My rheumatologist of many years closed her practice and I needed to find another rheumatologist quickly. My primary care suggested Dr. Balki and after my first appointment, I could not be happier. He is caring, thorough and has a wonderful sense of humor. The staff goes above and beyond to make everything as smooth as possible from an administrative standpoint. I would highly recommend Dr. Balki. read more

Dr. Balki is caring, thorough, and professional. Office and staff were efficient and kind. Highly recommended.

I highly recommend Dr. Balki, He is on-time, Take his time for patient & explain details to patient. Also staff are nice & friendly . read more

I'd like to start by commenting on the 2 one star reviews. The 5 star reviews are not fake or incentivized, they are earned, as Dr Elbalkhi is an excellent provider. Also, Yelp has a very good reputation and is a trusted resource for providing and regulating factual reviews. I'm a woman that has been cared for by Dr Elbalkhi for 6 years, and I've never found him to be discriminating against females, or guilty of "mansplaining." There is a clear difference between explaining over a decade of medical training to a lay person, and a misogynist. I find it ridiculous that someone would even suggest that. I was on RA meds for 10 years with another provider, switched to a new product, and lost a huge patch of hair overnight. I went to an autoimmune derm from USC that told me I had Lupus, my old rheumatologist was baffled, I talked to the medical team from the drug manufacturer who also had no explanation, my chiropractor said I had sciatica, and finally Dr Elbalkhi discovered what was wrong with me. I didn't actually have RA, I had AS. None of my other Drs did an MRI in 10 years as a patient, even though back pain was my primary complaint. I suggested the possibility of AS to my prior Rheumatologist, who told me it was highly unlikely and would be a waste of money to investigate. I got to the point where I couldn't get in or out of my car without help, or go from a sitting to standing position independently. I was in so much pain. I've been on Cosentyx for the last 4 years, and feel really good. I've only had 1 flare since then, which Dr Elbalkhi was on top of, and gave me steroids to resolve it. My subsequent MRIs have not shown any additional damage to my spine, which means the drugs are working. Yay! I highly recommend Dr Elbalkhi, he's very well read, can site clinical trial data from memory for every product he's recommending as treatment, and is very knowledgeable in both current and future treatments being studied. This is an extremely rare quality, most Drs aren't as proactive to continue learning in their free time like he is. If you want a caring and incredibly intelligent doctor, then you've found him! read more

Been seeing Dr. Balki this past year since getting diagnosed with a serious condition. I was feeling pretty lost and worried when this all started, but Dr. Balki has been incredibly patient and educational. He really listened and worked with me so that I felt confident with the treatment plan. In addition, his entire staff - whether in person or via messages - have always been welcoming, professional, and responsive. For example, I had to travel extensively last year and needed some paperwork asap in order to take my medications with me on board fights and into foreign countries. Dr. Balki and his staff worked quickly and diligently to ensure I had all necessary paperwork in time for my departure. Every time I had any questions or concerns about my condition, the office would either immediately message me back or give me a call right away. I truly appreciate their attention and support in my treatment! Highly recommend! read more

The Staff was friendly and efficient, Doctor AMRO Balki was not only knowledgeable but also took the time to address all my questions and concerns. Thank you from the bottom of my heart doctor Balki. Thank you Karen and Jesus. read more

By the time you make it to Dr. Balki, you've already jumped through significant insurance referral hoops and need serious care. He understands that and provides efficient and effective treatment options. As someone who's experienced many doctors, admittedly I'm a tough customer... but the staff truly cares as much as Dr Balki, and it shows. So grateful! read more

Dr. Balki is the best. After going to other doctors, Dr. Balki was the one to diagnose my RA and he continues to work with me with great care and now I have my quality of life back. He and his office staff are fantastic. read more

