When should I see a rheumatologist instead of a GP?

See a GP first for new aches or a single sprained joint. A rheumatologist is appropriate when joint pain or swelling lasts more than a few weeks, affects several joints, comes with morning stiffness or fatigue, or when blood tests point to an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

What conditions do rheumatologists treat?

They manage inflammatory and autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), gout, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, vasculitis, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome and osteoporosis, as well as soft-tissue rheumatism.

Do I need a referral to see a rheumatologist in Singapore?

Private rheumatology clinics generally accept self-referrals, but a GP or polyclinic referral is useful for continuity of care and is usually required for subsidised treatment at public hospitals. A referral letter also helps the specialist by summarising your history and prior test results.

Are rheumatology consultations covered by insurance or MediSave?

Coverage depends on your specific policy and whether treatment is inpatient or outpatient. Many Integrated Shield Plans cover specialist outpatient care to varying degrees, and MediSave use is subject to MOH rules. Check directly with the clinic and your insurer before your visit.

How is rheumatoid arthritis or lupus diagnosed?

Diagnosis combines a clinical history and physical examination with blood tests (such as inflammatory markers and autoantibodies) and imaging like X-rays or ultrasound. Because these conditions can mimic others, a rheumatologist's assessment is important for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Best Rheumatology Clinics in Singapore

Rheumatologists are specialists in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions of the joints, muscles and connective tissue, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, ankylosing spondylitis and Sjogren’s syndrome. See your GP first for new joint pain, swelling or stiffness; a referral to a rheumatologist is warranted when symptoms persist, multiple joints are affected, or blood tests suggest an autoimmune process. When choosing a clinic, look for a doctor listed on the Singapore Medical Council Specialist Register with relevant subspecialty experience and convenient access for ongoing monitoring.

How we chose

This is an editorial shortlist, not paid placement. We prioritise providers licensed by Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH), with doctors on the Singapore Medical Council register (and the Specialist Register where relevant), relevant experience and transparency about who treats you. We don’t publish a clinic’s rating or price unless we can verify it from a reliable source.

At a glance

Clinic	Lead / doctors	Known for	Area
Asia Arthritis & Rheumatology Centre	Dr Annie Law	lupus, RA, gout	Orchard (Mount Elizabeth)
Leong Keng Hong Arthritis & Medical Clinic	A/Prof Leong Keng Hong	arthritis, autoimmune disease	Napier Road (Gleneagles)
Lui Centre for Arthritis & Rheumatology	Dr Lui Nai Lee	spondyloarthritis, lupus, vasculitis	Tanglin (Gleneagles)
Elim Rheumatic Centre	Dr Grace Chan Yin Lai	autoimmune disease, allergy, osteoporosis	Novena
ARC \| The Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinic	Dr Sheila Vasoo	lupus, scleroderma, vasculitis	Novena
Allergy, Arthritis & Rheumatism Clinic	Dr Cheng Yew Kuang	arthritis, allergy, immunology	Napier Road (Gleneagles)
Dr Tan Teck Choon (Gleneagles)	Dr Tan Teck Choon	gout, inflammatory myopathy, ultrasound	Tanglin (Gleneagles)

The clinics, in detail

1. Asia Arthritis & Rheumatology Centre

A private rheumatology centre led by Dr Annie Law, a senior consultant rheumatologist with a subspecialty interest in systemic lupus erythematosus. The clinic manages a full range of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, gout and vasculitis. Official site. Source. Registered entity: ASIA ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY CENTRE PTE. LTD. (UEN 202334087W).

2. Leong Keng Hong Arthritis & Medical Clinic

Led by A/Prof Leong Keng Hong, a senior consultant rheumatologist and Adjunct Associate Professor at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The clinic provides diagnosis and treatment for the various forms of arthritis and connective-tissue diseases. Official site. Source.

3. Lui Centre for Arthritis & Rheumatology

Headed by Dr Lui Nai Lee, a rheumatologist with a special interest in the early diagnosis and advanced treatment of spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. The centre also manages lupus, scleroderma, vasculitis and other autoimmune conditions. Official site. Source. Registered entity: LUI CENTRE FOR ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY PTE. LTD. (UEN 201511151E).

4. Elim Rheumatic Centre

A rheumatology and allergy clinic whose doctors, including Dr Grace Chan Yin Lai, previously held senior consultant roles in public hospital rheumatology and immunology services. The clinic manages autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis and allergic conditions. Official site. Source.

5. ARC | The Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinic

A private clinic treating conditions ranging from arthritis, soft-tissue rheumatism and osteoporosis to complex rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis and scleroderma. The clinic also assesses rheumatic causes of recurrent miscarriage. Official site. Source. Registered entity: ARC — The Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinic (UEN 53316034X).

6. Allergy, Arthritis & Rheumatism Clinic

Led by Dr Cheng Yew Kuang, a consultant rheumatologist and allergist who established Singapore’s first immunotherapy service for insect venom allergy. The clinic combines rheumatology with clinical immunology and allergy care. Official site. Source.

7. Dr Tan Teck Choon (Gleneagles)

Dr Tan Teck Choon is a rheumatologist and clinical immunologist with expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound, gout and inflammatory myopathies. He previously headed a public hospital division of rheumatology, allergy and immunology. Official site. Source.

Listings are an independent editorial selection. Always confirm a provider’s MOH licensing, the treating doctor’s SMC registration and current fees directly with the clinic. This guide is general information, not medical advice.

Rheumatology guides

In-depth guides to help you navigate care and costs:

This is an independent editorial selection, not a paid listing. See how we research and choose clinics in our editorial policy & methodology.

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Find a rheumatologist

Prefer a named specialist over a clinic? See our independent, sub-specialty-grouped directory of rheumatologists in Singapore.

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