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Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD

Accepting New Patients
(Dr. Brent Culver, MD)
Specializes in: Adult Rheumatology
University of California, Davis, School of Medicine
Professional interests include: Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, inflammatory arthritis, and more.
2025 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD is a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA specializing in adult rheumatology. He graduated from University of California, Davis, School of Medicine. Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD is affiliated with Dignity Health, Sutter Health and Dominican Hospital Santa Cruz.

View Doctor's Full Profile (831) 458-5577

Office Locations

Sutter Health

2025 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 458-5577
open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD can help you with:

Autoimmune Diseases

An autoimmune disorder happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues of its own body, causing symptoms of illness. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune disorders. While some are very rare, others are fairly common. Combined, autoimmune disorders are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, affecting approximately 24 million people.

A properly working immune system identifies foreign substances in the body that might cause illness, such as bacteria and viruses. The immune system then creates antibodies which attack the foreign substances, neutralizing them and keeping the body safe. In people with autoimmune disorders, something goes wrong with this process. For reasons that are not fully understand, the immune system creates antibodies to attack the patient's own tissues.

Symptoms of an autoimmune disorder depend on which tissue is being attacked by the immune system, but common symptoms of autoimmune disease include fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of just not being well. Autoimmune disorders are more common in women than in men, and they may run in families. Autoimmune disorders can affect various parts of the body such as blood vessels, connective tissue, endocrine glands, joints, muscles, red blood cells, skin, and many others.

It is common to have more than one autoimmune disorder at a time. Most are chronic, or life-long illnesses, although they may come and go in flares. Treatment for autoimmune disorders depends on which part of the body is being attacked. For example:

  • A type 1 diabetic whose pancreas has been damaged will need insulin.
  • A person with Hashimoto's whose thyroid has been damaged will need replacement thyroid hormones.
  • Someone with Sjogren's syndrome will need eye drops and mouth rinses to replace tears and saliva.

Many autoimmune disorders of all kinds are treated with immune-suppressing medications, such as corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) to reduce the effect of the immune system.

Skin Issues

The skin is the largest organ in the body, protecting and covering the more sensitive inner organs. Considering its size and that it is constantly exposed to the elements, the skin is usually relatively problem-free. However that doesn't mean that issues don't come up from time to time that might need the help of a professional. The most common skin issues that people seek medical help with are cosmetic issues, acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin growths.

Professional cosmetic skin treatments exist to treat wrinkles, scars, dark spots, remove excess hair, tone and tighten skin, and otherwise improve the appearance of the skin. They may use lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or many other forms of skin treatment.

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, most commonly on the face or back. The clogged follicles can then become infected and inflamed. Treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and retinoid creams.

Eczema is dry, sensitive skin that causes an itchy red rash, often in response to specific triggers. It is common in childhood but can sometimes last into adulthood. The main treatment involves keeping skin well moisturized.

Dermatitis is the medical name for any kind of skin inflammation or rash. Rashes can happen because of an allergy or contact with an irritating substance. They may be red, itchy, or even painful. They are often treated with antihistamines or moisturizing creams containing cortisone.

Psoriasis is patches of thick, red skin that is covered in silvery scales. It is often itchy and sore. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an immune disorder, and it runs in families. Psoriasis is not contagious. There is no cure, but there are medicated creams available to treat the symptoms.

Skin growths, including warts and moles, are usually not serious. However, some skin growths should be examined by a doctor to make sure they don't cause problems in the future. Warts are harmless, rough, bumpy growths caused by a viral infection. They occur most often on the hands and feet. Because they are caused by a virus, they are contagious. Moles are brown or black spots that are sometimes raised slightly from the surface of the skin. They happen when clumps of pigment cells form in a cluster instead of spread out. Moles are harmless except that they are more vulnerable to cancer than other parts of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and its risk increases with sun exposure and fair skin tone.

Skin issues can be embarrassing or irritating, but most are minor and can be treated without serious problems. Some, however, can be a sign of a more significant issue, so it is important to see a doctor for anything out of the ordinary.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA during 2012 were injections, aspiration, preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 309
doctor visit 953
injections 324
preventive care 43
vaccines 43

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA during 2013 were aspiration, injections, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 327
doctor visit 1079
hospital care 84
injections 327
inpatient care 84
preventive care 45
vaccines 45

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD.

Gender
Male 119
Female 412
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 452
Black 0
Hispanic 55
Asian 11
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 224
From 75 to 84 136
85 and over 78
Less than 65 93

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD in 2013

Hypertension 51
High Cholesterol 44
Stroke 3
Ischemic Heart Disease 22
Depression 26
Chronic Kidney Disease 16
Asthma 12
Osteoperosis 29
Atrial Fibrilation 10
Heart Failure 13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 10
Diabetes 19
Dementia 5
Cancer 9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA during 2014 were aspiration, injections, preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 277
doctor visit 1046
injections 277
preventive care 52
vaccines 52

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD.

