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Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD

Accepting New Patients

(131 Ratings)

Specializes in: Adult Rheumatology

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine

Professional interests include: skin issues, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.

200 W. Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103

1-800-926-8273

Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD is a rheumatologist in San Diego, CA specializing in adult rheumatology. He graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD is affiliated with UC San Diego Health and Regents of the University of California.

Office Locations

Address:

200 W. Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103

Address:

4168 Front Street
San Diego, CA 92103

Address:

8899 University Center Lane
San Diego, CA 92122

Address:

9350 Campus Point Drive
San Diego, CA 92037

Some issues Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, 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.

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

“SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, September 20, 2023/ EINPresswire.com / -- Bento Biology Platforms, Inc. ("BENTO"), a subsidiary of Hypatia Group, is thrilled to announce that two...”—"Bento Biology Co-Founders to Participate in Panel Discussion at Global Genes' Week", Fox31 Denver, September 2023

“Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling and stiffness in the hands and feet early in the morning that lasts for more than 30 minutes, said Dr. Kenneth Kalunian, a professor in...”—"Rheumatoid arthritis: Pain, swelling early signs", The San Diego Union-Tribune, September 2013

“"It's very exciting to have this drug," said Dr. Kenneth Kalunian, a professor at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and associate director of the UCSD Center for Innovative...”—"Easing the complications", The San Diego Union-Tribune, June 2011

doctor visit	289
hospital care	22
inpatient care	22

**Gender**
Male	28
Female	89

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	73
Black	0
Hispanic	20
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	57
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	37

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	21
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	23
Dementia	0
Cancer	10

doctor visit	356

**Gender**
Male	23
Female	87

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	67
Black	0
Hispanic	24
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	52
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	32

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	25
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	362

**Gender**
Male	54
Female	196

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	178
Black	0
Hispanic	30
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	126
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	64

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	24
Dementia	0
Cancer	11

doctor visit	372

**Gender**
Male	30
Female	91

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	73
Black	12
Hispanic	21
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	64
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	28

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	20
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	21
Dementia	0
Cancer	12

doctor visit	331

**Gender**
Male	26
Female	96

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	74
Black	0
Hispanic	20
Asian	13
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	68
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	29

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	35
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	16
Dementia	0
Cancer	11

doctor visit	337

**Gender**
Male	22
Female	91

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	69
Black	0
Hispanic	25
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	56
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	28

Hypertension	54
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	24
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	23
Dementia	10
Cancer	11

doctor visit	385

**Gender**
Male	30
Female	100

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	80
Black	0
Hispanic	26
Asian	11
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	54
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	37

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	40
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	22
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	26
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	21
Dementia	9
Cancer	10

doctor visit	361

**Gender**
Male	31
Female	109

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	95
Black	0
Hispanic	21
Asian	11
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	60
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	41

Hypertension	53
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	43
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	27
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	17
Dementia	11
Cancer	14

doctor visit	692

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD treated as a rheumatologist in San Diego, CA were hospital care and inpatient care.

doctor visit	389
hospital care	22
inpatient care	22

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD.

**Gender**
Female	85
Male	24

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	1
Asian / Pacific Islander	3
Non-Hispanic White	70
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	18
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	0
75 to 84	0
Less than 65	29
65 to 74	53

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	47
High Cholesterol	36
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	6
Osteoporosis	15
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	17
Atrial Fibrillation	4
Cancer	7
Dementia	3

Education & Training

Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine. He completed residency at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has a state license in California.

Medical School: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine

Residency: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

UC San Diego Health

Regents of the University of California

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.82 out of 5 stars based on 131 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in San Diego, CA.

4.82

Overall Rating

(131 Ratings)

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General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Eli Lilly and Company	$37,072 $37,072
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.	$36,039 ORENCIA $13,216	$22,823
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP	$24,380 SAPHNELO $7,047	$17,334
UCB SA	$21,698 $21,698
Pfizer Inc.	$18,726 $18,726
Other	$103,623 BENLYSTA $11,775	ACTHAR $8,555	Gazyva $8,033	NON-PRODUCT $4,108	STELARA $3,886	Other $67,267

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$199,256
Travel and Lodging	$19,687
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program	$7,250
Honoraria	$6,288
Food and Beverage	$5,932
Other	$3,127

Research Payments

Dr. Kenneth Carekin Kalunian, MD has received 149 research payments totaling $1,524,886.

Biography

Dr. Kenneth Kalunian is a San Diego, CA physician who specializes in adult rheumatology. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine and St. Louis University School of Medicine. His residency was performed at a hospital affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Kalunian's areas of expertise consist of lupus, skin issues, and rheumatoid arthritis. His average rating from his patients is 5.0 stars (out of 5). His hospital/clinic affiliations include UC San Diego Health and Regents of the University of California. Dr. Kalunian's practice in San Diego, CA is open to new patients as reported by UC San Diego Health.