Accepting new patients
Deepa Ragesh Panikkath, MD
- Rheumatology
Average rating:
4.9
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.
San Luis Obispo Primary & Specialty Care
|
862 Aerovista Place, Suite 100
San Luis Obispo,
CA
93401
US
About
Dr Deepa Panikkath practices general adult rheumatology at San Luis Obispo and treats a wide spectrum of rheumatic diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, vasculitis, myositis, scleroderma, gout, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.She earned her medical degree and trained in Dermatology from India prior to coming to the United States. She then pursued her residency in Internal Medicine at Texas Tech University, Lubbock followed by Rheumatology fellowship at Loma Linda University, California. Dr. Panikkath is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, watching movies,and hiking with her husband and children.
Languages
Education
Medical Board Certifications
Rheumatology, American Board of Internal Medicine, 2021
Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine, 2016
Fellowship
Rheumatology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 2021
Residency
Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, 2016
Degree
MBBS, Government Medical College, 2000
Locations
Hospital Affiliations
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
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 health care 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.
Reviews
Overall rating:
4.9
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.
257 total ratings |
185 reviews
5.0
February 27, 2026
Dr Panikkath helped me through a very difficult condition and was very helpful and supportive. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a Rheumatologist.
5.0
February 27, 2026
Approachable, easy to talk to, Dr P listened to me as I responded to each of her questions.
5.0
February 26, 2026
Dr Panakath is thorough, competent and caring. She provides me a sense of confidence that we’re doing the best we can.
5.0
February 26, 2026
She listened and addressed my issues and questions.
5.0
February 25, 2026
Very thorough
5.0
February 25, 2026
She was knowledgeable and thorough.
5.0
February 25, 2026
She listened, was respectful, and genuinely wanted to help.
5.0
February 23, 2026
Dr Panikkath is the best!
5.0
February 20, 2026
Very nice and knowledgeable Patient and answered all my questions. Set up needed tests and gave vaccinations . Very thorough.. Refreshing experience.
5.0
February 12, 2026
She is very nice. Answered my questions.
5.0
February 12, 2026
I’m her new patient.. she listens to my on going pain and the discomfort I’ve been having.
5.0
February 11, 2026
Dr Panikkath is professional, thorough, and makes me feel welcome.
5.0
February 10, 2026
She is thorough, professional, kind, easy to talk to, really listens to me and is extremely knowledgeable.
5.0
February 6, 2026
Dr. Panikkath was very thorough and I was impressed with her insight and willingness to discuss expanded options and further testing with me. I am happy my primary doctor referred me to Dr. Panikkath.
5.0
February 3, 2026
Very good visit. Im happy with my care.
5.0
February 3, 2026
Competent and professional.,
5.0
January 30, 2026
The doctor really listens to concerns and continues to try and investigate possible problems.
5.0
January 28, 2026
Dr Pannikath was very thorough, listened to my concerns, asked the right questions & was extremely personable! I'm very happy that I'm here patient!
5.0
January 27, 2026
excellent
5.0
January 27, 2026
It went very well
5.0
January 23, 2026
She asked me if I had questions. She’s ordered additional tests because of my condition. I feel she is very knowledgeable and understand my anxiety.
5.0
January 22, 2026
It was excellent as expected from front desk to madical assistant to the docror
5.0
January 21, 2026
She was so knowledgeable and thought of a possible diagnosis that nobody before her ever did. She was kind and a great listener. She even has a sense of humor.
5.0
January 21, 2026
Thorough and explained everything very well.
5.0
January 20, 2026
I really like her. She explains things clearly & is very caring & also listened.
5.0
January 20, 2026
Efficient and professional! :-)
5.0
January 20, 2026
Finally got questions answered
5.0
January 17, 2026
Dr. Panikkath is the best. Her compassion and dedication to her patients is outstanding.
5.0
January 16, 2026
Thorough and helpful communication.
5.0
January 16, 2026
She was very positive and engaging with me.
