Joshua J. Ward, MD
Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical GroupPrimary Specialty
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Insurance
Insurance plans are subject to change. View insurance plans accepted at each hospital and by each NMHC physician group.Practice Focus Areas
- Back/Neck/Spine
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Electrodiagnostic Test Testing
- Herniated Disc
- Interventional Pain Management
- Musculoskeletal Medicine
- Non-Operative Spine Care
- Spinal Injections
Education
- Medical Education:
-
MD, University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine - 2002
- Internship:
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Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation - 2003
- Residency:
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University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics - 2006
Board Certifications
- American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Certified)
Practice Groups and Affiliations
- Medical Group:
- Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group
- Physician Category:
-
Northwestern Medicine Physician NetworkNorthwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group
- On Medical Staff At:
-
Central DuPage HospitalDelnor HospitalNorthwestern Medicine Surgery Center
Ratings and Reviews
At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.
Read Ratings FAQsOverall Rating
290 Ratings
Reviews from Patients
Reviews from Patients
June 30, 2021
5.0 star star star star starHe actually prepared for the appointment ahead of time by reading my chart and reviewing all of my images such as MRIs, etc. This allowed him to actually talk with me when he saw me and thoughtfully listen to my description of symptoms. He was respectful and patient with me, and he didn’t rush the appointment or spend all his time on the computer talking at the screen rather than me. He wasn’t distracted by other matters outside of my exam room either. The rest of this review pertains to Dr Ward, but since most of it is the result of NM interference in my care and my doctors, I didn’t want it to reflect badly on him. I don’t think it would have been this way if transferring to a new doctor weren’t such a nightmare for all involved now. I did get the feeling he was given biased information about why I wanted to switch to him, and maybe didn’t really understand. I even feel like I’m going to be punished by receiving less care from him than I received from the first doctor I saw, as a way to make me hesitate to ever switch again. I can’t point to what made me leave with that feeling, but it was something about his manner. I didn’t feel it was proper to tell him all of the little things that upset me in my appt with the other doctor, so he will be left with whatever the nurses and the other doctor have communicated between each other. This is a new problem introduced by NM and their treatment of patients who want to switch doctors. None of this would have happened this way before. Doctors used to understand that sometimes it’s just a clash of personality or perspective and the patient’s comfort and rapport matters to their healing. Something has caused doctors to now be suspicious right away, before even talking to the patient themselves. I was even put on the spot with the other doctor’s nurse directly calling me to ask why, when I had already communicated that to the doctor before even asking to switch. I should have only had to talk to the new doctor’s nurse directly. It was uncomfortable and unkind for them to do, and it’s a byproduct of NM involvement. The physical portion of the appt wasn’t as thorough as I think it should be, but that’s true of all the doctors at OAD. However, at least Dr Ward went a step further to check where the pain is happening on my body for areas that would relate to the spine and lower back, what causes it and the severity. Not as complete as I would have liked but it’s wasn’t just a quickie 10-second reflexes check like the previous doctor. I personally feel identifying where all the pain is on a patient and the severity of it helps to identify not only areas that might be related to the doctor’s area of expertise, but also areas where a different specialist might be helpful. A doctor is a doctor, and limiting an exam to a narrow area of care is worthy of an “it’s not my job� award, leaving serious issues go undetected. For instance, I was recently diagnosed with a severe case of osteoporosis, and I’m young for the scores my test had. Never before in my history did any Orthopaedic suggest a bone density test, even when my pain was so severe but they said it wasn’t related to my degenerative discs. I could have had this problem for years and I could have been treating it long before it got this bad. This year a doctor at OAD, who wasn’t a good fit for me but was still thorough, did order that test and discover my condition. They don’t treat it, but they can refer me to those who do. That test should have been ordered at least four years ago when I came to OAD over all this pain, but that doctor didn’t bother thinking outside his own little box, and only referred me to a neurologist. I can’t be sure Dr Ward would have thought of the test either. I dont know what he would have done had I seen him first. That would make one wonder why I switched doctors in the first place since the other one was so thorough in that regard. It’s because bedside manner is really important to me. I need time to cover everything I want to share and I need to see that the doctor is engaged in what I am saying and working through it thoughtfully. I need to feel that they are considering how my case might be different than what the first glance might suggest and not throw me a one size fits all treatment, and certainly not rush me through my appointment that I’m paying for. Thats what respect for the patient looks like, and that’s what Dr. Ward was like. So, I’ll keep Dr. Ward and know things happened the way they did for a reason, because my osteoporosis did need to be discovered.
May 24, 2021
5.0 star star star star starDr. Ward is very attentive. He listens, and explains everything! He is very knowledgeable about all types of procedures to help with spinal issues and pain. He is also very thorough, considering all aspects of the condition and determines the best options.
May 22, 2021
4.0 star star star star star_borderIt’s hard to give a score-he did tell me that he treated patients with back problems and did refer me to another Dr in the ortho groupâ€â€he listened and we did have a good discussion about my problem.
April 14, 2021
5.0 star star star star starDr. Ward know his stuff when it comes to the spine. I been to many doctors outside of NW and all they want to do is give medication and not solve the problem. I have been suffering in pain for years and Dr. Ward made that pain go away and for that I'm very thankful!
March 28, 2021
5.0 star star star star starHe listens and takes his time it was over 3 yrs since i jad been there he remembered every little detail about all my medical down to about my niece and nephew very knowledgeable and understanding i never felt rushed
March 03, 2021
5.0 star star star star starDr. Ward took time to outline a range of treatment options, from conservative to more aggressive, and explained the pros and cons. A conservative approach was agreed on with follow up if this isn’t successful.
January 13, 2021
5.0 star star star star starDr. Ward was easy to talk with and listened to my concerns. He offered a few treatment options and let me decide what would work best for me. I would have no hesitation seeking his care in the future.
December 18, 2020
5.0 star star star star starI like the way I was treated. He discussed all the treatment options available for me and listened to my concerns. I feel great about the course of action that I will be taken to treat my issue.
December 14, 2020
1.0 star star_border star_border star_border star_borderHe has done very well with my injections. The only thing I didn’t like about him was the televisit I missed with him on 12/10. My appt was for 9:15 and I was called at 9:24. I’m sure he could of called again. I don’t think he’s going to be that busy doing phone visits as opposed to in person visits.
October 13, 2020
5.0 star star star star starI was impressed with Dr Ward, he took time with me, listened to my concerns, explained what he would like to do, explained my options. Made me comfortable and made me understand that I would have a say in my treatment.
September 29, 2020
5.0 star star star star starI like Dr. Ward. He is low key and explains everything and shows you the problems on the x-ray or MRI. Gives you the treatment options and lets you decide what you are comfortable doing. The nurses are great.
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