A dear friend of mine been suffering with osteoporosis and sick on her current medications she needed a referral to a first class Rheumatologist so Dr. Elbalkhi was the first physician I thought of. He's smart, progressive and open to trying new therapies. He's so kind and patient when I ask him questions. He's not afraid to fight for his patients and give them the highest level of care. The office is great with kind nurses, staff and dxa tech. It also has a nice fung shui with beautiful flowers. First class all the way! Thx Dr. E! read more

Dr. Balki is a good doctor, he needs to fire everyone on his staff. To call them idiots would be an insult to idiots...and an upgrade to the staff. I tried to book an emergency visit, call, or video call to have him help with an issue that was causing severe pain, it was actually his idea to do this should I ever have a problem. His reception and staff manager both ignored my pleas for help, wanted to book the appointment for over 30 days day out, and told me there was no way for a call or video consult. They suggested the E.R. or Doc in a Box in the interim... less than 2 hours later i had an appointment with a caring doctor... who immediately helped, my problem is solved. Balke's is just beginning. read more

Very poor experience with this Dr., unlike the rave reviews posted. Cursory examination, dismissive of my questions and observations, did not look at test/lab results I brought until I asked him to, seemed like he couldn't wait to move on to the next patient. read more

I have seen other Dr. for my pain and aches, but no one could diagnose it until I read good reviews and decided to try Dr. Balki. It's almost a year since then; I've been feeling much better and getting better every day. I am so glad to have found Dr. Balki. He is the best Dr. I've ever had. THANK YOU Doc!! The staff and nurses are friendly and accommodating, as well. Thank you all. read more

I am selecting 1 star, only because zero stars is not an option. I tried out three different rheumatologist to try to find out the source of my arthritis pain, repeated joint injuries and abnormal tests results. None of the doctors I went to were able to make an accurate diagnosis. Dr Elbalkhi seemed nice and intelligent, albeit very rushed. Even though neither he, nor any other rheumatologist could come up with a clear diagnosis, he recommended that I go on methotrexate. I did my own research and consulted the other two rheumatologists, all of whom thought that he was jumping to conclusions and recommending a medication with risky side effects. I expressed to Dr Elbalkhi my concerns about the risk of cancer associated with methotrexate because my brother had recently died of cancer. He assured me it was safe so I gave it a try for two months. During that time, there was NO improvement, only worsening of my joint pain. So when I went back, I asked him what other options were available. He offered only 1. Methotrexate at a higher dose, and injectable. All of my other doctors cautioned against this so i told him I planned to not take it. After a month I went to urgent care regarding my tennis elbow, as the pain was excruciating. The urgent care doctor gave me a leidocaine, cortisone injection but advised me to go back to my rheumatologist and ask for a different medication to stop the joint damage. Even he knew there are many other options to methotrexate. I called Dr Elbalkhi's office and spoke with Jessica and explained what the urgent care doctor had suggested. She said she would ask Dr Elbalkhi about other medication options and get back to me. Later that day she called me back saying that Dr Elbalkhi had said that "methotrexate is the best option and all of the alternatives have the same risks." I know that is not true. I wrote dr Elbalkhi two emails in follow up. They are below: 1. Why is it so difficult to get doctors to listen you as a woman? There are biologics that offer more targeted therapies to joint pain and arthritis. Even hydroxychloroquine has fewer risks. Is this the only medication he ever prescribes? Or is he getting a kickback from the pharmaceutical company? I have to change doctors just to be heard? 2. My grandmother died of metastatic pancreatic cancer and my brother died last year of metastatic prostate cancer. I have idiopathic gastroparesis that no one can find the cause of. I'm not taking a med that has cancer as a side effect. There must be other options. I immediately called one of the other rheumatologists that I had interviewed, who told me, of course there are other options to methotrexate. So I moved on and left it at that. But apparently Dr Elbalkhi cannot handle anyone questioning his treatment plan (which appears to consist of only one medication,... ever.... Methotrexate. That's curious. The day after my two emails I got a voicemail from his office heavy wanting to talk to me about my emails. No thanks, I don't need anymore mansplaining. Again. I left it at that and walked away. But Dr Elbalkhi could not leave well enough alone. I just received this letter from him by certified mail. Apparently a woman advocating for herself is tantamount to "inappropriate comments." Good to know. If you are a woman or anyone who wants to be informed about what he is injecting into your body, go elsewhere. read more

