Dr. Neal Birnbaum
Rheumatology
San Francisco, CA
53 years experience male
Locations
Office
San Francisco, CA
Phone
Insurances accepted
Brown & Toland
Blue Shield of California
Aetna Life Insurance Company
UnitedHealthcare
About
Bio
Dr. Neal Birnbaum has practiced rheumatology in San Francisco since 1977. He is past president of the American College of Rheumatology, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco, and Director of the Division of Rheumatology at California Pacific Medical Center. ;An Ohio native, Dr.Birnbaum received his BA and MD degrees from The Ohio State University and completed his residency and fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2011, Dr.Birnbaum was named a Master of the American College of Rheumatology in recognition of his contributions to the ACR and the field of rheumatology.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Rheumatology
Doctor Q&A
96 Answers
3 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Maybe : At age 21, osteoarthitis is unlikely. Because your father has ra, that might be a possibility in a 21 year old female. If you have morning stiffness... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
30-60 minutes: While there can be considerable variability, most patients will report lessening of their pain within 30-60 minutes of taking vidodin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Your : Your story is suspicious for early rheumatoid arthritis, which frequently comes on shortly after the birth of a child. I urge you to see your primary... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
The : The ESR and CRP are both markers of inflammation. However, they are very non-specific and can be elevated in a wide variety of conditions including i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
If : If your pain is severe and your doctor says you have arthritis in your hip on x-ray, then it's time for you to see an orthopedic surgeon. If the diag... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Possible pinched ner: Sounds like you may have a pinched nerve in your neck that is causing pain and numbness in your arm. With that condition, looking up will often worse... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 51-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Vasodilator: Raynaud's is due to spasm of small blood vessels, usually on cold exposure. Nifedipine works by causing the small arteries to dilate. That may cause... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Yes: While most people with spondylitis carry the genetic marker called hla b-27, it is not present in 10-20% of spondylitis patients. In that situation, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Sometimes: Methotrexate (mtx) can be taken either orally or by injection. While the pills are more popular, the self-administered injections are cheaper, often ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Yes: In reality, only a minority of lupus patients have a classic "butterfly" rash. Less specific rashes, joint pain, fatigue, sun sensitivity, and many o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 53-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Symptoms are real: Fm is a chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome. While the pain and fatigue are real, they do not represent a serious, organic disease. Nealry all fm p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Could be a good idea: Because there is a high false positive rate for the ANA (the usual screenign test for lupus), many patients are diagnosed with lupus who don't actuall... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Probably not lupus: Many people have symptoms suggestive of lupus but most turn out not to have the disease. The ANA and other blood tests are virtually always positive... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 54-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Probably OK: Meloxicam (mobic) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory like advil or aleve (naproxen). It is reasonably safe, particularly at the smaller 7.5 mg size ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Possible MCTD: The anti-rnp antibody is strongly associated with a condition called mctd (mixed connective tissue disease). Your symptoms could fit with that diagno... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Exercise: Most fm patients are deconditioned. Regular, low impact exercise is vital in managing fm. Stress reduction techniques like yoga or meditation in con... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Salivary gland stone: Sounds like you might have a stone or sludge in a salivary gland duct. See an ENT specialist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Possibly not: Mobic (meloxicam) (and other NSAIDs) can cause gastritis or even gastric ulcers and bleeding. They must be avoided or used with caution in a patient ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Yes: Taking zantac (ranitidine) or similar medicines that reduce acid production in the stomach may actually decrease the risk of inflammation (gastritis) ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old male asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Probably not: Unless the patient has severe sarcoid arthritis or myositis (both very rare), massage and other body work should not be a problem.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Anti-TNF biologic: Humira (adalimumab) is one of five drugs that block a pro-inflammatory protein called tnf that are elevated in diseases like ra, psoriatic arthritis, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
It varies: Injuries to the cartilage of a joint may eventually lead to post-traumatic degenerative arthritis. The time from injury to arthritis is extremely var... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Probably nothing: Decreased complement levels are seen in patients with active lupus. However, very minor abnormalities occur frequently, even in perfectly healthy ind... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Possible MCTD: The highly positive ANA in a speckled pattern suggests mixed connective tissue disease. Mctd is a close cousin of lupus but usually has a better prog... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Possible bleeding: Aleve (naproxen) can cause bleeding in the stomach that can result in dark or black sticky stools that can resemble tar. Stop the aleve (naproxen) an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Odd symptom: What you are describing sounds unusual. What do you mean by "sick"? Thee are some viruses that can cause joint pain but not usually much swelling. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
