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3 Best Rheumatologists in Johannesburg (2026)

Independently ranked by our review of ratings, reviews and reputation · How we chose

Elara Kestrel
By Elara Kestrel, Health and Medical Expert · ✓ Data verified July 2026 · 6 min read

Getting a proper diagnosis for joint pain, gout, or an autoimmune condition can take years if you see the wrong specialist first. The rheumatologists in Johannesburg on this page have a combined 126 Google reviews between them, and the ratings vary more than you would expect for a small, specialised field: from 3.7 up to 4.4, which says a lot about how differently patients experience the same practice.

Short answer: The top-rated option is Dr Romela Benitha (4.4 stars from 38 reviews), followed by Dr. S. Stankovic (3.9 from 42 reviews) and Patrik Dessein (3.7 from 46 reviews, though many reviewers specifically praise his decades of experience with complex autoimmune cases). Book directly by phone, since none of these practices list online booking.
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Johannesburg Rheumatologists Compared

# Business Rating Reviews Best for
1 Dr Romela Benitha 4.4 ★ 38 General rheumatology / medication management View ›
2 Dr. S Stankovic - Rheumatologist 3.9 ★ 42 Gout and fibromyalgia View ›
3 Patrik Dessein 3.7 ★ 46 Complex autoimmune cases View ›
3 Best Rheumatologists in Johannesburg (2026)

Our top picks, reviewed

Dr Romela Benitha logo
#1 Overall🕑 Open 5 days/wk

Dr Romela Benitha

4.438 Google reviews

Dr Romela Benitha practises out of the Johannesburg Surgical Hospital in Northcliff, seeing patients for general rheumatology care including rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions. Reviewers describe her taking the extra step to apply for medication approvals through medical aid on their behalf, and at least one patient flies in from another province specifically to keep seeing her.

What people praise

  • Highest rating on this list at 4.4
  • Reviewers report meaningful, lasting relief from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
  • Goes the extra mile on medical aid paperwork and medication applications
  • Friendly, professional front-office staff

Worth knowing

  • One reviewer described a difficult experience with a delayed diagnosis, so a second opinion is always a reasonable step if symptoms persist
Reputation scorecardrank in Johannesburg
Rating4.4 / 5
Review volume38 · 82th
Confidenceearly
Recency2 months ago
Info completenessphone · hours
Rating breakdown79% 5-star
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: The highest-rated rheumatologist on this page, with several long-term patients describing real improvement in chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

+27117952444 Directions

Rm 20, Level 2, Johannesburg Surgical Hospital, 219 Beyers Naudé Dr, Northcliff, Randburg, 2194

Dr. S Stankovic - Rheumatologist logo
#2🕑 Open 5 days/wk

Dr. S Stankovic - Rheumatologist

3.942 Google reviews

Dr. S. Stankovic runs a Sandton-based rheumatology practice from Rochester Place in Morningside, treating conditions including gout and fibromyalgia. Several reviewers describe him resolving cases where previous doctors could not find an answer, including one patient who says years of chronic gout cleared up after his prescribed treatment.

What people praise

  • Patients report real breakthroughs after years of unresolved gout or fibromyalgia symptoms
  • Described as listening carefully and explaining conditions clearly
  • Several long-term patients recommend him specifically for hard-to-diagnose cases

Worth knowing

  • A couple of reviewers reported slow follow-up on test results, so ask upfront how results and next steps will be communicated
Reputation scorecardrank in Johannesburg
Rating3.9 / 5
Review volume42 · 89th
Confidenceearly
Recency5 months ago
Info completenessphone · hours
Rating breakdown62% 5-star
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: A practice with a track record on genuinely difficult cases like fibromyalgia and gout, though it's worth confirming how test results get communicated back to you.

+27118831072 Directions

Suite G 1, Rochester Place, Block C, 173 Rivonia Rd, Morningside, Sandton, 2196

Patrik Dessein logo
#3🕑 Open 3 days/wk

Patrik Dessein

3.746 Google reviews

Patrik Dessein, based in Rosebank, is a rheumatologist reviewers repeatedly refer to as "Prof," reflecting a background in research and teaching alongside patient care. His practice sees complex, longer-running autoimmune cases, including rheumatoid arthritis and rarer conditions like Behcet's disease, and multiple patients describe being treated by him for well over a decade.

What people praise

  • Reviewers with 20+ year rheumatoid arthritis histories describe him as their most trusted doctor
  • Handles complex, rare autoimmune presentations that other doctors had struggled to diagnose
  • Patients describe him as deeply engaged in ongoing research alongside clinical work
  • Individualised appointment length depending on how a patient is doing

Worth knowing

  • Limited clinic hours (Tuesday to Thursday) and reviewers note waiting room times can run long
Reputation scorecardrank in Johannesburg
Rating3.7 / 5
Review volume46 · 96th
Confidenceearly
Recency3 months ago
Info completenessphone · hours
Rating breakdown65% 5-star
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: The pick for complicated or long-running autoimmune cases, where reviewers consistently credit him with diagnoses and treatment plans that finally worked after years of searching.

+27826514230 Directions

9 Sturdee Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

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Health information disclaimer: This directory is informational only and not medical advice. Rankings reflect publicly available Google ratings and review volume, not clinical outcomes. Verify any practitioner’s credentials and registration with the relevant medical board before booking.

How we score

Every number here is pulled from public Google data on the date shown, not from opinion or payment. Rating is the doctor’s live Google star average. Review volume tracks how many patients have left a review, weighed against the other rheumatologists on this page. Confidence combines the two, so a rating built on more reviews carries more weight than one from just a handful. Recency reflects how recently patients are still reviewing. No practice can pay to change these numbers.

What does a rheumatologist visit cost in Johannesburg?

Consultation fees for specialists in South Africa vary by medical aid scheme, whether you’re a new or returning patient, and the complexity of the visit. None of the practices on this page publish a public price list we could verify, so no specific figures are listed here. Contact the practice directly to confirm costs and medical aid coverage before booking.

Serving Johannesburg and surrounds

These rheumatologists practise across Northcliff, Sandton, Morningside, and Rosebank, covering the wider Johannesburg metro. Searching for a rheumatologist near me? Each listing below has a phone number and address so you can check availability and confirm which medical aid schemes are accepted.

What to ask before you book a rheumatologist

  • Which medical aid schemes does the practice accept, and what will I pay upfront?
  • How long does it typically take to get test results back?
  • Does the doctor have experience with my specific condition (gout, RA, lupus, etc.)?
  • Will I see the same doctor at every follow-up appointment?
  • How far in advance do I need to book, and is there a waitlist for urgent cases?

Frequently asked questions

How did you choose these rheumatologists?

We started from rheumatologists in Johannesburg with a public Google presence, then ranked by rating, review volume, consistency, and recency. See How we score above.

Are these rankings paid?

No. Rankings come from public Google data. A business can pay to be a Featured Partner, which adds a badge and top placement, but that never changes another business’s score or position.

How often is this updated?

The data carries a verified date (July 2026 on this page). We refresh listings periodically so ratings and review counts stay current.

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

Many medical aid schemes in South Africa require a referral from a GP to cover a specialist visit. Check with your scheme before booking.

What conditions do rheumatologists in Johannesburg typically treat?

Based on patient reviews, the practices on this page see rheumatoid arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune and joint conditions.

The bottom line

Dr Romela Benitha holds the highest rating here and is a solid general choice, while Patrik Dessein stands out specifically for long-running or complex autoimmune cases. Whoever you book, confirm your medical aid coverage before the appointment.

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