Amro Balki, MD - Rheumatologists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

So, I tried to book an appointment with this doctor but the person who answered the phone made it extremely difficult for me to do so. She basically wanted me to do her job! She wanted me to call my insurance to ask if Dr. Elbalkhi is in-network so I decided to get an appointment with someone who has office personnel that understands that we are the clients and not the other way around! I hope this doctor reads this review because he is losing business with his lazy employees. read more

I have been going to dr. Elbalkhi for one year now and I am so impressed! He has helped me so much with my rheumatoid arthritis. The staff is so friendly and so helpful! I can't say enough good things about this doctor, he's awesome! read more

Dr Balki is the best - when you have a regular Rhuemy you know you have real issues. So it takes compassion, kindness and clarity to make the situation less scary and more about good health. He is caring and skilled, the best possible combo. Thanks, Doc! read more

UNPROFESSIONAL and more focused on money than care--I was kind of shocked to see all the 5 star reviews here as that was not my experience AT ALL. It makes you wonder if they are real or incentivized somehow. They say only believe 2,3 and 4 star reviews, 5's are usually fakes and 1's are usually just extreme people, well here is my take: 1. Office is completely unprofessional and disorganized--I had my lab tests faxed from my primary provider but someone in the office had lost them and the other staff said they never got any. Only after a few calls that I made did it turn out the truth came out--oops! Wasted 20 minutes. 2. Egregiously late for appointment--I had two appointments. On one of them, I arrived 15 minutes before my appointed time. Guess what time Dr. Elbalkhi actually saw me? About an hour after my actual appointment time. In the meantime I was left in an open-door exam room hearing life stories of other patients. Making what should be an hour or so experience kill basically a whole afternoon. 3. The worst part--The extra bills and money chasing. They bill you for things beyond your co-pay, beyond lab work, and beyond what you discussed in the office, and surprise you with it a month later. I have a $75 co-pay with my PPO insurance. I paid it promptly in office both times. I leave out of town for a business trip later that month and come home to a stack of bills from their third-party company that I find out is their "billing department". They are chasing me for "remaining charges" left over from my office visit. Nickels and dime, about $4 and such. After spending half an afternoon trying to figure out what all the charges are, because Dr. Elbalkhi's office won't answer any billing questions and you have to call a calling center, turns out it was not for labs or anything like that, nope, it was for further IN OFFICE charges that Dr. Elbalkhi doesn't tell you about during your visit and hopes that you won't notice. I called twice to tell them this was an unethical business practice but there was never anyone available at his office willing to discuss it. I left a message asking them to remove the charges. They did not two months later. I am simply going to pay them to avoid collections for such small amount, but I wanted future patients to know about the unethical business practices. I fear that offices work from the top down. If Dr. Elbalkhi's office is run this way, what else is going on behind the scenes. I had A LOT of tests done at his request. I am beginning to wonder how many were just money makers and how many were actually necessary. Overall, very unfortunate experience and I would not trust this office. They had several changes to rectify any of these issues and they never bothered. read more

