world when you have many doctors that often do not look at your records at all. He also took the time to carefully explain my test results both from a rheumatological perspective as well as systematically so that I understood how to proceed. While I have no doubt that Dr. Potter provides excellent care to all of his patients, I felt very fortunate to have found him as an African American patient who has had hit-or-miss experiences with specialists in MD and VA who can sometimes be indifferent to African-American patients. I highly recommend his care to anyone. read more

I have been a patient of this practice for many years. I have always felt well taken care of, and have a great relationship with my doctor, Herbert Baraf. Their offices are clean, staff is friendly, and they are well- respected in the community. I would recommend this practice(and I have!) to anyone with Arthritic and Rheumatic issues. read more

I started seeing Dr DeMarco after accompanying a friend of mine on her visits to see him, because I was impressed with his caring manner. He is kind and understanding with a great sense of humor and it's convenient for me to see him at the Wheaton location. Yes, in the past there have had some longer waits once in the exam room, but lately that has not been the case. I'm very pleased with the treatment I've been getting and highly recommend Dr DeMarco. read more

Was referred to Dr. DeMarco by my PCM because of my arthritis. Got an early morning appointment so I could go on to work. Was kept waiting for 45 minutes before I saw the doc. He sent me down the hall for some x-rays, gave me a prescription for pain killers, referred me to the physical therapy office attached to the practice and told me to come back in 6 weeks. The bill was for a very startling $1000! His initial visit was billed at $506 dollars! Went to the PT for a couple of visits but she was more interested in teaching me some new exercise system she was getting training in than in helping me figure how to control my pain. I won't be going back to any of them. read more

Hello My name is Rita Nzuwah, I am writing this review for Dr. Nicole Thomas who is simply phenomenal! Dr Thomas is my husband and I's Rheumatologist at Rheumatism Associates, P.C. We met her in 2014 when my husband was very sick and diagnosed with Myositis. The very first visit, she took charge of his heath like she was his personal physician. She is extremely loving, and caring. She goes far above and beyond to give you the best care. My husband and I are both grateful to God that he has placed Dr. Nicole Thomas in our life. The staff at Rheumatism Associates, P.C is also fantastic. The service offered is excellent from the time you enter, until the time you exit. read more

My wonderful Dr. Baraf has Taken good care of me since 2012. Where do I start? Dr. Baraf and his staff are the complete best. I feel like I have a personal relationship with my doctor concerning my health. If I'm late he will have his staff call me to see where I'm at. I've had other issues in my life and I wouldn't come to my appointments. He never discussed his reasons why he took the extract efforts to make sure I was taking care of myself he just knew what to do to help me. I was having a problem dealing with another health problem and that doctor called Dr. Baraf. He knew just what to say to the other doctor to cheer me up and keep me on track. I just appreciate the care that he has provided me. When I came to his office I could barely walk. Dr. Baraf sets the standards for all my other doctors. All patients should have a doctor like Dr. Baraf . We all deserve to be taken care of and not be treated like a number. If you want a doctor to take good care of you and really care about your health and it doesn't hurt that's he's one of the in the business. That's speaks volume alone. Then go see my sweet and wonderful Dr. Baraf. Oh my I cannot forget Joshlin his assistant she never miss a beat. She too cares and does a wonderful job. The front desk, even the lady you have to see on your way out (pay) (sorry I can't remember her name) is sweet as pie. Can you tell? I love these people. Thanks for all you guys do. Karen Nnamani read more

Unfortunately I had to go see a specialist for a strange set of symptoms. Having never been to this kind of practice and barely knowing the definition of "arthritis" and "rheumatology" I was very nervous. There were many possible not-good diagnoses to come from such a visit. Dr Thomas however was fantastic. As I'm much younger than most typical arthritis patients her relatively young age was helpful to feel like she understood that I was fearful of a life changing diagnosis and confused about the sudden onset of symptoms. Instead of being patronizing or dismissive, she took it as a puzzle and didn't act like I was a hypochondriac. She was very personable and practical and asked lots of questions in multiple ways to really get to the bottom of things. She explained all her thinking about what it might be and what it probably wasn't and why. She gave me some hints as to options in the future if this or that didn't work so I'd have a roadmap and a sense of what we were facing. She proactively took tests so that I didn't have to come back multiple times. She was very precise in her instructions and treatment plan and did not overprescribe but when I got worse, immediately had a backup plan in place. I felt that even with the ultimately not-so dramatic diagnosis that I was heard and treated effectively (and I did get better). Though I hope not to have to go back, I will definitely use her in the future and recommend her to others. read more