Kristal S. Choi, MD
Accepting new patients

Kristal S. Choi, MD

  • Rheumatology
5.0
184 ratings
137 reviews
Star ratings are displayed only for those physicians who participate in UCLA Health’s patient experience survey program and have received a minimum of 30 survey responses.
Santa Monica Rheumatology |
2020 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 540 Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-582-6350
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About

Dr. Kristal Choi is a general rheumatologist who practices in Santa Monica. She enjoys treating the full spectrum of rheumatic diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, vasculitis, myositis, scleroderma, gout, and osteoarthritis. She is also skilled in musculoskeletal ultrasound and ultrasound-guided joint and soft tissue injections.

Dr. Choi earned her medical degree from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She then completed her internal medicine residency training at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, and her rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University. She is board certified in internal medicine, and obtained the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Certification in Rheumatology (RhMSUS), which is offered by the American College of Rheumatology.

Dr. Choi is proud to be a native Californian. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from UCLA, graduating magna cum laude, and is happy to be back treating patients at her alma mater.

Languages

English

Education

Medical Board Certifications

Rheumatology, American Board of Internal Medicine, 2019
Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine, 2017

Fellowship

Rheumatology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 2019

Residency

Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 2017

Degree

MD, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 2014

Recognitions

  • Super Doctors® Southern California Rising Stars 2025, 2026

Locations

Hospital Affiliations

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center

UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center

Medical Services

Rheumatology

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Centivo
  • Cigna
  • First Health
  • Health Net of California
  • Interplan (part of HealthSmart)
  • Medicare Advantage
  • MultiPlan
  • UFCM Health System
  • Prime Health Services
  • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
  • TRICARE
  • UnitedHealthcare

The list of healthcare plans above may not be comprehensive and could change. 
Please contact your benefits coordinator or health insurance company directly to verify coverage.

Visit our health insurance information page for more details.

Recognitions

  • Super Doctors® Southern California Rising Stars 2025, 2026

Links

Reviews

Overall rating: 5.0
Star ratings are displayed only for those physicians who participate in UCLA Health’s patient experience survey program and have received a minimum of 30 survey responses.
184 total ratings | 137 reviews
5.0
Dr. Choi is always so kind, knowledgeable, and patient. I wish every specialist was as competent and kind as she is.
5.0
Dr. Choi reviewed my issues and inspected my hands as that’s where my complaints were most problematic. I had two injections which I had needed due to the pain of swelling. As always she was thorough and hasdone a great job.
5.0
She is exceptionally thorough, knowledgeable, personable, and very very present. One of the most impressive specialists I’ve ever seen.
5.0
Great doctor
5.0
She listens well, she knows my history or at least reviews it before the appointment. She is kind, thorough and easy to talk to.
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