Comprehensive rheumatology care in Columbus, Ohio
Comprehensive rheumatology care in Columbus, Ohio
From the Short North to German Village, from Ohio State game days to quiet Scioto Mile walks—your rheumatology condition shouldn’t limit your Columbus life.
AndHealth brings expert rheumatology care directly to you, helping you manage rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or psoriatic arthritis, while fully embracing everything our vibrant capital city offers.
Conditions we treat in Columbus
Columbus residents face rheumatology conditions at rates consistent with national averages, but your care doesn’t have to be average. In a city known for innovation—from tech startups to groundbreaking medical research at Ohio State—your treatment should be equally forward-thinking and personalized, as well as lowest cost for high quality care.
Comprehensive treatment plans for Columbus patients
The Columbus advantage includes access to cutting-edge research through Ohio State, strong insurance networks, and a growing healthcare infrastructure. We leverage these local strengths while providing the personalized, accessible care that makes the difference in your daily quality of life.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Living with rheumatoid arthritis in Columbus means managing morning stiffness before your commute downtown, maintaining joint health during your work day, and staying active in a city that offers everything from bike paths along the Olentangy to festivals at the fairgrounds. Your AndHealth team understands these daily realities and creates treatment plans that work with your Columbus lifestyle.
Ankylosing spondylitis
For ankylosing spondylitis, Columbus’ younger demographic—boosted by Ohio State’s 65,000 students—means many people experience symptoms during crucial career-building years. Whether you’re finishing your degree, starting your career in the city’s thriving logistics sector, or building a family in neighborhoods like Clintonville or Bexley, managing spine symptoms shouldn’t derail your goals.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis brings unique challenges in a city with four distinct seasons. Managing both joint and skin symptoms through Columbus humid summers, cold winters, and variable spring weather requires coordinated care that addresses both aspects of the condition. Your AndHealth team provides this comprehensive approach, ensuring both your joints and skin receive appropriate attention.
Rheumatology office locations
Franklinton Central – Columbus
777 West State Street Suite 201 A
Enter parking garage from:
W. Town Street, S Davis Ave,
Columbus, OH 43222
1330 Clark St
Cambridge, OH 43725
Pharmacy + Specialty Pharmacy only locations
1160 W Broad St
Columbus, OH 43222
3433 Agler Rd, Suite 2800
Columbus, OH 43219
Logan
30381 Chieftain Drive
Logan, OH 43138
Not near these locations?
Virtual video visits available for Indiana & Ohio residents
How a virtual rheumatology visit works
We want you to feel as comfortable in an online appointment as you would in person. Here’s how a virtual appointment works.
You and your doctor will join a video call at a place most convenient to you - at home, work, your car, etc.
Choose somewhere quiet where you can speak freely, and where you have a good internet connection.
Your nearest Community Health Center can also provide a private room with a computer where you can join your appointment (reserved in advance).
Your rheumatologist will ask you where you are experiencing symptoms.
They will ask you to show the affected joints on camera to confirm swelling, redness, or other factors.
Your rheumatologist may ask you to press on your joints and report how it feels, as part of the evaluation.
When swelling or other symptoms are hard to visualize, your rheumatologist will order imaging (x-ray or MRI) to get more information, as they would during an in-person exam.
When you are in a flare, or having a hard day, an online appointment can be much easier to join.
An online appointment saves you time from driving to an office, sitting in a waiting room, and then seeing your provider.
An online appointment should feel as unrushed and thorough as in person.
We want you to always feel that you can ask all of your questions, report on how you've been feeling, and help us create or modify the best treatment plan for you.
Personalized treatments & care unique to Columbus
Columbus offers exceptional healthcare infrastructure that AndHealth maximizes for your benefit. Your AndHealth care team coordinates seamlessly with other rheumatologists you may have seen in Columbus, and can collaborate to offer a second opinion when additional specialized care is needed.
Columbus insurance landscape favors comprehensive autoimmune care. The city’s major employers—including state government, Ohio State, and Fortune 500 companies like Cardinal Health and American Electric Power—typically offer robust health benefits. AndHealth maximizes these benefits while eliminating common barriers like referral requirements and specialist wait times.
Rheumatology treatment plans for Columbus people living with rheumatology conditions
We understand Columbus’ unique work culture. Whether you’re working downtown government jobs with regular schedules, Ohio State positions with academic calendars, or startup environments with irregular hours, your medication timing and appointment scheduling adapt to your actual lifestyle. Our telehealth capabilities are particularly valuable for downtown workers who can connect with their care team during lunch breaks rather than taking half-days off.
