A Message from Dr. Cao
Whether you are seeking relief from everyday joint pain, trying to make sense of complex symptoms or managing a confirmed rheumatologic condition, understanding your options can be overwhelming. Whether your condition is straightforward or complex, my role is to help you better understand it and navigate the path forward with clarity and confidence in a practice built around time, careful listening, and shared decision making.
To me, rheumatology is as much an art as it is a science. The science provides the evidence: laboratory testing, imaging, and advanced therapies. The art lies in listening carefully, recognizing patterns, connecting the dots, and understanding the person behind the symptoms. In rheumatology, a normal lab result does not mean your symptoms are not real, and conversely, an abnormal lab result does not always indicate disease. Autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions are often complex, and they require thoughtful evaluation, sound clinical judgment, and a physician standing by your side.
I founded Great Neck Rheumatology to create a practice where evidence-based medicine is paired with unhurried, compassionate care. I believe the best medical care begins with time: time to listen, time to think, and time to care. Through the Direct Specialty Care model, our practice is designed to maintain a focused patient panel, offer unhurried visits, provide meaningful support between visits, and deliver personalized care tailored to your needs. My commitment is to build a trusted partnership with you and develop a management plan that reflects your health, your goals, and your life.
A Modern Structure for Rheumatology Care
Great Neck Rheumatology is a Direct Specialty Care (DSC) practice focusing on Adult Rheumatology. By removing insurance barriers, our practice is designed to ensure you receive convenient, prompt and unhurried evaluations, meaningful continuity, direct access, and a true partnership with your physician, with price transparency at every step.
New Patient Evaluation
Rheumatologic conditions can be complex, and the detective work rarely completes in a single visit. Our initial intake is designed as a dedicated evaluation phase to work toward an accurate diagnosis.
What’s included:
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In-depth record review prior to your initial office visit
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60 minutes in-person visit with Dr. Cao
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Tracking tests ordered during your visit
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One complimentary follow-up visit
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If your case remains unclear, we offer up to 3 months of diagnostic monitoring
Membership
Based on the initial evaluation, you may be invited to join our membership for ongoing disease management, if clinically indicated and our model is a good fit.
Benefits of Membership:
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Unhurried 30 minutes follow-up visits
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Secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal access
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Direct communication with Dr. Cao between scheduled visits to discuss test results, changing symptoms, medication side effects or any other questions you may have
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Prompt, sooner follow-up visits when needed
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Administrative assistance, including specialty medication prior authorization and infusion coordination
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Uninterrupted continuity of care with the same physician, regardless of changes to your insurance plans.
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Transparent pricing
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Cao provides comprehensive Adult Rheumatology care
Kind words from former patients
Dr. Cao is AMAZING! She took the time to go over my entire (and long!) medical history and how it could affect my current health concerns. She spent a lot of time also going over every single test I had done and what it meant. She made a daunting and scary situation a lot less stressful for me and repeated things I missed during our discusssions. I give her a 100 star rating!
- Former patient
Dr Shu Cao is a great doctor. I had such a hard time dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. But since seeing her she’s been helping me so much and I feel much better!
- Former patient
Dr. Cao is excellent . She is very soft spoken so listen up bring someone for another set of ears I did. She is very thorough and cares about her patients. She will be missed. Good luck Dr. Cao and thank you.
- Former patient
Doctor. Cao was extremely thorough and in-depth with my initial appointment. I have seen a few rheumatologist since I was 20 I am now almost 30. She explained everything all the way down to what each blood test was for, and took her time. I didn't feel rushed, I felt like I was listened to and was able to ask questions. She showed an exceptional level of professionalism and respect and was the best rheumatologist I've ever seen. Doctor Cao was able to type her notes while also interacting with me and making eye contact. I felt for the first time in almost 10 years I was in good hands with a rheumatologist and trusted a Doctor.
- Former patient
An Independent Practice
Great Neck Rheumatology is physician-led and independent. Our care model allows Dr. Cao to maintain a focused patient panel, dedicate appropriate time to each visit, offer meaningful support between visits, and remain involved in all aspects of your rheumatology care.
Our philosophy is simple:
Good medical practice requires time, careful listening, and sound clinical judgment. This is especially true in rheumatology, where every clinical situation, whether straightforward or complex, deserves a thoughtful and personalized approach.