Top 3 Rheumatologists in Irbid 2026

When do you need a rheumatologist?

Rheumatology covers the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the joints, muscles and connective tissue, along with autoimmune conditions in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Common reasons people in Irbid see a rheumatologist include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory arthritis that often affects the small joints of the hands and feet on both sides of the body
• Gout, which causes sudden, very painful attacks, often in the big toe, ankle or knee
• Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) and other autoimmune conditions that can affect skin, joints, kidneys and other organs
• Ankylosing spondylitis and related conditions that cause inflammatory back pain
• Fibromyalgia, with widespread pain and fatigue
• Ongoing monitoring of long-term immune conditions and their treatments

Most people are referred by a GP or internal medicine doctor. Signs that are worth getting checked include:

• Joint pain with morning stiffness that lasts more than about 30 minutes
• Swelling in several joints, especially when it persists for weeks
• Back pain that improves with movement but worsens with rest or wakes you at night
• Repeated sudden attacks of a hot, swollen, painful joint
• An existing lupus diagnosis, or unexplained rashes, mouth ulcers or hair loss together with joint pain
• Long-lasting tiredness alongside aches and pains

Mainstream guidance, including the NHS, stresses that inflammatory arthritis should be assessed early, because prompt treatment can help limit joint damage.

Warning signs that need urgent care

Some symptoms should not wait for a clinic appointment. Go to an emergency department or call 911 if you have:

• A single hot, very swollen, painful joint together with fever or feeling unwell, which can indicate a joint infection
• A new, severe headache with scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing or any change in vision, especially if you are over 50
• Chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or sudden weakness or numbness
• High fever while taking medicines that suppress the immune system

How to choose among the doctors here

All three profiles on this page list rheumatology consultation and follow-up. The differences are in setting, location and hours, so consider these practical points:

• Hospital clinic or private clinic. Dr. Bayan Bani Issa and Dr. Khaldoon Alawneh both work at King Abdullah University Hospital Rheumatology Outpatients in Ramtha. Dr. Hani Shatnawi runs a private clinic in Irbid. A hospital outpatient clinic may suit you if you expect to need hospital-based tests, or if you are already being treated there. A private clinic may suit you if you want a more direct booking route.
• Hours. The two hospital-clinic profiles list Saturday to Thursday, 10:00–17:00. The private clinic lists Saturday to Thursday, 09:00–17:00. If you work during the day, ask which appointment times are actually available.
• Qualifications. Each profile shows a different amount of published detail. Read the education listed on each profile and ask any questions you have directly.
• Continuity. Rheumatology conditions are usually long-term. Choose somewhere you can reach for regular follow-up, not just for one visit.
• Your condition. Dr. Shatnawi's profile mentions adult rheumatology care. If the patient is a child, ask the clinic before booking whether they see children.

What to expect at the first visit

A first rheumatology consultation usually involves a detailed history and a physical examination of your joints, skin and muscles. The doctor may request blood tests or imaging, and a diagnosis can take more than one visit.

What to bring

• Your referral letter, if you have one
• Previous blood test results and imaging reports (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI), including the actual images if you have them
• A list of all your medicines, including supplements, with doses as written on the packets
• A short diary of your symptoms: which joints, when they started, how long stiffness lasts in the morning, and what makes them better or worse
• Photos of any swelling or rashes that come and go
• Your national ID or passport and insurance card

Questions to ask

• What do you think is causing my symptoms, and what tests are needed?
• What are the treatment options, and what side effects should I watch for?
• How often will I need follow-up and blood monitoring?
• What should I do if I have a flare between appointments?
• Are there exercises or lifestyle changes that may help?

Do not stop or change any prescribed medicine before your visit unless a doctor has told you to.

Insurance, fees and booking: what to ask before the appointment

Before you book, contact the clinic directly through the details shown on its ClinicsJo profile and ask:

• Is my insurance accepted, and do I need a referral or prior approval from the insurer?
• What is the consultation fee, and is a follow-up visit charged separately?
• Are blood tests and imaging done on site, and are they covered under my plan?
• For the hospital outpatient clinic: is a referral required, and how far ahead are appointments booked?
• What is the cancellation policy?

If you are covered through an employer or a public scheme, check your policy's rules for specialist visits first, as these vary between plans.

Getting there

Irbid is Jordan's second most populous governorate, with around 2.2 million residents, and serves patients from across the north. Its main hospitals include King Abdullah University Hospital, Prince Rashid bin Al-Hassan Military Hospital, Princess Basma Teaching Hospital and Irbid Specialty Hospital.

• King Abdullah University Hospital Rheumatology Outpatients is listed in Ramtha, Irbid. Patients from Irbid city, Al-Husn, Al-Mazar Al-Shamali and other districts should allow extra travel time and confirm which building and floor the rheumatology outpatient clinic is in.
• Dr Hani Mohammad Shatnawi Rheumatology Clinic is listed at the address on his profile in Irbid. Check the floor and building with the clinic before you set off.

For joint pain or stiffness, arrive early so you are not rushed, and arrange a lift if walking or driving is difficult during a flare.

Checklist before you book

• Decide whether a hospital outpatient clinic or a private clinic suits your needs
• Confirm the clinic's current hours and available appointment slots
• Ask whether your insurance is accepted and whether you need a referral
• Ask about the consultation fee and follow-up charges
• Gather previous test results, imaging and your medicine list
• Write down your symptoms, their timeline and your questions
• Confirm the exact address, building and floor
• Know the warning signs that need emergency care, and call 911 if they occur