I'm : I'm sorry to read that your RA has been so difficult to control. It would appear that you have been under the care of a qualified rheumatologist but ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
While : While the cause of pmr remains unknown, a viral orgin has been suspected. The fact that patients with pmr have diffuse achiness that feels somewhat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Yes, : Yes, gout and gouty arthritis are terms that generally mean the same thing. There are many kinds of arthritis. Gout is one of the most common.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Cause unclear: The cause of your symptoms is unclear. Sle can produce many different symptoms. Work closely with your rheumatologist. Intolerance to Plaquenil (hy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
FM or CFS: Sounds like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, which are closely related diagnoses. See your pcp to make sure there are no more serious proble... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Maybe: Some patients with RA may have an elevated WBC count as a manifestation of inflammation. Patients on Prednisone for RA may also show a high wbc, alth... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Probably not: While many diets and supplements are promoted for osteoarthritis, there is very little scientific evidence to support their use.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Primary: Many young women have Raynaud's (blanching of fingers in the cold). The vast majority have primary Raynaud's without an underlying disease. A detaile... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Not a problem : There is no disease associated with a low ESR. An elevated ESR is a nonspecific indicator of inflammation. There are many possible of a high ESR--in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 52-year-old male asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
GI dysfunction: Patients with CREST are prone for various GI problems. One is esophageal dysfunction with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and/or heartburn (GERD). ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Yes, : Yes, Cymbalta (duloxetine) and similar medications have been used with some success in generalized pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia. Various medic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
There : There is no scientific evidence that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Since : Since your symptoms have been slowly progressive over several years rather than acute in nature, this probably represents degenerative arthritis, also... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Yes: Yes, Prednisone can cause you to miss or delay a period. The higher the Prednisone dose, the more likely to have a menstrual problem. This is rarely... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Less than a week: Most oral antibiotics have a short half life. That's why they need to be taken on a daily basis. I think it would be safe to consume alcohol a week ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Not a cancer: Sle is an autoimmune condition. The cause is unknown. While sle can be a serious and rarely fatal condition, the vast majority of patients do well w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
No: There really aren't any "home remedies" for lupus aside from avoiding sun exposure, adequate rest, and a healthy diet. Don't be your own doctor. Do... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Why start now?: If you eat a reasonably healthy diet, there is little need to take supplemental vitamins and minerals. The one exception may be calcium and vitamin s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old male asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Medications: The butterfly rash of lupus is not that common and usually doesn't cause permanent scarring. Dermatologists and rheumatologists sometimes work togeth... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
No: I have not heard of this product. Assuming that you have significant arthritis in your hip, i doubt that a supplement will be of much benefit.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
It's fairly common: While i can't give you an exact percentage, it is common for someone to have more than one auto-immune disease. Lupus, hashimoto's thyroiditis, and s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
No: Of all the patients with hair loss (alopecia), very few have lupus. The tests for lupus are very sensitive. While many people have a false positive ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Varies: The dose of Prednisone varies with the severity of the inflammatory p roblem. Many conditions can be successfully treated with small doses but life-t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neal Birnbaumanswered
Rheumatology 53 years experience
Not to worry: Thee is no disease associated with a high c4. Patients with active lupus may have a low c4. Your other results are confusing. Sounds like you need ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
4
Recommendations
149
Thank you notes
Jul 13, 2013
well respected in the field of rheumatology and is an asset to Healthtap
HealthTap member
Dec 16, 2012
I have been a patient of Dr. Birnbaum for over 10 years and have nothing but the highest respect for him. Dr. Birnbaum is the epitome of what a physician is supposed to be: extremely knowledgeable; ...Read More
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Birnbaum is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thank you so much! Been awhile since my wrist pain flared up! Rest and over the counter meds (ice too) seems to be the cure.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Can u pls review my ?. Worried ANA+1:80homo pattern n 1:160centro.Ty.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Dx SLE but personally feel hash's and have fluctuated thyroid levels?
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Ohio State University College of Medicine
Graduated 1970MD
Residency
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Residency
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Awards
Master of the American College of Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology
Best Doctors in Bay Area, San Francisco Magazine
Best Doctors in America, Best Doctors in America
Affiliations
American College of Rheumatology
American College of Physicians
San Francisco Medical Society
Publications
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