After reading the negative comments made by Marty B. on 06/15/2017. I was encouraged to share my thoughts and experiences. If you are searching for a Board-Certified Rheumatologist, Dr. Elbalkhi is the best! I have been a patient of Dr. Amro Elbalkhi since September 2015. I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition - Dermatomyositis. I searched for a rheumatologist in my location area, Corona, CA, but none were available for immediate appointments. I was searching for a doctor who could give me answers as to why my body was being attacked. When I first met Dr. Elbalkhi, I was impressed by his bed-side manners. He wants the best care and treatment for his patients, and he will find the best treatment for them. Dr. Elbalkhi was open to trying a new medication to help treat patients with similar conditions, such as mine. Dr. Elbalkhi was interested in prescribing an innovative treatment that would bring back my muscle loss. Because Dermatomyositis attacks the main muscles of your body, I was no longer able to walk, or do many of my normal activities. I had plenty of help from my family, and having Dr. Elbalkhi as my doctor, gave me the hope that I needed to recover from this autoimmune condition. I have nothing but trust in his ability and knowledge of treating patients with this similar condition. I am elated to say that since I have been under Dr. Elbalkhi's care, of which included, physical therapy and medication, I can now say that my body is in remission as of June 2017. Instead of walking with a walker or cane, I am now enjoying my walks and riding my bike in the morning! As for the staff and office, I don't mind driving to Upland to visit with Dr. Elbalkhi. His staff is very friendly and helpful. I never have to wait long. I arrive at my scheduled appointment and I leave on time with no long waits. Dr. Elbalkhi is absolutely the most patient, kind, attentive, thorough doctor I have ever seen. I always receive a phone call reminder for all my appointments. If I ever leave a voicemail message, they called me back within 1 business day or the same day. read more

I am so totally shocked to see that one negative review! I have been seeing Dr. Elbalkhi for a year now for Sjögren's Syndrome. In fact, I have recommended him to several people in my local support group. His office is clean, bright and welcoming. Their waiting area is completely separate from the urgent care, so I have no idea what the negative poster is talking about. I have never waited more than 5 minutes to be called back to the exam room - even when I arrived early for my appointment. I wonder if the negative poster was a last minute walk in that the Dr. was trying to accommodate... Also, I have never had any issues with his response to my (sometimes endless) questions about my condition and medications. Me thinks the negative poster was just there to try to get a quick fix after burning out the relationship with their prior dr..... read more

Best Rheumatologist that I have seen in my 12 years suffering from RA! Kind, thorough and extremely knowledgeable. So grateful to have found Dr Balki and his staff. read more

I am a new patient to Dr. Elbalkhi who is located at Saint John's Santa Monica location. This was also my first time going to Saint Johns, as I live closer to Cedars and usually go there. I spend a lot of time researching dr's trying to find really good dr's actually the best doctors which is a difficult task to begin with. Dr. Elbalkhi is really nice, but more importantly he is thorough. He took a lot of blood to check for a host of things. When one blood test came back as a false positive, he took blood again and requested that the lab use a different machine to recheck my result. He gave me a cortisone shot to try and alleviate my knee pain. Unfortunately, it did not help much, but he had the office check in with me to see if it had helped. I thought that was really nice considering that these days it is so unusual. I suggest having a list of questions for the doctor ahead of time , so you can be well prepared. He is a busy doctor, but he is very good. We all look for different things when we go to a doctor. I was just glad that he took a lot of blood to check for many things. That told me he was thorough, and I felt like I was in good hands. He suggested physical therapy, and I followed all his suggestions. I had a follow up visit was unsure I needed that ,but that's when I got the steroid shot in my knee and also discussed my physical therapy with him. I was really happy that I had the follow up appointment with him. The office staff is terrific. Dr. Elbalkhi is extremely smart. I picked a winner!!!! am so grateful that I found him, truly grateful. I was back today for another visit this time Dr. Balki fit me in last minute for an injection. folks I kid you not!!! Dr. Balki was extremely kind to do that when he is so busy. He did not have me wait weeks. He ordered x rays , and he is just a fabulous doctor. I am so happy with him. Thanks again Dr. Balki, so grateful Eileen read more

I am very fortunate to have found Dr. Elbalkhi. He is a excellent doctor. He listens to you, and never rushes you out the door. He is a very kind and caring person. I have been through many doctors, I know when I come across a really good one! read more

Dr. Amro Elbalkhi is kind, caring, and a very skilled rheumatologist. I would highly recommend him as one of the best doctors I've ever had. He makes time for patients, makes sure to answer all questions, and centers the patient in the treatment plan. Not to mention he is quite funny! read more