Gender
Male 131
Female 390
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 444
Black 0
Hispanic 57
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 236
From 75 to 84 134
85 and over 71
Less than 65 80

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD in 2014

Hypertension 53
High Cholesterol 47
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 23
Depression 25
Chronic Kidney Disease 16
Asthma 12
Osteoperosis 24
Atrial Fibrilation 8
Heart Failure 12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 19
Dementia 4
Cancer 8

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA during 2015 were aspiration, injections, preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 296
doctor visit 1147
injections 296
preventive care 98
vaccines 98

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD.

Gender
Male 264
Female 834
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 908
Black 0
Hispanic 116
Asian 38
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 536
From 75 to 84 272
85 and over 130
Less than 65 160

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD in 2015

Hypertension 52
High Cholesterol 46
Stroke 6
Ischemic Heart Disease 21
Depression 23
Chronic Kidney Disease 21
Asthma 14
Osteoperosis 26
Atrial Fibrilation 8
Heart Failure 13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 19
Dementia 3
Cancer 9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA during 2016 were aspiration, injections, preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 237
doctor visit 1021
injections 237
preventive care 58
vaccines 58

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD.

Gender
Male 120
Female 354
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 395
Black 0
Hispanic 55
Asian 13
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 224
From 75 to 84 125
85 and over 48
Less than 65 77

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD in 2016

Hypertension 59
High Cholesterol 45
Stroke 3
Ischemic Heart Disease 20
Depression 27
Chronic Kidney Disease 23
Asthma 16
Osteoperosis 24
Atrial Fibrilation 10
Heart Failure 10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 9
Diabetes 19
Dementia 3
Cancer 8

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA during 2017 were aspiration, injections, preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 232
doctor visit 1078
hospital care 13
injections 232
inpatient care 13
preventive care 67
vaccines 67

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD.

Gender
Male 147
Female 412
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 462
Black 0
Hispanic 68
Asian 0
Other 15
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 271
From 75 to 84 154
85 and over 52
Less than 65 82

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD in 2017

Hypertension 51
High Cholesterol 36
Stroke 3
Ischemic Heart Disease 21
Depression 25
Chronic Kidney Disease 24
Asthma 11
Osteoperosis 22
Atrial Fibrilation 10
Heart Failure 13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 10
Diabetes 19
Dementia 5
Cancer 9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA during 2018 were aspiration, injections, preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 200
doctor visit 1360
injections 200
preventive care 62
vaccines 62

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD.

Gender
Male 167
Female 564
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 602
Black 0
Hispanic 83
Asian 0
Other 29
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 364
From 75 to 84 226
85 and over 63
Less than 65 78

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD in 2018

Hypertension 44
High Cholesterol 42
Stroke 3
Ischemic Heart Disease 19
Depression 22
Chronic Kidney Disease 20
Asthma 12
Osteoperosis 35
Atrial Fibrilation 8
Heart Failure 11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 7
Diabetes 16
Dementia 3
Cancer 10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA during 2019 were aspiration, injections, preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 132
doctor visit 1361
injections 132
preventive care 36
vaccines 36

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD.

Gender
Male 169
Female 599
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 633
Black 0
Hispanic 86
Asian 0
Other 32
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 400
From 75 to 84 225
85 and over 72
Less than 65 71

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD in 2019

Hypertension 46
High Cholesterol 46
Stroke 2
Ischemic Heart Disease 20
Depression 24
Chronic Kidney Disease 19
Asthma 11
Osteoperosis 38
Atrial Fibrilation 8
Heart Failure 13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 9
Diabetes 15
Dementia 5
Cancer 8

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA during 2020 were aspiration, injections, preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 99
doctor visit 966
injections 99
preventive care 43
vaccines 43

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD.

Gender
Male 145
Female 431
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 471
Black 0
Hispanic 70
Asian 0
Other 21
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 262
From 75 to 84 190
85 and over 59
Less than 65 65

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD in 2020

Hypertension 45
High Cholesterol 40
Stroke 2
Ischemic Heart Disease 19
Depression 24
Chronic Kidney Disease 25
Asthma 10
Osteoperosis 30
Atrial Fibrilation 7
Heart Failure 13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 18
Dementia 5
Cancer 11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA during 2021 were aspiration, injections, preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 50
doctor visit 900
injections 50
preventive care 16
vaccines 16

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD.

Gender
Male 139
Female 337
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 388
Black 0
Hispanic 56
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 216
From 75 to 84 152
85 and over 52
Less than 65 56

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD in 2021

Hypertension 52
High Cholesterol 47
Stroke 3
Ischemic Heart Disease 22
Depression 24
Chronic Kidney Disease 27
Asthma 12
Osteoperosis 33
Atrial Fibrilation 10
Heart Failure 15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 10
Diabetes 18
Dementia 6
Cancer 12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA during 2022 were aspiration and injections.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration 72
doctor visit 914
injections 72

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD.

