Howard Smith, MD
Primary Location
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Appointment:
- 216.444.5632
- Desk:
- 216.444.4555
- Fax:
- 216.636.7260
Additional Locations
Rheumatologic and Immunologic Disease
Beachwood Family Health Center
26900 Cedar Road
Beachwood, OH 44122
Driving Directions
- Appointment:
- 216.839.3000
- Desk:
- 216.444.4555
- Fax:
- 216.636.7260
Rheumatologic and Immunologic Disease
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center
13944 Euclid Avenue
East Cleveland, OH 44112
Driving Directions
- Appointment:
- 216.767.4242
- Desk:
- 216.444.4555
- Fax:
- 216.636.7260
Treatment & Services
- Administration Of Injectable Medications For Osteoporosis
- Adult Rheumatology
- Arthritic Knee Conditions
- Bone Density Testing
- Clinical Trials
- Cortisone injections
- Diagnosis of Osteoporosis
- Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
- General Rheumatology
- General Rheumatology including Lupus
- Hyaluronic acid (HA)
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- Immunoglobulin Infusion
- 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
- Rheumatology
- Steroid Injections
- Therapeutic Injections
- Ultrasound-guided Procedures
- Viscosupplementation
- Viscosupplementation Injections
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- AIDS & HIV
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome
- Arthritic Knee Problems
- Arthritis
- Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
- Arthritis Of The Hip
- Arthritis Of The Knee
- Arthritis of the Thumb Base
- Arthritis of the Wrist & Hand
- 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
- Elbow Arthritis
- Familial Mediterranean Fever
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) Syndrome
- Foot & Ankle Arthritis
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- Gout
- Gout Arthritis
- Granulomatosis with Polyangitis (Wegener’s)
- Hand and Wrist Arthritis
- Hand Pain
- Hand Problems
- Henoch Schonlein Purpura
- Hip Arthritis
- Hip Disorders
- Hip Pain
- Immunodeficiency
- Immunosuppression
- Inflammatory Arthritis
- Iritis
- Joint Pain
- Knee Arthritis
- 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 And Knees In The Elderly
- Painful Joints
- Palindromic Rheumatism
- Panuveitis
- Polumyalgia Rheumatica
- Polymyositis
- Pseudogout
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Radiculopathy
- Raynaud's Phenomenon
- Relapsing Polychondritis
- Retroperitoneal Fibrosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: How to Treat
- Sacroilitis
- Sarcoidosis
- Scleritis
- Scleroderma
- Shoulder Arthritis
- Shoulder Pain
- Sjogren's Syndrome
- Spondylitis
- Spondyloarthopathy
- Spondyloarthropathies
- Spondylosis
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
- Systemic Lupus
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Tendinosis
- Tendonitis
- Tenosynovitis
- Trigger Finger
Insurance
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View All PlansEducation & Professional Highlights
Appointed
2011
Education & Fellowships
Fellowship - Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health
Rheumatology
Bethesda,
MD USA
1985
Residency - VA Boston Medical Center
Internal Medicine
Boston,
MA USA
1980
Internship - VA Boston Medical Center
Boston,
MA USA
1978
Medical Education - Boston University School of Medicine
Boston,
MA USA
1977
Certifications
- Internal Medicine
- Internal Medicine - Rheumatology
Specialty Interests
Arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s Syndrome, myositis, polymyalgia rheumatica, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis
Research & Publications
See publications for Howard Smith, 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
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 6/2/2021, Dr. Smith 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.
140 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.7 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.8 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.6 |
31 Patient Comments
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Reviewed on Sep 15, 2021
Cannot sing the praises of Dr Smith enough. He always treats my husband as the only patient he has. We are never rushed at the appointment. He treats the whole patient. My husband considers himself fortunate to have found Dr Smith.
Reviewed on Sep 15, 2021
We drive 299 miles to see Dr Smith. Worth every mile of the trip.
Reviewed on Sep 13, 2021
I love dr. Smith and his entire staff
Reviewed on Aug 26, 2021
I didn't see Dr. Smith in a location closer to my home. It's a little difficult to get downtown
Reviewed on Aug 23, 2021
Dr. Smith is excellent! He took his time with me, explained everything, answered my long list of questions and concerns, and is very kind.
Reviewed on Aug 23, 2021
Cleveland Clinic care is top-notch in every way. Dr. Howard Smith, who saw me at this visit, was caring and thorough in his assessment. Thank you for being here for us!!!
