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Dr. Emily Pineda, MD

Dr. Emily Pineda, MD

Rheumatology*
30+ years of experience

Dr. Emily Pineda, MD is a rheumatologist in San Antonio, TX and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Pineda has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. She graduated from University Santo Tomas in 1991. She is affiliated with medical facilities Peterson Regional Medical Center and Uvalde Memorial Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4 Star Rating
Based on 73 reviews 4 Star Rating (73 reviews)

South Texas Arthritis Care Ctr

5414 Fredericksburg Rd Ste 150 San Antonio, TX 78229
Telehealth available

Dr. Pineda is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Rheumatology

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions
  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Pineda specializes in the area of Rheumatology. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ See hospitals
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Dr. Pineda's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Pineda

4.0
73 ratings, 41 with a written review
5 star
70%
70%
4 star
5%
5%
3 star
1%
1%
2 star
3%
3%
1 star
21%
21%

Your trust is our top concern.

We strive to keep reviews honest, trustworthy, and fair.

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Quick and Decisive Action
My initial visit to Dr. Pineda's clinic. I've been suffering with 10 level pain for a couple of months and it was finally diagnosed as RA -rf. (Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis)The review, diagnosis, follow-on testing, examinations, and referrals are all spot on and the initial treatment has already reduced my pain level by 50 %. Many thanks to NP Samantha Avendano, Dr. Emily Pineda, and the support staff at STACC. I'm confident in further improvement as the near time passes and follow-on testing reveals more detailed information.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 15, 2024
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Number 1 Doctor!!!
Doctor Pineda changed my life without medicine. Everything she recommended me to do was natural. Almost my whole body hurt when I went to see her and I could barely walk. After 3 months I was a different person, no inflammation, full of energy and happy!! I’m a mom of 2 boys (6&9) and also a PreK teacher. She also found a condition I have in my bone marrow that none of the doctors who treated me before were able to find. Thank you so much Dr. Pineda!! Have to mention that I lost 40 pounds!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Yusimil Rojas – Jun 28, 2024
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Telehealth
Dr. Pineda is a Blessing. I found her on the Internet and was impressed by her knowledge and education. I found her warm, approachable and thorough. She not only addressed my primary concerns, but she noticed an issue with my cervical spine. She ordered x-rays and referred me to a Pain Management Physician who turned out to be as capable as Dr. Pineda. She rescued me from a lot of pain. Dr. Pineda is an 'Angel in Disguise.'
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Suzie Lane – May 11, 2024
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The BEST
I have been seeing Dr Pineda for several years, and if it weren’t for her I would not be where I am now. I went from not being able to push a grocery cart due to elbow and wrist pain to being almost pain free. Part of it is dependent on my diet like getting the sugar out and part of it is her closely monitoring my symptoms. I see a handful of doctors and she is the only one who will look me in the eyes and actually listen. I am so grateful to have found her and have her as my doctor.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 18, 2024
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Phenomenal Doctor
I've been going to Dr. Pineda for several years. She is a phenomenal doctor who cares about her patients, and she also diet and nutrition into her practice which I really appreciate. During one of my appointments, she actually took the time to write out a recipe for a morning smoothie that incorporated protein powder and everything else I needed to help get inflammation down to help with my RA, MS and high blood sugar. She also has supplements available at her office but doesn't push them on you; however, if you're interested, then she'll help determine which ones you need. Dr. Pineda is a great doctor who listens to you, and she's great at explaining things. I’ve never had to wait more than 15 minutes for an appointment. What more could a person ask for in a doctor?
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Michelle H – Feb 24, 2024
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Very disappointed
I was really looking forward to seeing her because I had heard that she uses lifestyle as well as meds to treat autoimmune. But when we met, she was condescending. She dismissed my symptoms. I did not feel heard at all. The blood tests she ran were too complicated to interpret, so I had to go back. I would find out later that this isn’t the only way to determine the disease. I felt like she had made up her mind before the tests even came back. She was cold and rude. I asked about the lifestyle and diet recommendations. It’s full on, fat-free vegan, with no consideration for the individual. I’ve tried to be vegan. But everything is hugely inflammatory to my IBS (grains, beans, soy). I told her this, but she dismissed me. I’ve had pretty sensitive IBS for 20 years. So I do know a lot about nutrition and the research behind it. She sees only one diet. But even if I didn’t do the diet (I wouldn’t ever). She was so rude and dismissive. I felt disrespected as a human being. Never again.
