Emergency icon Important Updates
Department Rheumatologic and Immunologic Disease
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Adults Only
Languages English
Surgeon No
Locations
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Primary Location

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
216.444.5632
Desk:
216.444.3876
Fax:
216.636.7881
Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Administration of Injectable Medications for Osteoporosis
  • Adult Rheumatology
  • Blood Tests
  • Bone Density Testing
  • Clinical Trials
  • Cortisone Injections
  • Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
  • General Rheumatology
  • Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
  • Hyaluronic Acid Injections
  • Immunoglobulin Infusion
  • Immunotherapy
  • Infusion Therapy
  • Infusions of Biologic Agents on Site
  • Joint Aspiration
  • Joint Injections
  • Joint Preservation Center
  • Medical Management of Early Osteoarthritis
  • Medication Management
  • Musculoskeletal Evaluation
  • Musculoskeletal Medicine
  • Musculoskeletal Treatment for Joint Pain
  • Osteoporosis Diagnosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: How to Treat
  • Rheumatology
  • Therapeutic Injections
  • Ultrasound-Guided Procedures
  • Viscosupplementation
View all 28 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • AIDS
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome
  • Arthritis
  • Arthritis of the Elbow
  • Arthritis of the Hand
  • Arthritis of the Hip
  • Arthritis of the Knee
  • Arthritis of the Shoulder
  • Arthritis of the Thumb Base
  • Arthritis of the Wrist
  • Autoimmune Disease
  • Autoinflammatory Syndromes
  • Behcet's Disease
  • Benign Hypermobility Joint Syndrome
  • Buerger's Disease
  • Bursitis
  • Calcification Tendinitis
  • Calcinosis
  • Central Nervous System Vasculitis
  • Chondrocalcinosis (Pseudo Gout)
  • Churg-Strauss Syndrome
  • Connective Tissue Diseases
  • Connective Tissue Disorders
  • Cryoglobulinemia
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)
  • Giant Cell Arteritis
  • Gout
  • Gout Arthritis
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’s)
  • Hand Pain
  • Hand Problems
  • Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
  • Hip Disorders
  • Hip Pain
  • HIV
  • Immunodeficiency
  • Immunosuppression
  • Iritis
  • Joint Pain
  • Knee Joint Disorders
  • Knee Pain
  • Lupus
  • Lupus Anticoagulant
  • Lupus Nephritis
  • Metabolic Bone Disease
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA)
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Musculoskeletal Impairments
  • Musculoskeletal Pain
  • Myositis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoarthritis of the Hips in the Elderly
  • Osteoarthritis of the Knees in the Elderly
  • Osteopenia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Osteoporosis in Men
  • Osteoporosis Related to Cancer
  • Paget's Disease
  • Painful Joints
  • Palindromic Rheumatism
  • Panuveitis
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica
  • Polymyositis
  • Pseudogout
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Radiculopathy
  • Raynaud's Phenomenon
  • Reactive Arthritis
  • Relapsing Polychondritis
  • Retroperitoneal Fibrosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Disease
  • Sacroiliitis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Scleritis
  • Scleroderma
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Sjogren's Syndrome
  • Spondylitis
  • Spondyloarthropathy
  • Spondylolysis
  • Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis
  • Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  • Tendinosis
  • Tendonitis
  • Tenosynovitis
  • Trigger Finger
View all 91 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

Is Cleveland Clinic Part of Your Insurance?

Review a list of accepted insurance plans for our Northeast Ohio locations or learn more about purchasing a contracted managed care plan.

View All Plans
Biography

About Abby Abelson, MD

Abby G. Abelson, MD, MACR, is Chair, Department of Rheumatology, Vice Chairman for Education at the Orthopaedic & Rheumatologic Institute, and Education Program Director in the Department of Rheumatologic and Immunologic Diseases, as well as Director of Education at the Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Abelson earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency in Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, where she was Chief Resident. She subsequently completed a fellowship in Rheumatology at University Hospitals of Cleveland.

Dr. Abelson is board-certified in the subspecialty of Rheumatology and is a certified Clinical Densitometrist. She is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology, and she currently serves on the Research and Education Foundation Strategic Planning Committee, the Committee on Training and Workforce, and the Subcommittee on Academic Workforce. In 2007, Dr. Abelson received the American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation Clinical Scholar Educator Award.

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2002

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - University Hospitals of Cleveland
Rheumatology
Cleveland, OH USA
1986

Residency - Mount Sinai Medical Center (Closed)
Internal Medicine
Cleveland, OH USA
1982

Internship - Mount Sinai Medical Center (Closed)
Internal Medicine
Cleveland, OH USA
1980

Medical Education - Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Cleveland, OH USA
1979

Undergraduate - Kirkland College
Clinton, NY USA
1974

Additional Training

  • Harvard-Macy Program for Educators in the Health Professions January -May 2008
  • International Society for Clinical Densitometry Certification

Professional Highlights

  • Chair, Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic
  • Interim Chair, Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic
  • Vice Chair for Education, Orthopaedic and Rheumatology Institute, Cleveland Clinic
  • Recipient, Clinical Scholar Education Award, American College of Rheumatology, Research and Education Foundation
  • Member, Committee on Training and Workforce, American College of Rheumatology
  • Chair, Subcommittee of the Academic Workforce, America College of Rheumatology

Certifications

  • Internal Medicine - Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine

Specialty Interests

metabolic bone diseases, Osteoporosis

Awards & Honors

  • Alpha Omega Alpha, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 1979.
  • Alice Paige Cleveland Award for "Outstanding Leadership Qualities," CWRU School of Medicine 1979.
  • Selected for inclusion in Best Doctors in America. Woodward/White, Inc. August, 1998, 2000, 2001-2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009.
  • Selected for inclusion in Guide to Top Doctors. Center for the Study of Services. 1998, 2001.
  • Selected Participant in the Harvard Macy Institute's Program for Educators in the Healthcare Professions. Cambridge, Massachusetts, January - May 2008
  • Interim Chair, Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases-5/08 to present.
  • American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation Clinical Scholar Educator Award 7/08 -6/10.

