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Robert Perhala

Robert Perhala, MD

Rheumatology

Need help scheduling? Call (216) 444-5632

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Adult

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

About Robert Perhala

Biography

Robert S. Perhala, MD, FACR is a staff rheumatologist in the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic disease. He earned his medical degree at The Ohio State University College of Medicine (in Columbus, Ohio). He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He has previously practiced at Lutheran Hospital and Mercy hospital in private practice and served on the rheumatology staff of University Hospitals Medical Practice starting in 2014 prior to joining the Cleveland Clinic in 2022. 

He is a fellow member of the American College of Rheumatology.

Dr. Perhala has presented research in RA at national meetings and has been a co-investigator in clinical trials for RA. He has been a speaker for the Arthritis Foundation. 

Locations

  1. Avon - Richard E. Jacobs Health Center
    • phone:
    • fax:

Education & Board Certifications

Education

  • Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 1990
  • Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 1988
  • Medical Education: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1985
  • Undergraduate: Heidelberg College, 1981

Board Certifications

  • Rheumatology: American Board of Internal Medicine, 1990
  • Internal Medicine: American Board of Internal Medicine, 1989

Professional Highlights

  • Board Certified: Internal Medicine Rheumatology

Additional Training

  • RESIDENCY:
    Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Cleveland, OH 44195
    Internal Medicine, 1985-1988
  • FELLOWSHIP
    Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Cleveland, OH 44195
    Rheumatology, 1988-1990

Awards

Elizabeth Zartman Award for Excellence in Philosophy, Heidelberg College, 1980

Professional Memberships

American College of Rheumatology (Fellow); Arthritis Foundation

Research & Publications

See publications for this provider. (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 collaborate with industry to advance medical breakthroughs. These partnerships help commercialize discoveries for public benefit while maintaining scientific integrity. To ensure transparency and minimize potential bias, Cleveland Clinic reviews these relationships and publicly discloses when physicians/scientists receive significant compensation for consulting, serve in fiduciary roles, receive royalties, or hold equity interests related to their work. We manage potential conflicts through approval processes, annual reporting, and targeted management plans.

As of 2026-03-21, Dr. Perhala 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.

Insurances Accepted

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

Video

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5

334 ratings, 60 reviews

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

Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/28/2026

    Doctor was well prepared and used a thoughtful approach based my history and data.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/28/2026

    Dr Perhala is very good.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/13/2026

    Dr Perhala is very knowledgeable, helpful and kind.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/6/2026

    Dr Perhala is the best. I appreciate the way he explains everything to me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/30/2026

    I would and have recommended my doctor to others. He is exceptional in his care and concern for his patients - you can tell he enjoys his work and enjoys being back at the clinic.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/23/2026

    Dr. Perhala is one of the kindest, caring, compassionate,knowledgeable doctor I have ever met. He listens, explains things, and took all the time he needed with me. He is amazing.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/23/2026

    Dr Perhala was very patient and kind

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/11/2026

    I love Dr. Perhala, he always provides excellent care, and listens to me. I drive over an hour to see him and it is worth the drive!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/11/2026

    I love my Rheumatologist Family!! Dr Perhala has been in my Lupus Journey for along time!! Warrior,Patti Sunagel

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/24/2026

    Dr. Perhala is phenomenal, I am a UH patient and will see him wherever he goes.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/5/2026

    Dr. Perhalla is always attentive and compassionate.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/5/2026

    Dr.Perhala was very friendly and professional - he explained everything I needed to know regarding my condition and our steps forward in great detail. Much appreciated!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/3/2026

    PHENOMENAL!! Our visit was prompt on time.Nurses were nice , understanding,thoughtful. Dr. Perhala, OUTSTANDING! We transferred from Youngstown facility, so George would be In better hands. Dr. Checked him head to toe, And put him on new meds to work with the others. My husband & I feel his in the best of hands.Thank you thank you! Know wonder ur #1..

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/27/2026

    Very pleased with the knowledge of my Provider

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    Dr.Perhala was the kindest physician I have ever met. Usually a physician treats you like he only sees a dollar sign or his ego is so huge he really is bored by whatever you have to say and the quicker he can get you out of his presence the better.But with Dr Perhala you got a human being willing to listen and wanting only to help. WOW! I hope the powers that be realize what a jewel they have and treat him accordingly.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/7/2026

    Dr. Perhala is amazing!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/29/2025

    Dr. Perhala is the best. He closely follows what is happening for me from a wholistic perspective, and measures that next to my RA treatment. Very thorough, inciteful and personable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/8/2025

    I really value Dr Perhala he always has my best interests in mind and makes sure my health is on track.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/8/2025

    Dr. Perhala has always been an excellent doctor!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/17/2025

