I was a long-time patient of Dr Chetlin. I would still be going to him if he hadn't retired. I've since been to 3 other rheumatologists and have not been happy with any of them. He really took the time to understand your pain and was always willing to work with me on alternative treatments. My current rheumatologist basically threw up his hands and told me to go to the Mayo clinic - gee, thanks a lot. Dr Chetlin would never have done that.

Submitted March 23, 2019

What can I say about this guy? I am glad I read the reviews about him before going to see him. He does, indeed, give you a long monologue, yell, touch you in odd ways (like tapping my face while talking to me), and insults other doctors- likely including your referring doctor. I was luckily prepared for this from reading the other reviews and if I had not been I would have really struggled.

So, he's kinda narcissistic and loud and rehearsed. Oddly, I am inclined to rate him positively anyways.

Despite this bedside manner (that I normally would not do well with) he spent a very long time with me in my appointment. I had spent lots of time with all kinds of doctors offering steroid injections and sometimes telling me it "wasn't that bad" (I'm in my early 30s and have had chronic pain and arthritis since my teens). He was extremely validating about my decisions and was validating when I discussed other doctors making me do things I did not want to. He was able to see osteoarthritis, fibro, mental health, and sleep issues (and unlikelihood of inflammatory arthritis) just by looking at me and read my file completely and well before coming into the office. He did extensive tests anyways and took his time before changing my medications. He also explained that living life to the fullest rather than trying to "fix" myself was important as well as mental health care (and not in a dismissive way- in an integrated way). He saw my suffering as real. I wish he wouldn't have sh*t-talked my PCP though, that's my main gripe since they're on the same page medically and integration-wise.

So, I recommend him for chronic pain and any rheumatological issues. BE PREPARED for him to yell, preach, be brutally honest, and take up lots of space. You may find it to be worth it after that.

Submitted June 7, 2015

I've had drs before who have always seemed confused at what to do, but Chetlin has a great system - talking ( he can be a little in your face but he's honest), listening (hr long appts), blood works, real life suggestions for managing everyday and appropriate followup if needed.

Submitted March 16, 2015

Best doctor I have ever had. He looks at you as a whole, not just one problem. He spent a tremendous amount of time with me.

Submitted Oct. 19, 2014

I was shocked when I read the prior reviews that is why I am taking the time out of my day to tell everyone about my visit to Dr. Chetlin. I was seen right away and he spent over 1.5 hrs with me. He was intelligent, direct and passionate. I went to him after going to the Lupus center of excellence. I was told I had Lupus but I didn't have any other symptoms except Raynauds and memory problems, no joint pain, anxiety issues. My ana came back positive but my values were significantly low. Dr. Chetlin was my second opinion. He told me I had mixed connective tissue disease. Even though it states that from the lupus center the doctor never explained that to me. I was scared of course but mctd is a mild form of lupus. Meaning symptoms of severe lupus may never occur. He gave me my peace and he educated me on it. He didn't rush to put me on pills and he listened to me explain my symptoms. I had a good experience with him.

Submitted June 25, 2014

After reading the posts, I'm feeling better about my experience. I had been referred to him by 2 physicians regarding fibro/lupus. I waited for him in the room with no idea how the next hour would go. For the next 50-60 minutes, I had an aggressive, angry man screaming in my face about the "dope" that I take (my prescribed pain medication by my PCP) and continued about how he spends his day "wiping other doctors' asses". He got in my face, making me uncomfortable and feeling vulnerable as I was in a small room with this man raging on. Through his rant, he made disparaging comments about my other physicians, who he admittedly didn't know all; of which are respected physicians I have seen for years. It was an experience like I have never had before. As someone with baseline anxiety, screaming at patient for an hour does not exactly abide by the hypocritic oath - first do no harm. If he is a good doctor, it is not worth the potential for abuse. I advise anyone to stay away from this man.

Submitted Nov. 30, 2012

After reading the last post, I had to comment. I experienced EXACTLY the same behavior with him a few months back.I have NEVER had a dr. or any other professional speak to me like that--aggressive,humiliating,literally right in-your-face screaming. Also totally missed my diagnosis which caused me needless suffering and self-doubt for months.Told my PCP and new rheumy and they were SHOCKED. It is a shame that such a bright professional with all of his education, training and lengthy career acts like this! Told my PCP and new Rheumy that a another dr.needs to pull him aside and find out what is going on with him---either that or he needs to retire.

Submitted March 26, 2011

I HAVE BEEN SEEING DR. CHETLIN FOR OVER 10 YEARS. I HAVE FOLLOWED HIM TO THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OVER THE YEARS. IN THE BEGINNING HE WAS VERY HELPFUL. HE LISTENED TO ME AND AGREED WITH THE MEDICINE THAT I WANTED TO BE PUT ON. HOWEVER, AS TIME WENT ON, HE TRIED TO TELL ME THINGS THAT I DID NOT AGREE WITH AND IN FACT WERE NOT TRUE. BUT OUT OF RESPECT FOR HIM, I AGREED WITH HIM AND STAYED UNDER HIS CARE.AT MY LAST VISIT, NOVEMBER 2010, HE WAS ABSOLUTELY DISRESPECTFUL TO ME AND MY WIFE AND MY WELL BEING. HE DID NOT BELIEVE MY PAIN LEVEL, HE TRIED TO TELL ME THAT I WAS A "PILL HEAD",NOT HIS WORDS MINE, AND I ONLY TOOK THE MEDICATIONS THAT HE PRESCRIBED. HE WAS NOT THE SAME DR. CHETLIN THAT I HAVE COME TO KNOW. MY WIFE AND I WORK IN HEALTH CARE AND KNOW HOW PATIENTS ARE TO BE TREATED. THAT DAY HE CROSSED THE LINE TO THE POINT OF BEING BELIGERENT AND HE EVEN GOT RIGHT IN MY FACE.I AM MOVING ON AND I WILL NOT RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE.

Submitted March 2, 2011

I commented previously about how he emphasizes anxiety and depression. Well, he pushed me to admit that I was depressed and I did - I do have mild depression related to my illness. Then "anxiety" shows up on my chart and I wasn't satisfied with the explanation I got from him. At times, he had been too quick to jump to conclusions, but he was doing a lot to improve my physical health so I wanted to stay with him. We had communication issues and I felt frustrated with his strong personality. I feel he missed the mark with my mental health and I was very upset when he criticized doctors because they weren't the ones "he" would have picked (knee doctor, cognitive behav. therapist). In truth, I am sorry it didn't work out.

Submitted July 10, 2009

He emphasizes that stress, anxiety and depression worsen fibromyalgia. He believes in fibromyalgia, though. He gives very practical advice and is honest. I am 85% better than I was before FM treatment. Takes a "whole-body/whole-person" approach to treatment. He is now my rheumatologist AND primary care doctor. He does not believe in physical therapy for fibromyalgia but when I told him I was already seeing a therapist and warm-water therapy was very helpful, he said he would renew my script any time. He is flexible and I appreciate that. We discussed sleep hygiene, setting realistic goals, diet tips, the "20 minute rule" for activity (do 20 minutes, rest for 5 before trying more). He tries one medication at a time so he knows clearly if it is helping or not. He gives you options as to which medication to try and he will explain why he thinks the particular medicine may be a good option. I am on trazadone, flexeril, tylenol, mobic and this combination works for me and I work full-time.

Submitted Sept. 13, 2008