Reviewed on Aug 23, 2021
I fealt very confident with Dr Howard Smith and ive been struggling since my past Dr Hanna n left practice and Dr Smith seemed very knowledable and very courteous and taking time to answer any questions and concerns regarding my illness
Reviewed on Aug 10, 2021
Dr. Smith had cancelled the appointment on the day of my appointment. I explained that we were already on our way as we live 2 1/2 hours away.My husband had an appointment at the main campus that day also.The office staff said they would contact the doctor and call me back in 10 minutes.They did exactly that and Dr. Smith came in special to see me. Please note that I am a new patient with him. I was so pleased with him making a special trip. It goes to show what a great and caring person he is. All of his staff were all very kind and very helpful.
Reviewed on Jul 13, 2021
Actually,. I could not get an appointment through the appointment line. My MD made my appointment
Reviewed on Jul 13, 2021
Dr Smith is a wonderful Doctor,. Listens to my concerns,. Has taken care of me for many years,. And I feel very confident in his care
Reviewed on Jul 13, 2021
My providers are wonderful however trying to get an initial appointment is never a pleasant experience. I try to schedule my next appointment after my appointment to avoid the appointment line
Reviewed on Jul 13, 2021
Physician listened to the current medications I was taking and provided me with a cheaper option.
Reviewed on Jul 12, 2021
Have a great rapport with Dr Smith. He's been my rheumatologist for many years.
Reviewed on Jul 1, 2021
I sent a message to my doctor directly. It was intercepted and I received the usual canned message, not even looking at what I wrote. Called his office and kept being diverted from his secretary. Appoint set up but I was never informed. I called back and was put on indefinite hold twice, trying to find out if I had an appointment.
Reviewed on Jun 29, 2021
DR SMITH PROVIDES GREAT CARE-is compassionate & friendly.
Reviewed on May 27, 2021
My expectations for receiving treatment at the Cleveland Clinic were high and Dr. Smith met or exceeded every one of them.
Reviewed on May 27, 2021
Dr. Smith has been wonderful to work with. He listens and answers all of our questions.
Reviewed on Apr 27, 2021
Dr. Smith took the time to review my chart pertaining to my concerns.
Reviewed on Apr 15, 2021
Doctor Howard Smith is my favorite doctor, he is very alert on my symptoms and helps me a lot on managing my disease... very experience doctor!
Reviewed on Apr 14, 2021
Dr. Smith is always respectful, kind and listens to my concerns.
Reviewed on Feb 26, 2021
Dr. Smith is always polite and of course very competent.
Reviewed on Feb 23, 2021
Dr. Smith is an amazing, caring physician and Cleveland Clinic should be very proud of having him as one of their physicians.
Reviewed on Jan 25, 2021
Great Doctor does take awhile to get documents from example my virtual appt was 5 days ago and my lab work letter has still not been added to my chart
Reviewed on Jan 25, 2021
I have an as yet undiagnosed autoimmune disease. I've lost my hearing and drastically impaired my balance. There are other painful inflammations. My bloodwork is wonky and my Doctors requested the expertise of the Doctors available through Cleveland Clinic.
Reviewed on Jan 12, 2021
I always feel as though Dr. Smith genuinely has my best interests and health in mind.
Reviewed on Dec 16, 2020
Dr. Smith is the absolute best - I am alive and thriving today because of Dr. Smith and the team he put together to work on my case.
Reviewed on Dec 15, 2020
Dr. Smith is the kindest, most compassionate provider that I have ever seen. I feel privileged to be his patient. He consistently listens carefully and always explains rationale for my treatment plan. He is always available and responds quickly to inquiries and always follows up when he says he will. I cannot say enough to adequately represent my positive experience as his patient.
Reviewed on Dec 14, 2020
Dr. Smith ALWAYS goes out if his way to accommodate me as I am a school teacher and am not always able to get time off early for appointments.
Reviewed on Dec 14, 2020
Dr. Smith is awesome and has been so helpful with my conditions.
Reviewed on Nov 25, 2020
Dr. Smith provided very clear and concise information about my diagnosis as well as options if the current medication is not working as well as expected. I have seen 3 physicians for this condition over the years and the information he provided was excellent.
Reviewed on Nov 23, 2020
Dr Smith is a great doctor to have helping you, he really does care about his patients and he is very knowledgeable, that is really hard to find.