5.0
January 15, 2026
Deepa is excellent service provider for us
5.0
January 11, 2026
Great atmosphere and she kept the visit simple
5.0
January 8, 2026
It was excellent
5.0
January 7, 2026
She is kind, caring, respectful, listens well.
5.0
January 6, 2026
It was great. Informative, She’s a great doctor.
5.0
January 5, 2026
Very pleasant experience reviewed medical history medication’s made suggestions in adjustments, is following up on getting prescription order through a third-party. Pharmacy is always complicated but she does her best to try to accommodate it as easily as possible.
5.0
December 18, 2025
Very good Dr
5.0
December 17, 2025
Best Dr. ever! Wish she also did primary care. She is thorough, patient, kind, makes sure you understand all, She is truly interested in your over all health. She takes time to listen to all concerns & questions i’ve never had a Dr., this good & truly invested in my over all health. She’s the best!
5.0
December 16, 2025
The doctor was organized and clear with her treatment plan.
5.0
December 15, 2025
My first visit with Dr. Panikkath. She is very professional. Asked all the right questions. I feel confident she's will be able to help me.
5.0
December 14, 2025
I am very satisfied
5.0
December 13, 2025
She was easy to talk with and made me feel comfortable
5.0
December 8, 2025
Dr Panikkath is a very gifted and highly skilled specialist. She is warm, competent and very focused. I am grateful to have her as my doctor guiding me through my autoimmune issues. When I have had issues outside her specialty, Dr Panikkath has successfully referred me to the appropriate doctors in the UCLA network.
5.0
December 7, 2025
She was caring and kind. Looking forward to being her patient. Gave me hope.
5.0
December 6, 2025
Very thorough and patient. Didn’t feel rushed. listened to every thing I wanted to share.
5.0
December 4, 2025
Saw the doctor for first time and was very impressed with her.
5.0
December 1, 2025
Conversation was great. Nothing to say negative at all.
5.0
December 1, 2025
Very thorough
5.0
November 26, 2025
Very thorough about my medical history and current situation
5.0
November 22, 2025
She gave me all the information I needed about my recent Dexascan. She answered all my questions and concerns. She’s a very caring Physician.
5.0
November 20, 2025
My doctor listened to me and I appreciate that. Very professional and she explained my condition and concerns. Thank you.
5.0
November 19, 2025
She is attentive, helpful and kind.
5.0
November 19, 2025
Very helpful, she listened to me and explained how i should do what i needed to help take care.
5.0
November 19, 2025
She is kind, knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated.
5.0
November 17, 2025
Doctor was very caring and understanding of the issues that I was seeing her for. She had an excellent plan to figure out what could be going on with me and I felt validated with bringing my issues with her. I would definitely recommend her to anyone that needs her expertise.
5.0
November 15, 2025
Very thoughtful and thorough
5.0
November 14, 2025
She listened to my concerns and explained treatment options well.
5.0
November 14, 2025
Dr. Panikkath was very thorough in explaining test results, and made sure I understood them and didn't have further questions.
5.0
November 13, 2025
Very thoughtful and thorough
5.0
November 10, 2025
Dr. Panikkath is very thorough and knowledgeable. She explains things well and is always friendly and professional.
5.0
November 6, 2025
Kind, listens well, answers my questions, provides easy to understand action plan and follow-up
5.0
November 5, 2025
As always Dr Panikkath took the time to listen and explain meds options, side effects etc
4.0
November 4, 2025
Good she’s very professional. She take care of her patience. She listens and she give you answers.
5.0
November 3, 2025
Took her time and was very thorough all. Really cared. Staff very friendly and helpful.
5.0
October 31, 2025
Dr Panikkath listened to my health issues. We’re trying to get my medications covered so my pain level goes down. She is always very responsive.
5.0
October 30, 2025
Very informative and helpful
5.0
October 30, 2025
Prompt, professional, and knowledgeable.
5.0
October 29, 2025
She is kind and patient. Very thoroughly answers all questions. She is very approachable and really makes me feel that she "sees" me as a person.