Gender
Male 122
Female 328
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 353
Black 0
Hispanic 68
Asian 0
Other 17
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 197
From 75 to 84 158
85 and over 45
Less than 65 50

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD in 2022

Hypertension 61
High Cholesterol 61
Stroke 4
Ischemic Heart Disease 14
Depression 23
Chronic Kidney Disease 19
Asthma 17
Osteoperosis 36
Atrial Fibrilation 17
Heart Failure 12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 10
Diabetes 19
Dementia 4
Cancer 14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated as a rheumatologist in Santa Cruz, CA were injections, aspiration, preventive care and vaccines.

aspiration 202
doctor visit 1075
hospital care 48
injections 204
inpatient care 48
preventive care 52
vaccines 52

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD.

Gender
Male 138
Female 423
Ethnicity
Black / African American 0
Asian / Pacific Islander 5
Non-Hispanic White 464
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Hispanic 64
Other 10
Age
75 to 84 161
85 and over 60
Less than 65 73
65 to 74 266

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, osteoperosis and depression.

Hypertension 46
High Cholesterol 41
Stroke 2
Ischemic Heart Disease 18
Depression 22
Chronic Kidney Disease 19
Asthma 11
Osteoporosis 27
Heart Failure 11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 16
Atrial Fibrillation 8
Dementia 3
Cancer 8

Education & Training

Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD graduated from University of California, Davis, School of Medicine. He completed residency at Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego. He is certified by the Internal Medicine Internal Medicine (Sub: Rheumatology) and has a state license in California.

Medical School: University of California, Davis, School of Medicine

Residency: Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego (2001)

Board Certification: Internal Medicine Internal Medicine (Sub: Rheumatology)

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Dignity Health
Sutter Health
Dominican Hospital Santa Cruz

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Blue Shield of California, Medicare Advantage, HealthSmart, MultiPlan, United Healthcare, TRICARE, Cigna, Alliance PPO, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Accepted Valley Health Plan Plans: Classic Commercial HMO Plan only, Accepted Central California Alliance for Health Plans: TotalCare (HMO D-SNP), Accepted SCAN Plans: SCAN Compass (HMO), Accepted Santa Clara Family Health Plan Plans: DualConnect (HMO D-SNP), Accepted Provider Networks of America Plans: PPO, Accepted Sutter Health Plan Plans: Individual and Family Plan HMO: Large and Small Group HMO, Accepted Chinese Community Health Plan Plans: Active Choice- PPO Silver: Amber 50 HMO Silver: American Indian/Alaskan Native (Covered CA for Individual & Families): Bronze 60 HDHP HMO (including... and Accepted Aetna Plans: Aetna Choice POS II: Aetna Select EPO: Aetna Select Open Access: Aetna Signature Administrators (ASA): Aetna Student Health Program: Health Fund HMO (aka HMO/HRA): Health Fund....

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

Blue Shield of California
Medicare Advantage
HealthSmart
MultiPlan
United Healthcare
TRICARE
Cigna
Alliance PPO
Anthem Blue Cross of California
Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
Accepted Valley Health Plan Plans: Classic Commercial HMO Plan only
Accepted Central California Alliance for Health Plans: TotalCare (HMO D-SNP)
Accepted SCAN Plans: SCAN Compass (HMO)
Accepted Santa Clara Family Health Plan Plans: DualConnect (HMO D-SNP)
Accepted Provider Networks of America Plans: PPO
Accepted Sutter Health Plan Plans: Individual and Family Plan HMO: Large and Small Group HMO
Accepted Chinese Community Health Plan Plans: Active Choice- PPO Silver: Amber 50 HMO Silver: American Indian/Alaskan Native (Covered CA for Individual & Families): Bronze 60 HDHP HMO (including...
Accepted Aetna Plans: Aetna Choice POS II: Aetna Select EPO: Aetna Select Open Access: Aetna Signature Administrators (ASA): Aetna Student Health Program: Health Fund HMO (aka HMO/HRA): Health Fund...

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 359 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Santa Cruz, CA. 

4.9
Overall Rating
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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Brent D. Culver, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

Payments by Company
UCB, Inc. $124 Cimzia
$124
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC. $114 BENLYSTA
$114
Radius Health, Inc. $112 Tymlos
$112
Pfizer Inc. $82 XELJANZ
$82
Janssen Biotech, Inc. $18 Tremfya
$18
Other $14 Rinvoq
$14
Types of Payments
Food and Beverage $382
Education $82

Biography

Dr. Brent Culver's specialty is adult rheumatology. These areas are among Dr. Culver's clinical interests: psoriatic arthritis, connective tissue disorders, and lupus. He is affiliated with Dignity Health and Sutter Health. He attended the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine and then went on to complete his residency at Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego. He has a 5.0 out of 5 star average patient rating. He can take several insurance carriers, including Anthem, Blue California, and HealthSmart. Dr. Culver welcomes new patients at his office inSanta Cruz, CA as reported by Dignity Health.

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