Dr. Elbalkhi is a wonderful, caring person. He really took the time to understand all of my medical history and all of my symptoms. His genuine concern for my physical and mental well being was clear and after my first consultation I knew I was in excellent care. Dr. Elbalkhi walked me through his diagnosis and offered me a couple of treatment plans to consider. I would have been nervous with any other doctor, but with not Dr. Elbalkhi because he took the time to explain all of the pros and cons of each option so I could make a fully informed decision. I am so thankful to have found Dr. Elbalkhi, he and his whole office staff are terrific! read more

Dr. Balki is kind, caring and super thorough!! He put my labs through several tests to discover why I was having so much pain in my one foot. Recently I told him I was having severe pain in my hands and he immediately sent me out for xrays and an MRI! Plus recommended a doctor for my sciatica because PT and acupuncture was not working! I am so happy I was recommended by my GP Dr. Janice Miyakawa to go and see him! They are both wonderful! I am so lucky! Thanks to you both! read more

Dr. Elbalkhi is the best rheumatologist. Recently diagnosed with lupus it was very important to find a doctor who understood me. Who would be patient, let me take a little of a holistic approach, wouldn't over pack me with pills and truly listen to my concerns. I can't say enough good things about how him. He has amazing bedside manner and truly cares about the patient. I have never had problems with getting in and the staff is very friendly. I am sensitive to needles and they always do a good job taking my blood. read more

It took three crappy Rheumatologists to finally find this gem of a doctor!!! He means business and will figure out whatever is wrong with you!!! He also refers out to specific doctors if need be and gives amazing referrals! I feel like I've been mismanaged by way too many doctors. I'm SO happy to finally meet a doc who listens, is knowledgeable and digs deep to figure out the puzzle! You won't be disappointed :) read more

I am currently under Dr Elbalkhi care. I drove from Torrance to Santa Monica to come see him. On my very first visit he was on the ball. Ordered test and took blood so we can figure out what's going on with my condition. He has a great personality and is very thorough. The girls up front are very nice as well as the girls in the back office. Yesterday Dr Elbalkhi called me himself for a few questions I had. I am very pleased with him and I look forward to him helping me with my health. read more

Dr. Elbalkhi"s care goes so far beyond treating rheumatologic signs and symptoms. His intergal approach to treating his patients probably saved my life as he ordered tests and scans that had significant findings when my bloodwork didn't add up. When I was in the midst of being seen by dozens of doctors, he was the one who was always available and willing to help. My case is complicated but somehow, with his help, solutions have been found. My inflammatory arthritis, which was severe, is now under control and my other issues are being addressed and worked on. What more can I say? He's really the best! read more

I had a great rheumatologist back in Miami. I moved to LA and was disappointed with the doctor I was seeing. After reading all the comments about Dr. Elbalkhi I made a switch and I couldn't be happier. I've had RA since I was 17 and I've been to many doctors. I know when doctors are up to par with new advances and know when they know what they're talking about. I came in with a list of questions and he checked off my list without me even asking. He is incredibly compassionate, knowledgeable and has a great team that works in unison to assist to every patient's needs. I cannot rave enough about him. I feel great and I am able to live an active life with no pain. read more

Count me among Dr. Elbalkhi's fans. I've been seeing him for about a year for RA, and he has been exceptional from the beginning. He really listens to me and engages in a real conversation to get me the best possible care. He is also a Board-certified internist, so he was also able to prescribe medication for my osteoporosis. His office staff is also very good, and I never have to wait more than a few minutes to see the doctor. read more

I found Dr. Elbakhi to be very informative, friendly and helpful. Plus, he had a friendly and professional demeanor. I was very pleased to be in his care and he put me at ease. I would highly recommend him to anyone who's got arthritis problems. His office is first rate as well with helpful staff. I was grumpy going in and happy leaving! read more