5.0
October 26, 2025
Saw rheumatologist for a second opinion. She was very thorough listening to my symptoms and considering if my diagnosis has been correct
5.0
October 24, 2025
Very happy with how thorough Dr. Panikkath was in documenting my condition.
5.0
October 23, 2025
She was very careful to check and explain everything to me in a personal and professional manner. I truly appreciate her and her ability. I am fortunate to have her as my Dr.
5.0
October 23, 2025
Dr. Panikkath is simply outstanding!
5.0
October 22, 2025
She explained and allayed my fears about a procedure I’m scheduled for.
5.0
October 20, 2025
Doctor Panikkath is calm and steady. And she speaks clearly, confidently, and with compassion. We really like her is his doctor!
5.0
October 20, 2025
Timely Provided me the next steps in my treatment, gave me good information. I feel confident in her assessments of my condition. Office staff really helpful and kind
5.0
October 17, 2025
Doctor was impressive, very thorough and very smart
5.0
October 17, 2025
Pleasant. As always attentive and helpful
5.0
October 16, 2025
Dr. Panikkath was professional and thorough.
5.0
October 16, 2025
Dr. P was very thorough and good at explaining next steps.
5.0
October 13, 2025
She is kind, she listens well, she cares.
5.0
October 10, 2025
It was good she listened to what i had to say. Showed understanding of my problem and wants to gather as much info as possible before moving ahead with treatment. I appreciate and like her
5.0
October 10, 2025
She was very patient and understanding. Really wants to help.
5.0
October 9, 2025
Dr. Panikkath is always professional and compassionate. She listens and is always thorough.
5.0
October 8, 2025
She always listens and is always familiar with where we left off. I feel very comfortable with her and happy with her care.
5.0
October 8, 2025
She is very professional. I liked her and everything went well.
5.0
October 6, 2025
Knowable and takes the time to answer questions.
5.0
October 3, 2025
Thoughtful, thorough, listened and was kind
5.0
October 3, 2025
Reviewed labs and discussed options for severe osteoporosis treatments
5.0
October 2, 2025
She really listened
5.0
September 30, 2025
Dr. Is very attentive a very good listener and addresses all your needs. She always clarifies at the end of the visit. What needs to be done if any new prescriptions will be prescribed or labs and when they need to be done. Then she asks if you have any questions I love that about her
5.0
September 30, 2025
I love my doctor she understands me and my needs
5.0
September 24, 2025
Excellent
5.0
September 23, 2025
I love that I never feel rushed when speaking with my Doctor.
5.0
September 22, 2025
Excellent
5.0
September 17, 2025
She took the time to hear my questions and address them all. Explained to me what I needed to know to pursue appropriate health care in the future. Requested one more blood test to determine if I have need of the types of services she provides. Was patient, respectful, informative, and professional.
5.0
September 17, 2025
She answered my questions and made appropriate referrals.
5.0
September 17, 2025
Dr Panikkath is great. The office staff is great. The facility is clean. Very organized and thorough. I’m so glad UCLA Health has come to San Luis Obispo County.
5.0
September 17, 2025
Good listener and made good recommendations
5.0
September 16, 2025
Dr Pannikath is smart and kind- the very best of traits one can hope for in their doctor.
5.0
September 15, 2025
She listens! She is helpful!
5.0
September 15, 2025
She listened and is actively working on figuring out my situation.
5.0
September 15, 2025
Excellent!
5.0
September 15, 2025
Thorough
5.0
September 9, 2025
Dhe is fantasyic listening to my concerns and gives great feedback.
5.0
September 8, 2025
Wow, Dr Panikkath could not have impressed me more. She listened like no doc I've ever been to. Looked at all angles. Explained everything to me. Answered my questions thoroughly. I'm so happy to have found her.
5.0
September 8, 2025
Always listens
5.0
September 8, 2025
She was thorough in discussing my concerns and medical issues
5.0
September 8, 2025
Listened very well and I like her demeanor
5.0
September 5, 2025
Took a lot of time with me getting my health history.