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Dawn Ballard – Jul 12, 2023
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Worst Experience!!
My thyroid hormone was reduced and it made me extremely ill. I called their office so that they could correct it, but I could not get a response. I had to see my primary to correct the dose and he agreed it was too low after blood work. Tried returning to this Dr., but the staff told me I could never return. Very unprofessional! Find someone else.
What went well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jul 07, 2023
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Do not go to this doctor
I wish I would have read the reviews before becoming a patient with this Dr. The first visit I had, I should have known. I was first seen by the PA who was nice. Then Dr. Pineda came in, lectured me on my eating and suggested I become vegan. When attempting to describe my symptoms, pain, etc.., she had zero interest in listening to it. She made up her mind and that was that. I had called the office to attempt to reschedule an appointment. I left 2 voicemails, never heard back. I finally got a hold of somebody the day of and discussed the issues with communication with the staff. The doctor's response was to cease all communication and mark me as a do-not-reinstate. Save your time and money and do not go to this doctor. She does not care about your health, she doesn't have any interest in listening to your medical concerns.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
NM – Mar 29, 2023
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Terrific Doctor and Office Staff
I recently moved from another rheumatologist because I just wasn't satisfied with the experience. I am new to the auto-immune world and Dr. Pineda immediately put me at ease and I felt that I was being cared for. Her holistic approach is a breath of fresh-air as I don't like to have drugs as the first go-to solution. I highly recommend her. When asked by my other doctors who I see, I tell them and they immmediately agree that I am seeing the best.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Highly recommend – Jul 17, 2022
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Excellent Expierence
I started to see Dr. Pineda in 2013, she was highly recommended by my PCP for my newly diagnosed autoimmune condition: Scleroderma/interstitial lung disease. At the time I was progressing at an excessive rate, Dr. Pineda treated me, and recommended me to an amazing pulmonologist as well. They coordinated my treatments with medications and infusions, and the promotion of healthier lifestyle that included vitamins, healthy foods, and light exercising. She has her own regime for patients to follow, and she promoted her program Ideal Weight Loss. Unfortunately, I did not have time to join but it was available to me, but Dr. Pineda really stresses the importance of a healthier lifestyle and avoiding foods that can cause inflammation. I was closely monitored and completed labs regularly and completed my yearly imaging to check my progression and went to the infusion treatments in her office. I kept up with my health and now I am stable. Thanks to Dr. Pineda and her staff, forever grateful.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Victoria S – Jun 21, 2022
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I didn’t see her. They wanted payment before service. I didn’t agree feeling I could receive a bill later in the month after submission to insuranceTRS Medicare Advantage PPO. I was told, unfortunately I had to pay 1st, then see doctor. So, I informed them unfortunately I didn’t want to pay before service so cancel me as a patient. I too have choice! Disappointed and saddened by ethics and office policy. I’m more than just a $ # for business transactions! Oh well, maybe I’ll find a doctor who values patient and needs 1st! I always pay my responsibilities! But, in 2022, I want to see how my new insurance is going to work for me as a newly retired teacher! Dr. P. You would have gotten paid! Be well and hopeful in 2022!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Cynthia B. Gongora – Jan 14, 2022
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Dr. Pineda is a fantastic doctor and provider... She takes the "HOLISTIC APPROACH" in patients' care and is focused on individual needs/questions.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Tina Evetts – Jun 11, 2021
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I went to this doctor for 5 years. Knowledgeable doctor, when you see her but the office is run poorly. I went 18 months with out seeing doctor and had to fight to see her that day. I have been conflicted on whether to write a review But as a healthcare professional myself I do not feel that any patient should go to this office. Every time I went to the office, I had a problem that stressed me and made My pain worse. If this is the only doctor in San Antonio you can see due to your insurance you should go to a different city.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Paige – Oct 19, 2020
