Skip to main content

Medicare Patients Welcome

Looking for a Rheumatologist Who Accepts Medicare?

Expert Rheumatology Care for Medicare Patients in the Inland Empire

Does Southland Arthritis Accept Medicare?

Yes. Southland Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center accepts Traditional Medicare for eligible services with participating providers.

Because Medicare coverage, provider participation, referrals, and individual circumstances can vary, we recommend contacting our office before your first appointment. Our staff can help verify your information and answer questions about scheduling.

If you have your Medicare card available when you call, we can help make the process easier.

Rheumatologists Accepting Medicare Near You

Southland Arthritis has been serving patients in Southern California since 1983. Today, our practice has six locations throughout the Inland Empire:

  • Riverside
  • Hemet
  • Menifee
  • Temecula
  • Corona
  • San Bernardino


Whether you are searching for a Medicare rheumatologist in Riverside, an arthritis doctor accepting Medicare in Hemet, or a rheumatology specialist elsewhere in the Inland Empire, one of our offices may be conveniently located near you.

Experienced Rheumatology Care

Southland Arthritis is one of the Inland Empire’s largest rheumatology groups.

Our physicians specialize in the non-surgical diagnosis and management of arthritis, systemic autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, and other rheumatic conditions.

Several of our physicians have also held clinical faculty and teaching positions at academic medical centers, helping educate future physicians and rheumatology specialists.

Our approach is centered around understanding your symptoms, establishing an accurate diagnosis, and developing an individualized treatment plan based on your condition and medical needs.

Conditions Our Rheumatology Team Treats

Medicare patients may be referred to or seek care from a rheumatologist for many different reasons. Our rheumatology team evaluates and treats conditions including:

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause persistent joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling. Early diagnosis and ongoing management can be important for controlling inflammation and limiting joint damage.

Learn About Rheumatoid Arthritis →

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weaker and increases the risk of fractures. Our physicians evaluate and manage osteoporosis and may recommend bone density testing when appropriate.

Learn About Osteoporosis →

Chronic Back Pain

Back pain affects a large number of adults at some time in their lives.

Learn About Back pain →

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis associated with psoriasis. Symptoms may include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and changes to the fingers or toes.

Learn About Psoriatic Arthritis →

Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause sudden and severe joint pain, commonly affecting the big toe but potentially occurring in other joints.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and can cause chronic back pain and stiffness.

Learn About Ankylosing →

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis associated with changes in the cartilage and tissues surrounding a joint. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Learn About Osteoarthritis →

Our team also evaluates and treats other rheumatic and autoimmune conditions. If you are unsure whether you need to see a rheumatologist, contact our office and we can help you determine the appropriate next step.

Do I Need a Referral to See a Rheumatologist With Medicare?

Patients with Original Medicare generally do not need a referral to see a specialist who accepts Medicare, but your individual situation can vary.

If you have secondary insurance, supplemental coverage, or another health plan in addition to Medicare, additional requirements may apply.

Contact Southland Arthritis before scheduling and our staff can help you understand what information may be needed for your appointment.

Does Medicare Cover Rheumatology Visits?

Medicare Part B generally covers medically necessary outpatient physician and specialist services, including visits to specialists such as rheumatologists, when Medicare’s coverage requirements are met.

Your actual out-of-pocket cost can depend on factors such as your deductible, coinsurance, supplemental insurance, the services you receive, and whether the provider accepts Medicare assignment.

For questions about your specific benefits, contact Medicare or your insurance provider directly.

Why Choose Southland Arthritis?

When you are living with arthritis or an autoimmune condition, finding a doctor who understands your condition can make an important difference. Southland Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center has been caring for Southern California patients since 1983.

Patients choose our practice because we offer:

Our goal is to provide knowledgeable, compassionate rheumatology care while helping patients better understand their conditions and treatment options.

Find a Medicare Rheumatologist Near You

Southland Arthritis has six convenient locations serving patients throughout the Inland Empire.

Riverside Rheumatologist

21832 Cactus Ave
Riverside, CA 92518

Phone: (951) 924-6500

Hemet Rheumatologist

949 Calhoun Pl, Suite F
Hemet, CA 92543

Phone: (951) 652-5000

Menifee Rheumatologist

29798 Haun Rd, Suite 301
Menifee, CA 92586

Phone: (951) 672-1866

Temecula Rheumatologist

31515 Rancho Pueblo Rd #203
Temecula, CA 92592

Phone: (951) 303-1500

Corona Rheumatologist

1820 Fullerton Ave, Suite #350
Corona, CA 92881

Phone: (951) 256-1779

San Bernardino Rheumatologist

164 W Hospitality Ln, Ste 8
San Bernardino, CA 92408

Phone: (909) 567-2917

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare and Rheumatology

Southland Arthritis accepts Traditional Medicare for eligible services with participating providers. Contact the office you would like to visit to verify coverage and provider availability before scheduling.

New-patient availability can vary by provider and location. Contact your nearest Southland Arthritis office for current availability.