5.0
September 2, 2025
Wonderful woman
5.0
August 31, 2025
Always a positive and informative appointment
5.0
August 29, 2025
She talks to you, make sure you understand, is caring, I might run out of space if I tell you how good she is
5.0
August 27, 2025
Perfect!
5.0
August 26, 2025
Dr Panikkath was going over blood tests and Pulmonary test results very thoroughly
5.0
August 21, 2025
Dr. Panikkath is a good listener and easy to talk with.
5.0
August 20, 2025
She was patient and thoroughly answered all questions. She made me feel like she was really taking the time to see me as a person.
5.0
August 20, 2025
Explained everything perfectly
5.0
August 20, 2025
Kind thorough thoughtful - exactly what you hope for in a medical professional handling your care.
5.0
August 19, 2025
Very thorough and patient, answering all my questions.
5.0
August 19, 2025
She was well-informed and very present in our meeting
5.0
August 15, 2025
She took the time to hear me out and really care.
5.0
August 15, 2025
Dr Pannikath provided excellent care. She listened to my concerns and explained my lab results thoroughly.
5.0
August 15, 2025
She answered all my questions and concerns
5.0
August 12, 2025
She listens to name and answered all of my questions. She explains everything clearly and gives me information so that I can make an informed choice.
5.0
August 11, 2025
She was thorough in explaining options and potential side effects. She listened to my questions:thoughts. We came up with a plan.
5.0
August 11, 2025
Seems like a caring, good doctor
5.0
August 11, 2025
She has a calming demeanor and explained my upcoming procedures well.
5.0
August 7, 2025
Doctor was fabulous. Very patient. Explained things clearly
5.0
August 5, 2025
Amazing. The first Dr to actually sit down and take their time with. And asked me questions I’ve never been asked before. Did not feel rushed and feel like we are working towards a solution instead of just being pushed away
5.0
August 1, 2025
Dr. P was very kind. She listened to all I had to say and addressed all my concerns. One of the best visits I’ve had yet.
5.0
August 1, 2025
Positive
5.0
July 30, 2025
It was very good. No complaints. She mapped out what we need to do to continue treatment and answered all my questions.
5.0
July 25, 2025
Perfect
5.0
July 24, 2025
Dr. Panikkath has a professional, yet friendly, manner. I feel confident with her analyses and recommendations.
5.0
July 23, 2025
She is prompt and answers all questions without rushing
5.0
July 23, 2025
Dre. Panikkath is incredible. She. Is knowledgeable, professional, compassionate, and insightful about all levels of care.
4.0
July 22, 2025
She was personable, knowledgeable, and friendly. She took time to make sure I understood. She said she ordered meds, but when we went to the pharmacy they didn’t have the prescription. they said they would call the office and get it.
5.0
July 22, 2025
She took time to learn about me.
5.0
July 21, 2025
Dr Panikkath is very caring On a scale of 1-10 I give Dr Panikkath 15.
5.0
July 18, 2025
I’ve had a struggle getting good care in this area. She’s great! She makes me feel like I’ve finally found someone caring and competent. I’m glad UCLA health has come into our area.
5.0
July 18, 2025
Although she was a little late (not her fault, she had not been told I was scheduled or there), she spent all the time I needed, spoke to me as a medical professional (I am an RN) and answered all my questions. She seems to have a plan of treatment based on results of my texts.
5.0
July 18, 2025
Dr Panikkath was thorough and took the time to explain items. She listened and made sure to answer my questions.
5.0
July 17, 2025
wonderful service.
5.0
July 16, 2025
Very nice. Super clean facility.
5.0
July 14, 2025
Dr Panakath is caring, knowledgeable and thorough.
5.0
July 11, 2025
Dr Panikkath very clearly discussed my results and next steps to help get the answers I seek for my health. She was sympathetic to my pain and sought to understand my situation better.
