Matthew D Heller, MD

Dr Heller is thorough in testing and monitoring of autoimmune conditions. He clearly explains the pros and cons of drug treatment. He works with me to help manage pain and potential joint damage while considering effects of strong drugs. I find he is conservative with prescriptions which I appreciate given the serious side effects of NSAIDS, Steroids, DMARDS and biologics. He has also provided good recommendations for other specialists such as podiatrist, ophthalmologist and dermatologist to manage aspects of autoimmune related arthritis.
Across 6 years of regular appointments I’ve found his front desk staff to be friendly and helpful. Yes, it takes 4 – 6 weeks to be seen as a new patient. That is typical for a referral to a rheumatologist and in some parts of the country where i’ve lived the wait is even longer.
Yes, he has a sarcastic and edgy sense of humor but I find that a relief when I’m tired and in paid.

I saw the Dr. for chronic arthritis pain. Although it took me a couple of weeks to get an appointment, I was seen after waiting just a few minutes which was most appreciated. I found the Dr. to be friendly and concerned about my illness and discomfort. I found him to be very thorough in his review of my symptoms and discussion of possible treatment options. Unlike many Drs. I’ve seen, he had a unique sense of humor that made me feel better by itself. Subsequently the medications and suggested treatments have been VERY helpful in alleviating my pain and discomfort. The biggest and most unexpected surprise was his personal phone follow up to determine the effectiveness of his recommendations and my well being. I wish all Drs. treated me with this level of concern and care.

I agree with Rachel. I was referred to this Dr. by my primary to rule out an autoimmune disease. I waited both times for over ONE hour and his nurse at the second appointment said she was glad I had brought a book to read. There was never a reason given for needing to wait over an hour and he rifled through my file both times, clearly unfamiliar with why I was in his office.
I have never been treated so rudely by a Dr. He couldn’t even manage a hello greeting without being negative. Thankfully I did not have an autoimmune illness or anything else seriously wrong. I would NEVER recommend him. He clearly failed bedside manner in medical school. Doesn’t matter to me what his credentials if he can’t treat a patient with common decency. I reported him to my primary and asked never to be referred there again. I did not have any issues with his staff or with making an appointment– but he was sarcastic, critical, and downright rude.

I was referred to this rheumatologist due to low platelet counts and aching joints. I waited well over a month and a half for an appointment. When I arrived at the appointment, the front desk staff were not very friendly. I waited well over an hour to see the doctor. I had to track down his nurse and ask where he was. He rushed in a few minutes later and appeared upset and disturbed that I dare ask him to be prompt. He rushed through his consult with me, ordered more tests and I was instructed to schedule a follow up appointment. Again, dealing with the oh so pleasant front desk staff.
I took the paperwork he specifically gave me to the lab for different tests and the phlebotomists were giving me crap because he didn’t specify which labs he wanted and they had to call his office to figure it out. His front desk staff were less than accommodating and this resulted in me having to wait over a half hour to get a response from him as to what labs he wanted done. I do have to give him credit because he personally called me to go over my results. Granted it was very rushed and hard to make sense of, but he did call nonetheless.
My follow up appointment I again had to wait over an hour just to see him. He again rushed threw my appointment and seemed bothered when I interrupted him with a question. He prescribed me a steroid and said that would be sufficient and gave me a diagnosis. Despite the fact I was in excruciating pain, he told me to take Tylenol — even after I objected and said I had been and it was doing nothing. I went back a few weeks later as the steroids did nothing and he had me on several different anti inflammatories for the next few months — none of which helped. I repeatedly asked for anything for the pain and he just keep shooting me down, despite being diagnosed with lupus.
I finally decided to stop seeing him because I did not feel respected as a patient, or that he really listened to my concerns. His front desk staff was rude and dismissive at best. I have heard from numerous sources he is one of the best rheumatologists around, but I respectfully have to disagree. I do not recommend him and am still trying to find a new rheumatologist.