Columbus’ college town atmosphere means many residents are in their peak years for rheumatology condition onset. We provide specialized support for students managing new diagnoses, young professionals balancing treatment with career demands, and families navigating insurance transitions. Your care team understands the financial pressures of student loans and early-career salaries, ensuring cost-effective treatment approaches.
The city’s growing food scene becomes part of your treatment strategy. From North Market’s diverse offerings to the expanding restaurant districts, Columbus provides excellent anti-inflammatory dining options. Your health coach helps you navigate everything from food truck festivals to fine dining, ensuring your social life supports rather than undermines your health goals.
Columbus’ extensive park system and bike trail network support your treatment plan. The Olentangy Trail, Scioto Greenway, and MetroParks provide year-round low-impact exercise opportunities that help manage autoimmune rheumatology symptoms while connecting you with the community activities that make Columbus special.
Common RA, PsA, AS symptoms better & worse in Columbus
AccuWeather’s arthritis weather monitoring shows the type of weather-related symptom tracking available for Ohio cities, and Columbus weather patterns, with its continental climate and frequent weather changes, will affect rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and/or psoriatic arthritis symptoms throughout the year.
Rheumatology symptoms made better in Ohio
Columbus’ geography provides some advantages. The city avoids the most extreme lake-effect weather that affects northern Ohio, and its inland position moderates some temperature swings. Spring and fall in Columbus—particularly late September through October—often provide optimal conditions for RA, AS and/or PsA management, with moderate temperatures and lower humidity.
Columbus’ urban heat island effect means downtown residents may experience different symptom patterns than suburban neighbors. The concrete and asphalt of downtown can raise temperatures 2-5 degrees, potentially affecting inflammation levels during summer months, while also providing some winter weather protection for rheumatology symptoms.
Rheumatology symptoms affected by factors unique to Ohio
Columbus summers bring unique challenges for chronic rheumatology conditions. The city’s notorious humidity, often exceeding 80% during July mornings, combined with temperatures reaching the low 90s, creates conditions that worsen inflammatory symptoms. Higher humidity is particularly problematic in colder weather, but Columbus’ hot, sticky summers add the burden of heat stress to increased joint stiffness.
The city’s position in central Ohio creates rapid weather changes that particularly affect RA, AS and/or PsA symptoms. Barometric pressure changes, common before Columbus’s frequent storm systems, are linked to increased arthritis pain. Columbus averages 37 thunderstorm days per year, each potentially preceded by pressure changes that trigger symptom flares.
Winter in Columbus brings extended cold periods that challenge all autoimmune conditions. With average January temperatures around 28°F and frequent ice storms, the significant temperature drops common in Columbus winters are linked to increased joint pain and stiffness. Morning commutes become particularly difficult when ankylosing spondylitis spine stiffness combines with cold-weather joint inflammation.
How common is a RA, AS or PsA diagnosis for people in Columbus?
Columbus’ status as a healthcare hub means many residents have better access to early diagnosis and treatment than rural areas, potentially leading to better long-term outcomes. However, the city’s rapid growth sometimes strains healthcare resources, making efficient, coordinated care for rheumatology conditions such as AndHealth’s approach particularly valuable.
Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis rates in Columbus
Columbus’ metropolitan area, with approximately 2.1 million residents, represents a significant population living with autoimmune conditions. Based on national RA prevalence data showing 29-50 per 1,000 population depending on gender and age, the Columbus metro area likely has 60,000-105,000 residents living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Franklin County’s demographics influence these rates significantly. Higher RA rates are found among people with lower educational levels and income ratios, correlating with certain Columbus neighborhoods facing economic challenges. Conversely, areas near Ohio State and established neighborhoods like Upper Arlington show different demographic patterns that may influence condition prevalence.
Ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis rates in Columbus
Columbus’ large young adult population, bolstered by Ohio State’s student body and the city’s appeal to young professionals, means ankylosing spondylitis has particular relevance. With AS prevalence around 0.10% and typically affecting younger adults, approximately 2,100 Columbus metro residents likely live with this condition, many during crucial career and family-building years.
Psoriatic arthritis diagnosis rates in Columbus
For Psoriatic arthritis, prevalence rates of 0.24% suggest approximately 5,000 Columbus metro residents have this condition. Given that up to 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, Columbus’s rheumatology-dermatology networks play crucial roles in early identification and referral. AndHealth has special expertise here, with both rheumatologists and dermatologists who work together and can collaborate for care that considers expertise from both medical fields.
