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Rheumatology

Rheumatology in Toms River, Brick & Whiting, NJ

Diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and autoimmune disease, with care coordinated across our pain, spine and orthopaedic teams.

Request an appointmentCall 732-202-3000

Rheumatology at GSMC

Rheumatology focuses on arthritis and autoimmune diseases that affect the joints, muscles, bones and other organs. Our rheumatologist, Shahzad Hussain, MD, diagnoses and treats inflammatory and degenerative conditions and works with our pain, spine and orthopaedic physicians when you need more than one kind of care.

What to expect at a rheumatology visit

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Rheumatic conditions

All rheumatology conditions A to Z

Treatments

Joint injections are also available: joint injections.

How treatment is stepped

  1. Lifestyle and self-care

    Exercise, sleep, not smoking, weight and diet.

  2. Disease-modifying medicines (DMARDs and biologics)

    Medicines that treat the underlying inflammation, monitored with regular labs.

  3. Joint injections and infusions

    A joint injection can calm a single flaring joint. Infusions are currently given at a partner hospital; in-office infusions at GSMC are planned. Call 732-202-3000 for details.

  4. Referral and team care

    Coordination with other specialists when disease affects organs such as the eyes, skin, kidneys or lungs.

What to expect at GSMC

  1. Your first visit: a rheumatologist reviews your symptoms, history and medicines and examines your joints, skin and other areas.
  2. Tests: blood tests and imaging, as needed, to confirm the diagnosis and check how active the disease is.
  3. Your plan: we explain your options, including lifestyle steps and medicines, and how each is monitored.
  4. Follow-up: regular visits and lab checks to adjust treatment over time.

Shahzad Hussain, MD sees rheumatology patients in Brick, Toms River and Whiting. Call 732-202-3000 to schedule.

This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Rheumatology: frequently asked questions

When should I see a rheumatologist?

Consider an evaluation if you have joint swelling or stiffness that lasts more than a few weeks, morning stiffness that lasts over an hour, joint pain with a rash or fevers, or lab results such as a positive ANA or rheumatoid factor.

Who is the rheumatologist at GSMC?

Shahzad Hussain, MD, board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology, sees patients at our Toms River, Brick and Whiting offices.

Do I need a referral?

Many plans do not need a referral, but some, including HMO plans, do. Our staff can check your plan when you call 732-202-3000.

Can I see pain management and rheumatology in the same practice?

Yes. Our rheumatology and pain management teams work together, so joint and back pain can be evaluated from both sides. See joint pain and knee arthritis.

Talk with a GSMC specialist

We will review your history and imaging and explain your options. Many plans, including Medicare, are accepted. We verify benefits before scheduling procedures.

Request an appointmentCall 732-202-3000