Dr. Cepeda is inflexible. He has a very poor bedside manner and defensive. He has a chip on his shoulder.

Submitted April 10, 2021

I have had scleroderma and lupus nephritis for over 30 years. After moving to Austin from Houston, Dr Cepeda was recommended to me by my Houston doc. Dr Cepeda did bloodwork and told me, because I've had the illnesses for so long, there wasn't much more he could DC o for me. He told me he would continue my previous doc's treatment, including refilling prescriptions. The first time I needed refills, I had to argue with his nurse, because he didn't want to refill unless I came in and had tests done. I reminded her of what he told me at that first visit. He relented. I'm now looking for another rheumatologist.

Submitted March 1, 2018

When I went to see Dr. Cepeda I was in the middle of Cytoxan chemo therapy and a high dose of steroids to treat lupus nephritis. He told me that my joint pain wasn't related to lupus because "Cytoxan and prednisone are good medicine for joint pain." He offered no explanation to where he thought my joint pain could be coming from. When I told my renal doctor about this, I got raised eyebrows and was told that Cytoxan CAUSES joint pain. Its been months since chemo and steroids and im still in pain. I tried to schedule an appoint with another doctor from Austin Diagnostic Clinic and was denied because it is against their policy to allow patients to see a different doctor in the same circle of care. What a joke of a healthcare facility. If you talk to the receptionist named David, you might as well hang up because he's practically useless.

Submitted June 8, 2016

Submitted Aug. 13, 2014

An honest and knowlegable caregiver. I came to him with numerous problems and I was relieved to find that he was able to diagnose and clearly explain how each problem affects the others. I was also glad tat he took the time to have necessary tests done and then clearly explained what should be done to ameliorate my condition. His nurse is really incredible. She is so smart and actually does what she says she she will do! I feel very comfortable with Dr. Cepada's practice and hope he will stay put (but come to south Austin).

Submitted July 26, 2013

I left Dr Cepada because he counseled me against getting an opinion from another specialist. I have Takayasu's Arteritis, an autoimmune disease of the large arteries. Twenty years ago part of my aorta was bypassed with an dacron graft. Dr. Cepada stated flatly that I did not need to see avascular specialist for a check up 'that he could handle the Takayasu's just fine without help'. He is able to monitor for active disease but that does not speak to the fact that I have arteries that have been diseased in the past and have significant areas of ectasia not to mention that I have a foreign object attached to my aorta. My mouth fell open when he said this. On seeing my reaction he quickly said "Oh but don't let me keep you from getting another opinion". He was finished at that moment. The vascular MD I saw said that was extremely imprudent advice and further said my aorta needed to be evaluated every 5 years . Cepada displays the hallmarks of a very poor doctor. Avoid him.

Submitted June 20, 2013

I have had three rheumatologist since my diagnosis. Dr. Cepeda was by far the best. Wait time was very minimal and he always had looked over my chart and was familiar with my history when he saw me. The hospital/clinic dropped my insurance which is the only reason I no longer see him. Wish I could afford to keep seeing him.

Submitted April 22, 2013

I have been seeing Dr. Cepeda for about 5 year for LUPUS NEPHRITIS. Dr. Cepeda is an excellent Rheumotologist and I would highly recommend him. He also sees my 2 daughters that have ANKYLOSING SPONDILITIS.

Submitted June 20, 2012

I've seen Dr. Cepeda for several years after having JRA for 30 years. On my first visit, he chided me for missing an appointment 5 years earlier with a colleague of his. I had left that doctor when we changed to a doctor in another city. I guess it was in the computer system. I have come to believe that doctors who are concerned with the business side inordinately, may not give me their focus. I do agree that he seems to push certain medications, and does not seem to respect my option to try excellent diet, exercise, massage, etc. With arthritis, I am not comfortable always using meds which put powerful chemicals into my body. I wish to find a doctor/rheumatologist who will respect my intelligence and education, while working with me on natural options as well as known prescription meds. Most I have seen want to use only the strong drugs. Surely there is benefit(cure?) in strict positive lifestyle choices. I may continue with him, only for lack of a better doctor in Austin.

Submitted Sept. 9, 2011

Dr. Cepeda has treated me for RA for the past three years. He has always been compassionate and professional. If I call, his nurse returns the call within a few hours. All my questions have been answered, all my concerns addressed, and I would highly recommend him as a rheumatologist. His office workers are very friendly and they always manage to schedule my appointments at a time that are convenient for me. He has never been late to an appointment and he has never canceled one, either.

Submitted Aug. 7, 2011