Unique geographic factors for RA, AS, PsA in Columbus
Columbus offers environmental advantages through its extensive park system. The MetroParks network provides over 200 square miles of clean air spaces, from Blacklick Woods to Prairie Oaks, offering residents opportunities to escape urban pollutants. The developing bike trail networks also promote active transportation that avoids traffic pollution exposure.
New air quality monitoring networks being developed by MORPC and Franklin County Public Health will provide better hyperlocal pollution data, helping residents with rheumatology conditions make informed decisions about outdoor activities and living locations within the Columbus area.
Air quality
Recent air quality monitoring suggests Columbus faces unique pollution challenges, with some data indicating elevated PM2.5 levels compared to other major cities due to insufficient monitoring coverage. Particle pollution causes lung irritation and inflammation that can worsen autoimmune symptoms, making this particularly relevant for Columbus residents with chronic conditions who need specialty care from experienced rheumatologists.
Columbus’ position as a major transportation hub creates specific air quality concerns. The intersection of I-70, I-71, and I-270, combined with John Glenn International Airport and significant freight rail traffic, generates vehicle emissions that particularly affect areas like the Hilltop, Near East Side, and neighborhoods adjacent to major highways. Traffic pollution puts people at greater risk of health harm, especially those working or living near busy highways.
Clean air and water
The Scioto and Olentangy Rivers provide natural assets but also carry pollutants from upstream agricultural and industrial sources. While Columbus’ water treatment meets safety standards, some neighborhoods may experience water quality variations that could influence inflammatory responses in sensitive individuals.
Columbus’ urban heat island effect, particularly downtown, can intensify pollution concentration and heat stress during summer months. Surface temperatures in downtown areas can be 5-10 degrees higher than surrounding suburbs, potentially affecting circulation and inflammation in people with autoimmune rheumatology conditions.
Get educated: health fairs or health events in Columbus
Columbus offers many health events that provide opportunities for rheumatology condition education, screening, and community building.
Annual community outreach events
Columbus’ annual festival scene integrates health and wellness components. Events like the Festival Latino and CBUS Soul Fest in August each year, often include health pavilions featuring chronic disease education and community resource connections.
The Arthritis Foundation Charity Auto Show takes place July, in nearby Dublin, featuring more than 1,000 classic and collector cars alongside fundraising for arthritis research. This unique event combines Columbus’s car culture with health advocacy, drawing participants from across the metro area.
The Ohio State Fair (July-August every summer) traditionally includes comprehensive health pavilions with arthritis education, medication management information, and connections to local support resources. Given Columbus’s proximity to the fairgrounds, this represents one of the largest annual health education opportunities for area residents.
Columbus hosts the annual Walk to Cure Arthritis, which raises money to advance arthritis treatments and research, bringing together hundreds of central Ohio residents affected by rheumatic conditions for community building and fundraising.
Health & wellness events in Columbus
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center organizes Healthy Community Day and various health fairs specifically targeting underserved populations, including arthritis screenings and education. These events often provide free or reduced-cost services for early detection and chronic disease management guidance.
Professional development events like wellness summits and healthcare conferences regularly occur at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, providing continuing education for healthcare providers and often including patient advocacy components that benefit the broader autoimmune community.
Getting support: chronic condition community groups & rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis patient groups in Columbus
The city’s numerous community centers and YMCAs host arthritis-friendly exercise programs, including water aerobics at venues like the Northwest Family YMCA and gentle yoga classes throughout the metro area, creating informal support networks alongside fitness benefits..
In-person community groups
The Arthritis Foundation maintains active Columbus operations with Live Yes! Connect Groups providing supportive social connections for adults with all types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. These peer-led groups serve Franklin County residents with regular meetings, educational events, and mutual support activities.
Columbus Arthritis Center, serving central Ohio since 1955 with ten board-certified rheumatologists, provides a hub for patient education and community connections. Their patient community often organizes informal support networks and educational seminars.
OhioHealth’s extensive Columbus-area network facilitates support groups across multiple locations, making geographic access easier for residents throughout the metro area. Their rheumatology practices often coordinate group educational sessions and peer support opportunities.
Ohio State’s student population creates unique support networks for young adults with autoimmune conditions. Campus health services coordinate with organizations like the Chronic Illness Alliance, providing peer support for students managing conditions like AS and PsA during their college years.
