Rheumatology Subspecialty Clinics - Myositis Center

Welcome to the Johns Hopkins Myositis Center.

The Johns Hopkins Myositis Center opened in March 2007 at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center campus. A revolutionary new approach to the treatment of myositis, the center combines the expertise of rheumatologists, neurologists and pulmonologists in a single clinic so that patients benefit from a central treatment experience.

For more information on the diagnosis, treatment and management of Myositis, please visit our new Myositis Center Web Site.

Our Center

The Johns Hopkins Myositis Center brings together the expertise of rheumatologists , neurologists and pulmonologists, as well as physical and occupational therapists and nutritionists. The clinical program is also coupled with clinical and basic science research in the departments of Rheumatology and Neurology at the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus.

Our patients find the expertise and convenience of the Myositis Center critical to their treatment and care. Our doctors share a passion and commitment to the treatment of this rare disease, and their combined experience leads to excellent and focused patient care.

Our Physicians and Staff

Lisa Christopher-Stine, M.D., M.P.H Co-Director, Rheumatologist
Andrew Mammen, M.D., Ph.D. Co-Director, Neurologist
Sonye Danoff, M.D., Ph.D. Pulmonologist
Tonia Davis, Medical Office Coordinator
Vacant, Medical Office Coordinator

For Physicians

If you suspect that one of your patients may be suffering from myositis, we encourage you to refer your patient to the Myositis Center immediately. 

We have found that diagnostic studies such as EMG and muscle biopsy are only reliable when performed and interpreted by physicians with significant specialized expertise. 

Patients who have studies done elsewhere often require repeat testing when they visit the Myositis Center. For this reason, we highly recommend that all testing be done on our campus.  

By beginning the process of diagnosis and evaluation in one clinic, your patient will receive the thorough care that he or she needs. In addition, we tailor your patient’s treatment based on testing, evaluation and clinical evaluations.

For New Patients

Before you make an appointment, you will need:

• A referral letter from your physician.
• Medical records from all treating physicians and/or hospital discharge summaries.
• Recent laboratory results – especially results from blood tests for CPK and/or aldolase
• Any MRI films of your muscle (please bring original films and report).
• The original pathology slides from a muscle biopsy if done.
• A copy of your insurance card(s).

*Please note that to be evaluated at the Myositis Center, you often do not need specialized testing beyond simple blood tests and a physician’s evaluation.

To make your appointments at the Myositis Center, call 410-550-6962.

Once you receive your appoint confirmation, plan to arrive 30 minutes ahead of time for registration and vital signs. Remember to bring a copy of your insurance card(s) to the appointment.

DIRECTIONS/MAPS

For Returning Patients

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
• You may also be asked to complete some additional forms to allow us to bill your insurance, to review your health, and help us know how you have been doing since your last visit.
• Bring a copy of your insurance cards.

Rescheduling Appointments and Cancellations

We schedule our appointments weeks in advance and are usually unable to reschedule on short notice. If you must reschedule, call us at 410-550-6962 as soon as possible. This will allow us to schedule another patient who is waiting to be seen.

Prescription Refills

Please plan ahead and call seven days before you run out of your medications. Refills of routine prescriptions can usually be called in or faxed to your pharmacy. We do not fill prescriptions over the weekend or holidays. Many prescriptions require prior authorization by your insurance plan, and this may take several days to obtain. Medical Assistance and certain pain medications cannot be called in; we will mail these prescriptions to you (or you can pick them up). 

Donations

Johns Hopkins Myositis Center will be at the forefront of critical research about this poorly understood disease.  As a primary treatment center, our patients will receive quality care in a caring and committed environment.  Please partner with us as we work to better understand and treat myositis.

Donations Can Be Mailed To:

Johns Hopkins Myositis Center
Attn: Shannon Bishop
5200 Eastern Ave
Mason F. Lord Building, Ctr. Tower
Suite 4100
Baltimore, MD  21224

Please make checks Payable to Johns Hopkins University.