You can contact Southland Arthritis to verify Medicare participation and determine which of our six Inland Empire offices and providers may be appropriate for you.

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat arthritis, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and certain bone and musculoskeletal disorders. Conditions commonly treated include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.

Medicare may cover medically necessary physician visits, testing, medications, infusions, and other services used to diagnose or treat rheumatoid arthritis when Medicare’s coverage requirements are met. Coverage and patient costs vary depending on the service and individual coverage.

Medicare may cover certain osteoporosis-related services, including bone density testing for eligible patients and medically necessary treatments when applicable coverage requirements are met.

Medicare Part B may cover certain medications administered in a physician’s office or outpatient setting when Medicare’s requirements are met. Coverage depends on the medication, diagnosis, medical necessity, and other factors.

New patients should generally bring their Medicare and insurance cards, photo identification, current medication list, relevant medical records, recent laboratory or imaging results, and information about previous treatment. Contact our office before your appointment if you have questions about what records you should bring.

Schedule an Appointment With a Rheumatologist Who Accepts Medicare

If you are searching for a rheumatologist who accepts Medicare in Riverside, Hemet, Menifee, Temecula, Corona, or San Bernardino, contact Southland Arthritis & Osteoporosis Center.

Our experienced rheumatology team is here to help diagnose and manage arthritis, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, and other rheumatic conditions.

Contact the Southland Arthritis location nearest you to verify Medicare coverage and request an appointment.

Jessica Veliz, FNP-BC

Jessica Veliz, FNP-BC,

Jessica Veliz, FNP-BC, is a Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in rheumatology, with several years of experience caring for patients with a wide range of rheumatic disorders. 

Jessica earned her graduate nursing education from The University of Texas at El Paso. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and enjoys helping patients feel informed and comfortable throughout their healthcare journey. 

Outside of her professional life, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring new places.

Danielle-Poth

Danielle Poth, PA-C

Danielle has several years of experience caring for patients with a wide range of autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal conditions. She evaluates and treats diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, gout, osteoporosis, vasculitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and osteoarthritis, among others. She is experienced in managing complex rheumatic diseases through evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each patient’s individual needs and goals.

Committed to providing the highest quality care, Danielle actively pursues continuing education to stay current with advances in rheumatology. She has completed educational courses through the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and regularly attends rheumatology conferences and professional meetings to expand her clinical knowledge and stay current on emerging therapies, treatment guidelines, and best practices in patient care.

Her clinical interests include early diagnosis and intervention, disease management, biologic and targeted therapies, osteoporosis prevention and treatment, and helping patients improve function and quality of life. Danielle collaborates with patients to educate them about their conditions and treatment options, empowering them to take an active role in their healthcare journey.

Known for her compassionate and approachable style, Danielle strives to build lasting relationships with her patients and provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. She values open communication, shared decision-making, and treating each patient with empathy and respect.

Outside of the clinic, Danielle enjoys traveling, exploring San Diego’s outdoor lifestyle, and spending time with family and friends.

Augusto-Banayat,-FNP

Augusto Banayat, FNP

Augusto Famanas Banayat is an experienced Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner with a strong clinical background in patient-centered care and chronic disease management. He began his healthcare career after earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chinese General Hospital College of Nursing, Philippines. He later advanced his education in the United States, earning his Nurse Practitioner degree from United States University. Throughout his career, Augusto has worked with many respected healthcare organizations including Fresenius Medical Care, Davita Medical Center, Cabrillo Center for Rheumatic Diseases and Kaiser Permanente. Outside of his professional life, Augusto enjoys mountain biking and fishing.

DrAmit-Sureen

Dr. Amit Sureen

Dr. Amit Sureen earned a B.S. from UC Irvine, followed by a M.S. and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Sureen completed his Internal Medicine residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, and his Rheumatology Fellowship at the University of Missouri.  

Dr. Sureen’s approach to treating rheumatic diseases involves actively listening to patients to understand their needs, providing education, and using evidence-based medicine to achieve the best possible outcomes. He believes that each patient’s experience and needs are unique, and creates individualized treatment plans to meet each patient’s specific health goals. Dr. Sureen feels privileged to build lasting relationships with his patients and genuinely enjoys providing for their care and comfort. 

Dr. Sureen specializes in treatment of Arthritis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Gout, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Scleroderma, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Inflammatory Myopathies, and Vasculitis.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, hiking, exercising and traveling. He genuinely cares about the well-being of his patients and is proud to be a part of the Southland Arthritis team. 

Dr. Marc Phillpotts

Dr. Marc Phillpotts

Dr. Marc Phillpotts is a board certified physician in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Dr. Phillpotts earned his medical degree at The University of the West Indies in Jamaica. He moved to Washington, DC where he completed Residency training in Internal Medicine at Howard University Hospital, then Fellowship training at the George Washington University. He has held an academic position as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the GW SMHS. He is a member of several professional societies including the American Medical Association, International Society of Clinical Densitometry and American College of Rheumatology. Dr. Phillpotts has expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound and bone densitometry. In his spare time, Dr. Phillpotts enjoys running, swimming and tennis.