It is natural to have questions first.

Wellness Rheum is a Direct care rheumatology practice founded by Dr. Naureen Alim. We specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of autoimmune and rheumatologic conditions through personalized, relationship-centered care.

Our practice is intentionally designed to provide more time with your physician, greater accessibility, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support throughout your healthcare journey.

The Direct care model is a direct-pay method that does not bill your insurance. This transparency allows physicians to create longer appointments, improved communication, and personalized care through direct access.

If you’re looking for a physician who takes the time to understand your concerns, values collaboration, and provides personalized care, Wellness Rheum may be a good fit. This model may also be useful for patients who are waiting months for an appointment or need a second opinion.

You can request a consultation through our website or contact our office directly. Our team will guide you through the next steps.

No referral is required to request an appointment with Wellness Rheum. Patients may self-refer and book directly. Please contact our office if you’re unsure.

Yes. Wellness Rheum is currently welcoming new patients. At this time we do not accept patients who are insured through Medicare. Although Wellness Rheum is not currently accepting new Medicare patients, former established patients are welcome to contact us regarding future care. We may offer appointments on a limited, case-by-case basis as practice capacity permits.

Your initial consultation includes a comprehensive review of your medical history, symptoms, previous testing, medications, and health goals. Dr. Alim will take time to answer your questions and discuss recommendations for your care.

Appointment lengths vary depending on your needs. Because Wellness Rheum follows a Direct care model, visits are designed to allow enough time for meaningful conversations and comprehensive evaluations.

We diagnose and manage a wide range of autoimmune and rheumatologic diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Sjögren’s disease, osteoarthritis, vasculitis, osteoporosis, gout, and connective tissue diseases.

Yes. Many patients come to Wellness Rheum while searching for answers. Dr. Alim provides comprehensive evaluations for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of autoimmune disease.

Yes. If you’ve recently received a diagnosis or would like another perspective on your treatment plan, second-opinion consultations are available.

Yes. When appropriate, Wellness Rheum works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to support coordinated care.

Absolutely. Every treatment plan is individualized based on your diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals.

Yes. All recommendations are grounded in current medical evidence and clinical guidelines while being tailored to your unique needs.

When clinically appropriate, Dr. Alim discusses all available treatment options, including biologic therapies, and helps patients understand the benefits and risks of each approach.

Laboratory testing and imaging is an important part of diagnosis, disease monitoring, or evaluating treatment effectiveness of autoimmune diseases. Whether these can be ordered at the appointment may depend on the patient’s location, medical situation, and type of visit.

Patients have access to communication options consistent with the direct care model. Details will be discussed during the onboarding process.

Our team strives to respond to patient inquiries as promptly as possible during normal business hours.

Telemedicine availability depends on your clinical needs and applicable regulations. Please contact our office for additional information.

Please contact our office to discuss insurance participation and payment options. Well we don’t - we might be able to provide an invoice or superbill that patients may submit for possible reimbursement

Membership details, pricing, and included services will be reviewed during your consultation.

Laboratory testing, imaging, and outside services are typically billed separately when applicable.

Depending on your plan, Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) may be used for eligible medical expenses. We recommend confirming coverage with your plan administrator.

Patients will receive information about prescription refill procedures after establishing care.

Yes. Medication effectiveness, side effects, and laboratory monitoring are reviewed regularly as part of ongoing care.

Please bring: Photo identification, I owuld specify for my old MC IF I take them, Medication list, Previous medical records, Recent laboratory results, Imaging reports, -

Yes. New patient forms will be available electronically before your appointment whenever possible.