Memberships

  • American College of Rheumatology
  • International Society of Clinical Densitometry
  • American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Abby Abelson, MD.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 7/2/2023, Dr. Abelson has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

151 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
5 out of 5
Explains 5
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 5
Patient Rating of Doctor 5

54 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

Dr. Abelson is an outstanding physician.

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2024

Dr Abelson is the best! She is everything one would want in a doctor.

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2024

Dr. Abelson is a very competent and caring physician.

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2024

Dr. Abelson is a wonderful doctor and person! She is so knowledgeable and eager to help!

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024

Dr. Abelson is one of the most compassionate doctors I've ever met.

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2024

Dr. Abby Abelson is amazing! Very empathetic, caring and knowledgeable!

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2024

Dr. Abelson is the best!

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2024

I LOVE Dr Abelson.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2024

I am so blessed to have Dr Ableson as my provider. I'm in excellent hands

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2024

Abby is OUTSTANDING PHYSICIAN !!

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2024

Dr. Abelson is an excellent physician. She is thorough, explains treatment options and is very personable and caring. She gets to know her patients very well.

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2024

A virtual appointment with Dr. Abelson is almost like sitting in a room with her. She is 100% focused on my issues, questions, and concerns. She is smart, caring, and has a great sense of humor. She is the bestvv

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2024

Dr. Abelson is very professional, caring and knowledgeable, and I feel empowered to take better care of myself with her as my physician.

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2024

Dr. Abelson's staff did everything possible to ensure my questions and issues were addressed as quickly as possible. Some of my test results were not received when expected and they graciously and cheerfully assisted in making sure they received the necessary lab results from my Florida location.

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2024

Dr.Abelson is grest

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2024

Wonderful doctor

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2024

Doctor is terrific; getting appointment needs improvement

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2023

Dr abelson is the best !!

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2023

Dr. Abelson is the best Doctor on my list of Doctors. I have been seeing her since 1996. I always feel like part of a team when we make decisions about my care.

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2023

Dr. Abelson is one of the most compassionate care givers I have ever had. She is genuinely interested in my health and thoroughly understands my condition.

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2023

Very responsive doctor and support staff

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2023

Dr. Abelson has always helped me with questions, explanations and great directions.

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2023

She's the best there is!

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2023

Dr Abelson is very attentive and easy to communicate with

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2023

Dr Abelson is a compassionate and very caring doctor who takes the whole person into consideration.

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2023

Dr. Abelson is the best. I've been in her care for a long time. She has helped me through some hard times with my RA. I am very grateful to have such an excellent doctor.

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2023

Dr. Sheldon is a wonderful, kind, thorough, and knowledgeable doctor!!!!

Reviewed on Oct 23, 2023

Dr Ableson is the best doctor

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2023

Dr. Abelson is truly one of the best physicians I seen in my entire life.

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023

Dr. Abelson is a knowledgeable and caring physician who goes above and beyond for her patients.

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023

She is the best! Dr. Abelson provides options, pros and cons, cares for her patients, etc. She is a total professional. Love her!

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2023

One of the best doctor that I have encountered at the Cleveland Clinic!!!!!

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2023

Dr. Abelson is great. She's both thoughtful and thorough.

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2023

Dr Abelson is more than I could ever hope for in a doctor

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2023

Dr Abelson always takes her time with me. Includes me in medical decisions and answers any questions k may have.

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2023

Dr. Abelson and her staff are always most pleasant and helpful.

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2023

Always treated by Dr. Abelson with respect and concern.

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

She was the best doctor I have ever seen. Nicest most knowledgeable doctor I have ever seen.

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2023

I have seen Dr. Abelson for over 25 years now. She Is absolutely one of the most thorough Drs I have ever seen. She Is a better Primary Doc than the one I go to. She listens to my issues & I always feel we work together to come up with management solutions.

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2023

I've been Dr. Abelson's patient for a very long time. At least 18 (probably more) years. She is the best.

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2023

Always something important to my care arises when I see Dr. ABELSON. Great continued care!

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2023

Dr. A. Is a finest physician and person amongst the sterling staff I go to at CCF.

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2023

Dr. Abelson could be one of the best doctors I have. Very thorough and caring.

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2023

Doctor Ableson always gives me feedback with any lab work or messages I send her.

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2023

You can't find a better physician than Dr. Ableson.

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2023

Dr abelson and her staff are wonderful, attentive, well-informed and knowledgeable. I couldn't ask for better and more concerned medical care than Dr abelson and her staff give me

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2023

Dr Abelson is great!!! I have been a patient of hers for several years. She always takes the time to explain everything to me and answer my questions.

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2023

Dr Abelson is very knowledgeable and professional! She is very helpful and courteous.

Reviewed on May 22, 2023

Dr Abelson is wonderful but reaching her is not always easy.

Reviewed on May 22, 2023

Very caring Dr.

Reviewed on May 15, 2023

Dr. Abelson is an excellent doctor she took care of my needs and explain to me results of my test In a very simple terms She Is very compassionate, pleasant and very knowledgeable about her craft. I will recommend her to anybody at anytime.

Reviewed on May 15, 2023

Dr Abelson has continued to follow through with my ongoing issue and has been immensely helpful and knowledgeable.

Reviewed on May 15, 2023

Dr. Abelson does all that is possible for me. Friendly and very helpful.

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2023

Dr. A. Abelson is simply the BEST!

Back to Top