I have been seeing Dr. Balki for over 3 years now and it is safe to say, he gave me my life back. I was diagnosed with RA when I was 18 but was so scared and had an awful, unsympathetic dr at the time-- I chose to ignore it until I couldn't ignore it anymore. Unfortunately a lot of damage had been done already. Dr. Balki is so understanding of my age (now 35) and really listened to my concerns and me as a person. He gave his best advice and pure honesty about my next steps. He gently made me realise that being scared wasn't and option anymore and it was time to re-gain my life back. I had a knee replacement in Jan this year (as my left knee had pretty much disintegrated and cannot believe the life that I am able to live now. I really am so grateful everyday for Dr. Balki giving me the courage, understanding, support and fantastic medical advice, so that now I can live my life the way a regular 35yr old can. I hike 2 times a week, I walk every single day. I couldn't even manage 2 blocks before my surgery. read more

I came to Dr. E in March 2016 with issues of join pain. He diagnosed me with SLE and immediately helped me find a treatment that suited me best. After two months of being diagnosed with SLE I discovered I had stage 2 kidney damage. He worked with my nephrologist to make sure I had the best treatment plan possible. Thankfully under his careful watch, I am now in remission. I believe Dr. E is a very professional and efficient doctor who really cares for his patients. I never had to wait more than 20 min to see him. Whenever I had an emergency that required a response for that same day, he would call back within two hours or even schedule an appointment for that day. With an illness like lupus, you see plenty of medical professionals and you can tell the difference when they are truly looking out for you. Dr. E will make sure you are taken care of and in the best health you can be. I am very grateful for a doctor like Dr. E and I'm very sad to see him leave the upland office. I hope he is successful in all his future endeavours! read more

about 6 weeks ago I was diagnosed with RA from another doctor. I was in shock to learn that I had an auto-immune disease. I decided I needed another opinion, so I went to Dr. Elbalkhi. he saw all of my test results (blood work, MRI, x-rays) and determined that I did NOT have RA. He fully explained why I could not have RA due to my tests and my symptoms. It made sense to me and obviously I was relieved. Dr. Elbalkhi was very thorough and talked in a way that I understood. He is smart, kind, and just the type of doctor that I like. he spends as much time with you as necessary. Subsequently I sent a friend of mine, who was also diagnosed with RA, and Dr. Elbalkhi said she did not have RA either. She also thought he was thorough and patient. He is an A-1 doctor. read more

This provider is one of the most caring and knowledgeable Physicians in his field. Treating an array of chronic rheumatoid diseases all while expressing the best bedside manner. He takes time with his patients and always answers every question. Amazing!!!!! read more

Who likes going to the doctor? Definitely not me. Anytime I have to make any medical appointment, a level of anxiety always creeps in. I made an appointment as a new patient to be seen here by Dr Elbalkhi and he immediately put me at ease. His demeanor is so calming and is very patient in discussing concerns. He never made me feel as if he was rushing through the appointment or needing to hurry up to get to another patient. The front office staff is also super welcoming and friendly. I'd recommend this office to others who are in need of a specialist. read more

Dr. Elbalkhi is phenomenal. Having moved to the US from Canada, I was very concerned about finding a rheumatologist but Dr. Elbalkhi reassured me from the beginning. His bedside manner is genuine and caring. He listened to my concerns and answered my questions. He even took the time to explain how the health care system works in the US since it is so different for me. I appreciate his support and working together in collaboration to ensure my treatment and health are on track. I am very pleased with Dr. Elbalkhi. I could not recommend him more highly. read more

I have seen many different rheumatologists since 2002 and Dr Elbakki is one of the best. He is gentle, caring and compassionate as well as being up to date with knowledge in his specialty. read more

Not only is Dr. Elbalkhi a rheumatologist with great expertise, he was sensitive, kind, patient, and understanding. He got to heart of my problem. He was most concerned about solving my problem and my pain. He has continued to be responsive. And maybe best of all, he runs on time. His office staff is every bit as kind and attentive as he. Without a moment's hesitation, I recommend Dr. Elbalkhi to anyone in need of a rheumatologist. read more