Rheumatology Center of Athens
Phone & Address
1181 Langford Drive
Bldg 200 Suite 103
Watkinsville, GA 30677
Hours
As a rheumatologist, Dr. Karnam treats patients with a variety of musculoskeletal and autoimmune
conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and bones. For many patients, proper treatment can
lessen pain and reduce the risk of permanent damage. Many medical specialties focus on one part of
the body. But because some connective tissue problems and autoimmune diseases affect the entire
body, rheumatologists are trained to look at the whole person.
Padmanaidu Karnam, M.D., and St. Mary's Medical Group opened the Rheumatology Center of Athens to
serve patients across Northeast Georgia who are living with arthritis and other autoimmune
conditions. As part of St. Mary's, Dr. Karnam will accept most major health insurance plans, Medicare
and Medicaid, and private pay, with financial assistance available for patients who qualify.
Padmanaidu Karnam,
MD
Rheumatology
Rima Patel, NP
Nurse
Practitioner
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system causes unnecessary inflammation in different parts
of your body. They can affect your skin, eyes, and internal organs, in addition to joints, muscles,
and bones. Rheumatologists help diagnose and treat these problems. They also conduct research to
better understand rheumatic diseases. Rheumatologists have a lot of direct contact with their
patients. They often provide long-term follow-up care.
Appointment Information
All patients are scheduled by appointment only. Although we make every effort to honor your appointment time, we
hope you understand emergencies arise. If there are delays, we will inform you as soon as possible. If you need
to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please do so as far in advance as possible. If you are a new
patient coming into our office, please arrive at your appointment 30 minutes early to allow for completion
of registration.
You may also complete the patient form online. If
your insurance plan requires prior approval for services, please be sure to obtain your referral before your
visit. Please keep us updated with any changes to your name, address, telephone number or insurance information
in order to maintain accurate information in your medical record.