Online community groups
Columbus-specific online communities include “Columbus Area Arthritis Support,” “Central Ohio Chronic Warriors,” and “Columbus RA/PsA Community” Facebook groups. These provide local weather-related symptom discussions, provider recommendations, and Columbus-specific resource sharing for everything from rheumatologist reviews to arthritis-friendly restaurant recommendations.
FAQs about Columbus rheumatology
insurance & payment
Yes! AndHealth proudly accepts Ohio Medicaid and provides comprehensive rheumatology care with no copays for any member of your care team—including your rheumatologist, clinical pharmacist, coordinating provider, health coach, and patient navigator. This means you get complete autoimmune care without financial barriers.
Ohio Medicaid covers all essential autoimmune care including specialist visits, lab work, imaging (X-rays, MRIs), prescription medications including biologics, and additional services like nutrition programs and sleep tracking—all provided at no cost to you through AndHealth.
With AndHealth and Ohio Medicaid, you have zero copays for appointments with your entire care team. This includes your rheumatologist, clinical pharmacist, health coach, and patient navigator, ensuring cost never prevents you from getting the care you need.
AndHealth’s Care Navigators work with uninsured patients to find rheumatology care on a sliding fee scale and help identify assistance programs for housing, transportation, groceries, and utilities. We believe everyone deserves access to world-class healthcare regardless of insurance status.
Your AndHealth clinical pharmacist helps ensure you have the lowest medication costs through patient assistance programs, copay support, and insurance optimization. We coordinate with drug manufacturers and assistance programs to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses for biologics and other specialized medications.
AndHealth is in-network and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE and most commercial health plans in Ohio and Indiana.
Appointment access & scheduling
AndHealth typically offers appointments within 1-2 weeks with no referral needed. We understand that autoimmune rheumatology conditions can’t wait for long specialist queues, so we prioritize timely access to care in Columbus, whether virtual or in-person.
No referral required! You can contact AndHealth directly to schedule your appointment. This eliminates delays and barriers that often prevent people from getting timely rheumatology care.
While same-day appointments depend on availability, AndHealth provides anytime messaging with your care team between visits. During flares, you can text your provider team immediately for guidance, medication adjustments, or urgent care coordination if needed.
For severe flares, contact your AndHealth care team through anytime messaging first. If you need immediate medical attention, your nearest emergency department is available 24/7. Always inform them you’re an AndHealth patient so they can coordinate with your care team.
Telehealth & virtual care
Yes! AndHealth provides both in-person and virtual appointments, perfect for Columbus residents who may face transportation challenges or prefer the convenience of telehealth. Virtual visits include comprehensive assessments using on-camera reviews and coordination with local lab work and imaging.
Absolutely. Your AndHealth rheumatologist can prescribe and adjust medications during virtual visits. Your clinical pharmacist coordinates prescription delivery and provides injection training via telehealth when needed, ensuring treatment continuity regardless of weather or transportation issues.
Virtual visits are 45-minute comprehensive appointments where your rheumatologist reviews symptoms, assesses joint function through guided movements, discusses lab results, and adjusts treatment plans. A clinical pharmacist may join to discuss medications, and the entire care team coordinates your ongoing management.
Provider credentials & expertise
Yes, all AndHealth rheumatologists are board-certified specialists with extensive training in autoimmune rheumatology conditions. They bring decades of experience to you as a patient in Columbus, Ohio, ensuring you receive high quality care throughout your relationship with any of your AndHealth providers.
AndHealth provides a complete 5-person care team (rheumatologist, clinical pharmacist, coordinating provider, health coach, and patient navigator) working together for your chronic condition rheumatology care. This comprehensive approach, combined with telehealth options and no referral requirements, brings specialized care directly to people living with rheumatology conditions in Columbus, Ohio.
Sources
1. Arthritis Foundation – Columbus, Ohio
2. Ohio Association of Rheumatology
3. Arthritis and Rheumatology – Ohio State Medical Center
4. 2025 Walk to Cure Arthritis – Columbus, OH
5. Classic Auto Show & Cruise In – Arthritis Foundation
6. Does Columbus really have the most polluted air among all major U.S. cities? – WOSU
7. Annual Columbus Events – Experience Columbus
Rheumatology care near you
Northeast Ohio
Akron
Ashland
Canton
Cleveland
Elyria
Jefferson
Mansfield
Warren
Wooster
Northwest Ohio
Bucyrus
Findlay
Lima
Norwalk
Sandusky
Sidney
Toledo