Rheumatology Center of Northern Virginia

Dr. Chegini is an exceptional physician who consistently delivers attentive, high-quality care. He approaches every visit with professionalism, patience, and genuine compassion, which is especially reassuring when managing complex or stressful health concerns. He takes the time to listen carefully, explains findings clearly, and walks through treatment options in a way that is both informative and empowering. He is highly proactive in overseeing treatment plans, ensuring medications are appropriate and safe, and closely monitoring any changes that may impact overall health. Dr. Chegini always welcomes questions and provides thorough, thoughtful answers, fostering a strong sense of trust and confidence. He truly goes above and beyond, and I would recommend him without hesitation.

maryam bagheri • January 8th, 2026

I don’t often write negative reviews for medical providers, but this experience felt necessary to share. My appointment with Dr. Chegini was deeply disappointing, especially given the many positive reviews I had read beforehand. I am a woman in my mid-30s who was referred to rheumatology due to persistent symptoms, a strong family history of autoimmune disease, and abnormal bloodwork — including a positive ANA of 1:640. Within just a few minutes of meeting me, Dr. Chegini suggested that my symptoms were likely related to past trauma and that, as a woman, I probably “do too much” and need to slow down and meditate. He did not appear concerned about my positive ANA and stated he would order additional labs, which felt more like an attempt to appease me than a genuine clinical concern. I left that appointment feeling dismissed and unheard. After completing the additional lab work, my ANA returned even higher at 1:1280. While I understand that a positive ANA does not definitively confirm autoimmune disease, higher titers are more strongly associated with autoimmune conditions. At my follow-up, Dr. Chegini acknowledged the higher result but did not express concern. However, he recommended starting Plaquenil — a medication commonly used to treat lupus and other autoimmune diseases — despite maintaining that he did not believe anything was wrong with me. This was confusing and concerning. Uncomfortable with the overall experience, I sought a second opinion and waited five months to see another rheumatologist. During that visit, she spent a full hour reviewing my history, symptoms, and labs in detail. She took my concerns seriously and did not dismiss them. While she agreed that Plaquenil may be appropriate pending updated labs, she also informed me that the dosage Dr. Chegini prescribed (400 mg daily) would have exceeded recommended weight-based dosing for me. Given the known risks and need for careful monitoring with this medication, that was extremely troubling to learn. I fully understand that autoimmune diseases can be complex and difficult to diagnose. However, what patients deserve — regardless of age or gender — is to be listened to and taken seriously. Unfortunately, that was not my experience in this practice. For those navigating potential autoimmune conditions, I would encourage seeking a provider who takes the time to thoroughly evaluate concerns and communicates clearly and respectfully.

Kayla Bailey • February 18th, 2026

I had a great experience wih Dr. Chegini. He conducted a very thorough and thoughtful evaluation of my knee, taking into account my long-term running history and overall joint health. Dr. Chegini explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure I fully understood my knee status and next steps. I truly appreciated his attention to detail and professionalism. Highly recommend.

Nader Karamzadeh • January 31st, 2026