5.0
July 11, 2025
I felt she was very thorough and professional. She spent time to go over my questions and I like her.
5.0
July 9, 2025
Dr. Panikkath explained Well. Was patient in listening .
5.0
July 8, 2025
She listed to me and was very kind and caring. I like that she knew my history before my visit and I really appreciated her recommendations.
4.0
July 7, 2025
My doctor very professional good experience takes the time,was very good. She take the time to listen to my needs. She answer my questions. Good experience thank you
5.0
July 4, 2025
Dr. Panikkath is very thorough, kind, caring, and overall a wonderful doctor. Blessed to have her.
5.0
July 3, 2025
Wow! Thorough Listened well and heard well. I feel confident I am being heard.
5.0
July 3, 2025
I felt very comfortable with Dr. Panikkath. She listened and made me feel that she truly cared.
5.0
July 1, 2025
She listened to my concerns, spent time with me, and explained things thoroughly. In addition, she’s recommending further testing before coming to a conclusion.
5.0
July 1, 2025
Very thorough
4.0
June 28, 2025
Just going over bi-annual lab work. Answered questions.
5.0
June 27, 2025
She’s wonderful!
5.0
June 27, 2025
Very thorough
5.0
June 26, 2025
I feel dr panikkath truly cares about my health and wellbeing.
5.0
June 24, 2025
Very caring, very throughout.
5.0
June 18, 2025
Everyone was so friendly from when I walked into the office. It’s so enjoyable to see people smiling and wanting to help you in every way
5.0
June 17, 2025
She was so nice and patience with my mom ..
5.0
June 16, 2025
Dr Panikkath has gone above and beyond for me in providing care for Sjogren?s and for helping me find physicians in the LA area who specialist in this particular disease. I had no idea where to turn for help navigating this awful syndrome and Dr Panikkath has provided guidance toward getting specialized help.
5.0
June 11, 2025
Took the time with me, explained my test results and what comes next
5.0
June 11, 2025
MY doctor is amazing! She listens, explains, and makes sure you understand and are comfortable. She gives you options and explore pros and cons of each. I really appreciate that. It means more than you know to have someone that does all of this. Professional and caring.
5.0
June 11, 2025
Thorough
5.0
May 15, 2025
Very thorough, explained everything and answered any questions I had. Did not feel rushed
5.0
May 15, 2025
This was my first appointment with dr panikkath.and she is outstanding
5.0
May 14, 2025
Excellent info. Clear!!!
5.0
May 14, 2025
Dr. Panikkath is very thorough. I appreciate her kind demeanor and professionalism. I always feel that I am in good hands.
5.0
May 8, 2025
Dr. Panikkath listens to my concerns and thoughtfully answers my questions.
5.0
May 8, 2025
They listened to me. Asked questions no one had asked before. Were straightforward with their feedback.
5.0
May 7, 2025
She is very knowledgeable in her field and explains things well.
5.0
May 6, 2025
Dr. Prakash, was very thorough and adjusted all my questions and needs. I was very grateful and satisfied.
5.0
April 30, 2025
She explained her concerns and was reassuring.
5.0
April 29, 2025
She was awesome everyone is so nice thankyou
5.0
April 29, 2025
She listens to me and addresses any problems I may have.
5.0
April 28, 2025
Dr. Panikkath is amazing! She is knowledgeable, thorough, and kind.
5.0
April 28, 2025
Supportive and very helpful
5.0
April 16, 2025
Very thorough. Answered all questions. Did not feel rushed, she took plenty of time.
5.0
April 16, 2025
I brought questions. She gave answers. Good communication both ways. <—>
5.0
April 15, 2025
Excellent
5.0
April 14, 2025
Outstanding
5.0
April 9, 2025
I did not wait to see my doctor. She took an interest in my questions and answered them at length. She went over my present situation and what to expect next.
5.0
April 8, 2025
Dr. Panikkath Was very thorough, pleasant and made me feel very welcome and heard. The check in staff was amazing and very helpful. The office was very clean.