    I would give him an excellent if was an option

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/10/2025

    Dr. Perhala was very good. He took the time to listen to what I was dealing with and tried to prescribe a treatment plan that would help

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/31/2025

    Dr. Perhala is great

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/24/2025

    Doc listened- he took time to hear my concerns- I feel very fortunate that I am his patient.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/21/2025

    Very good Doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/21/2025

    Dr. Perhala is the best

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/21/2025

    Dr. Perhala is one of the best doctors I ever had. I pray he doesn't go anywhere now you're my chart needs to get fixed.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/21/2025

    Dr. Perhala is one of the nicest physicians at the Cleveland Clinic. He's thorough, kind, compassionate, explains everything in detail for my understanding, and listens to me when I have comments, questions, or concerns. I can tell Dr. Perhala genuinely cares for his patients, and wants the best for them. Anyone would be lucky to have him as their physician, I know I feel that way!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/6/2025

    Been seeing Dr. Perhala for a very long time and I have a lot of trust in him and always tell everyone that needs a doctor in his field to call he's office.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/6/2025

    Dr. Perhala is very kind, compassionate, and thorough. He never makes you feel rushed and patiently addresses your questions and concerns.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/6/2025

    Excellent Dr & very professional! Very knowledgeable! Very comprehensive! The BEST!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/23/2025

    Dr Perhala is as professional as his compassion for his patients.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/28/2025

    Dr. Perhala was very good. He took the time to listen and offered suggestions on what to do. I appreciated his expertise, time and concern.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/28/2025

    Dr. Perhala is an excellent physician who takes his time to listen to his patients and explain any issues to you or answer questions

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/28/2025

    Dr. Perhala is great. He listens to me, consults with me & involves me in all decisions. So glad I have him on my health care team.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/28/2025

    Excellent doctor and nurse.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/19/2025

    Excellent Doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/19/2025

    Dr . Perhala is the best doctor I've ever seen. Compassionate, knowledgeable & has helped me so much over the years with my autoimmune diseases

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/12/2025

    Dr. Perhala is great.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/12/2025

    Dr. Perhala is very friendly and awesome person

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/4/2025

    I am extremely impressed with Dr. Perhaps. I have been dealing with pain most of my adult life and I genuinely felt like he was listening and attentive. At this most recent follow up visit, when I informed him of how well I was doing, he was as excited as I was that my treatment was working so well. That was truly a good feeling. I would recommend him again and again.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/29/2025

    I have so much confidence in Dr. Perhala. I have followed him wherever he goes. He is the best and has helped me so much

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/29/2025

    Dr. Perhala was so thorough and thoughtful and really listened to my questions and concerns. He responded quickly when I messaged him after my appointment regarding a possible prescription. I really appreciate all of the time that he has taken to understand my concerns and help with finding solutions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/29/2025

    Dr. Perhala is by far one of the best doctors I've seen in awhile. Took the time to listen and thoroughly explain each option he thought could potentially work for me. It was so relieving to feel like a doctor was actually listening to me lately. Thank you!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/29/2025

    Dr Perhala is very dedicated and excellent in making I'm getting the best treatment needed..

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/29/2025

    Dr Perala is very excellent.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/22/2025

    Doctor listened to what I wanted and was very pleased attentive to my thoughts

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/8/2025

    Dr Perhala is a great Dr. He always has the patient's health and issues at the forefront

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/1/2025

    Dr. Perhala has been caring and concerned while showing compassion and an honest desire to help me get better with every interaction I have had with him.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/1/2025

    One of the best doctors I've ever dealt with

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/1/2025

    One of the nicest and kindest doctors I have ever been to.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/24/2025

    Dr Perhala is very caring and concerned with my condition.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/24/2025

    Dr. Perhala is my favorite physician! He is extremely sensitive to my needs & complaints. He listens with understanding & has a wide knowledge of medicine.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/24/2025

    Dr. Perhala did a very thorough job in describing my treatment options and my issues.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/12/2025

    Dr. Perhala is all-around top notch!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/12/2025

    I have told many friends and family about how good Dr Perhala is and he really cares.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/12/2025

    When a in patient visit isn't possible. Virtual appointment certainly the best second option. Dr. Perhala is very responsive to my health care issues that arise, he is very knowledgeable in his specialty. His bedside manners among the best.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/9/2025

    Dr Perhala, the nurses and staff are top notch. The Doctor is absolutely wonderful and I am glad I found him.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/29/2025

    He's a fabulous Dr.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/29/2025

    Dr Perhala is very nice. He spent time with me and didn't rush through the appointment

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/29/2025

    Dr. Perhala was an excellent at listening to what I have to say and my concerns before changing any treatments.