• Medical Detectives

    to ensure correct diagnoses

  • Specially Trained

    to determine and treat your rheumatological condition

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Founded by Elayne K. Garber, M.D.

Clinical Chief, Rheumatology Division and Attending Physician, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

The Garber Forbess Family

Only the brightest and most caring physicians and staff become part of the Family

Current Advances in Rheumatology

Major new modalities, medications and procedures are utilized to treat your rheumatological condition

What is a Rheumatologist?

Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in treating people who have persisting aches and pains. The rheumatologist is specially trained to determine whether you have a rheumatic disease and if so, what kind you have. The rheumatologist first receives training in internal medicine and then further specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of more than 100 rheumatic diseases. This treatment includes relief of pain and the prevention of disability which can be caused by these diseases.

Many of theses diseases are complex, and one visit to your rheumatologist may not result in a firm diagnosis and definite treatment plan. By working closely with you, the rheumatologist will soon identify your problem and an individualized treatment program. Although some forms of arthritis and rheumatism seem to appear overnight, most are slow to develop and slow to respond, even to the best treatment available today. Appropriate drugs, proper use of exercise, heat and other physical measures to relieve pain and increase function will be used in an effort to alleviate your pain as quickly as possible.

The Rheumatologist:

A Medical Detective

Because some types of rheumatic diseases are difficult to identify, the rheumatologist must be a medical detective who can sort through the medical history, perform a physical examination and uncover clues that will enable her to make an accurate diagnosis. For some rheumatic diseases, certain blood tests and x-rays can help point the way.

The Rheumatologist:

A Team Leader

In providing you with total care, the rheumatologist relies on the help of many skilled medical professionals. These team members include nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers. As a leader, the rheumatologist will encourage the person with arthritis or rheumatism to become an active partner on the team. The rheumatologist also works closely with other doctors. Clear communication and close cooperation can help ensure that services and expenses are not duplicated.

Our office is a

Subspecialty Practice

Our practice is limited to the diagnosis and management of arthritis and other rheumatological problems. This is where our expertise lies. Referrals come to us from all over the Southern California area, from all parts of the country and sometimes from outside of the United States. Referrals come from other doctors of all specialties, other patients, the Arthritis Foundation and from universities. All of our doctors remain active in rheumatology through our general practice, and through teaching, lecturing, attending conferences, publishing, and participating in clinical research.

Your primary medical care should remain with your internist or family doctor. Because we limit our practice to rheumatology, we do not take care of colds, high blood pressure, chest pain, diabetes, or other general medical problems. If you do not have an internist or family doctor, we will be happy to refer you to an excellent primary care physician in your area.

Is it more expensive to receive


Specialized Care?


You may be surprised to learn that specialized care may save time and money. A rheumatologist is specially trained to spot clues in the medical history and physical examination. The proper tests are done early, and though they may seem costly, they may save money in the long run. Prompt diagnosis and specially tailored treatment saves money and often buys precious time in treating arthritis and rheumatism. Therapy which is begun earlier is often more effective.

Let us help get you healthy again

Make an appointment today

Office Location

We are located in the East Medical Office Tower adjacent to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Medicare & Private Insurance

We accept Medicare and most private insurance plans

Office Hours

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 5:30pm

© Copyright 2018 - Garber Forbess Rheumatology