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I am so thankful that we moved to San Antonio. Dr Pineda changed my life. She is thorough and treats the whole patient not just the disease. the lab tech is always rude, but everyone else is kind.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Staff wasn't friendly
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sep 07, 2020
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Dr. Pineda is absolutely the best doctor I have ever been to. She is professional, easy to talk to. She actually listens hears what I have to say. She is so kind and gentle. I think she is absolutely marvelous. And her office staff are exceptional. Friends, helpful, kind, works with your schedule, understands what my needs are. Greet me always with a smile. I just think Dr. Pineda and her staff are outstanding!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
L. Cordes – Aug 06, 2020
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I saw Dr. Pineda for a few visits, then moved to a different state for a few years. Now that I'm moving back to San Antonio, I tried to schedule an appointment. I did with the receptionist and then got a call the next day stating that Dr. Pineda cancelled my appointment and is refusing to see me. I asked the receptionist why is this happening and she said because I transferred my records to another provider. What is that?! So because I moved to a different area and came back a few years later, you won't see me? What is expected of a person if they move? Fly back to see only her? That is THE WORST THING I've ever seen a doctor do. She clearly isn't looking out for her patients, only her paycheck and that is not a doctor I would want to see anyways.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
13 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jun 10, 2020
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Dr Pineda is very attentive to my medical needs. Phone calls are returned in a timely manner, notification via text/email/phone when prescriptions are sent to the pharmacy. Lab work is routinely requested and Dr Pineda will call with results and medical plan of action. I highly recommend Dr Pineda and her Nurse Practitioner Jing Li.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jill Foster – May 20, 2020
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The staff can make or break a doctors appointment. Joanne is amazing! She truly cares about every person that walks in the door. She has gone out of her way to help me. She’s a blessing to the practice.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
DK – May 05, 2020
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Dr. Emily Pineda has to be one of the most caring and smartest physicians I have been to. From the front desk to everyone you come into contact with at this practice, everything is top notch! I would highly recommend Dr. Pineda to anyone. I was in so much pain before I came to her and she has made me feel so much better. If you need her, her office is there for you!! Fabulous practice.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
LOUIS COOPER – Mar 31, 2020
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I haven't seen Dr. Pineda since 2012. She is an amazing Doctor but I moved away from San Antonio
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Brenda – Mar 04, 2020
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About Me

biography

Dr. Emily Pineda, MD is a rheumatologist in San Antonio, TX and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Pineda has extensive experience in Osteoporosis & Screening. She graduated from University Santo Tomas in 1991. She is affiliated...read more
  • Rheumatology

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Brown University

    Fellowship Hospital, 1998
  • University Santo Tomas

    Medical School, 1991
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Internal Medicine®
Rheumatology
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Dr. Pineda is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Rheumatology

    Read our methodology

    Locations

    South Texas Arthritis Care Ctr

    South Texas Arthritis Care Center5414 Fredericksburg Rd Ste 150 San Antonio, TX 78229
    1

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • Peterson Regional Medical Center

      551 Hill Country Dr
      Kerrville, TX 78028
      Recipient of 3
      hospital awards

      Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      View all awards

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      89%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      5% higher than the national average

      81%
      Patients said their room and bathroom were always kept clean

      14% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • Uvalde Memorial Hospital

      1025 Garner Field Rd
      Uvalde, TX 78801

      How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

      91%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      3% higher than the national average

      84%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      2% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality