Roumen D. Balabanov, MD

Roumen D. Balabanov, MD

4.9 
492 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology

Secondary Specialty

  • Neurology
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HealthBeat

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Faces of MS

Three women discuss how they are thriving as they live their lives with multiple sclerosis.

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Insurance

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Practice Focus Areas

Education

Medical Education:
MD, Medical University Sofia Faculty of Medicine - 1991
Internship:
Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University (Sinai-Grace) - 1999
Residency:
University of Chicago - 2002
Fellowships:
University of Chicago - 2004

Languages Spoken

  • Bulgarian

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology - Neurology (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Associate Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:
Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

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Overall Rating

4.9
4.9 

492 Ratings

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Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

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100 Most Recent Reviews

August 11, 2022

5.0

I feel he’s an excellent Doctor.

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August 11, 2022

5.0

Professional, concerned, listener

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August 08, 2022

5.0

I first met Dr. Balabanov as a patient from the Rush MS Clinic. I followed him to Northwestern because he is an exceptional numerologist, is very respectful, and includes patients in conversations around their healthcare.

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August 06, 2022

5.0

He always listens with an understanding ear.

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August 04, 2022

5.0

He’s an amazing doctor and explains what you need to do to help yourself.

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August 01, 2022

5.0

Dr. B is very personable, explains things well and takes time with each patient.

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August 01, 2022

5.0

Dr. B is an extremely knowledgeable, personable physician who explains things very well to his patients. Sometimes those with higher intelligence are unable to communicate, teach. I truly appreciate this quality in Dr. B.

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July 30, 2022

5.0

Explains answers thoroughly and responds to concerns with compassion.

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July 18, 2022

5.0

Because he really cares about his patients

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July 15, 2022

5.0

Compassionate, relatable, knowledgeable, candid, clear

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July 14, 2022

5.0

Very knowledgeable and explained my situation well

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July 12, 2022

5.0

He’s a great Doctor, he’s there to help his patients and he explains to you what procedures like Botox or just a routine visit.

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July 08, 2022

5.0

He has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is thoughtful and supportive.

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July 06, 2022

5.0

He is wonderful. Very knowledgeable (most important) but also a great “bedside” manner. I never feel rushed and he answers my many questions and replies to messages via my chart very fast.

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July 05, 2022

5.0

He's extremely knowledgeable and personable. He's a great physician

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July 01, 2022

5.0

Dr. Balabanov is very thorough and listens to my concerns. He is a very knowledgeable neurologist but also understands the entire healthcare of his patients. I highly recommend him and Northwestern Hospital system.

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July 01, 2022

5.0

Dr. B always listens to my concerns, follows up and demonstrates great knowledge with every question I have. He remembers important details and is always in a great mood.

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June 29, 2022

5.0

Dr Balabanov has been my MS doctor since the beginning of my illness and has given me the highest level of care possible so that I could continue to go on with my Profesional life while afflicted with a chronic illness

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June 29, 2022

5.0

He explained everything very well and made us feel comfortable begin his care.

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June 28, 2022

5.0

I love Dr. Balabanov and travel 2 1/2 hours to see him every year. He has kept my MS quiet and in control and I trust him to keep it that way!

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June 24, 2022

5.0

Answered all my questions and listened to me.

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June 23, 2022

5.0

He saved my wife’s life, we are very grateful to him.

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June 23, 2022

5.0

Good befside manner ane he listens and explains well

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June 22, 2022

5.0

He’s great!

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June 21, 2022

5.0

Dr. Balabanov is very respectful and listens to his patients’ comments, questions, and concerns. He doesn’t speak down to his patients but instead has a conversation with them about what is best for their health care.

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June 21, 2022

5.0

He Took time and explained things.

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June 20, 2022

5.0

Because I’ve seen him for years that’s why when my daughter got diagnosed with ms also he has been seeing her

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June 20, 2022

5.0

Concern for the interest of his patients, good listener and that caring attitude makes him worthy of recommendation.

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June 20, 2022

5.0

He is so kind and really knows his stuff.

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June 20, 2022

5.0

He listens and it’s nice to work with him

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June 18, 2022

5.0

Great Doctor

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June 14, 2022

5.0

Expert opinions, compassionate care, and spent lots of time answering my questions well past the standard 20 mins appointment time. Cares for the whole self and mental approach.

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June 14, 2022

5.0

Very informative

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June 13, 2022

5.0

Very knowledgeable right to the point

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June 09, 2022

5.0

He came highly recommended from multiple people. He really cares for your health he thinks about different ways to solve a problem

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June 07, 2022

5.0

I had a Neurologist prior to this Doctor and felt like I wasn't getting the help or being listened to. Dr. Balabanov answered all my questions and concerns and was very thorough with my examination. He's a Doctor that I can trust.

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June 07, 2022

5.0

terrific doctor!

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June 06, 2022

5.0

He listens , explains well and seems to want the best care

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June 06, 2022

5.0

I have been a patient of his for awhile and feel good in his care

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May 22, 2022

5.0

His specialty is M.S.

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May 21, 2022

3.0

Can't say at this point. I think he cared but bc its not ms not really interested. Naybe im reading it all wrong. I need help! I'm so ovewhelmed. I traveled 5 hours each way.

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May 20, 2022

5.0

Satisfied with care I received

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May 19, 2022

5.0

He always are very professional, explained to me every about me treatment

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May 17, 2022

5.0

He's knowledgeable, compassionate, and I enjoy talking to him.

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May 15, 2022

5.0

By far one of the most brilliant doctors ever.

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May 12, 2022

5.0

Extremely compassionate and helpful when explaining complicated medical issues.

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May 12, 2022

5.0

He has given me good care for seven years.I know he is well qualified.

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May 10, 2022

5.0

Kind attentive answers all my questions.

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May 09, 2022

5.0

He has stuck with us in attempts to figure out Chuck’s rare malady. He is kind. His explanations are very very helpful.

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May 06, 2022

5.0

Professional, friendly. Easy to talk to, I trust the care I get.

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May 04, 2022

5.0

He explains my MS issues and includes me in the discussion. He’s very thorough and a great doctor!

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May 02, 2022

5.0

He is very patient

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May 02, 2022

5.0

Great follow up questions, and knowledge

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May 02, 2022

5.0

Professional, knowledgeable & patient.

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May 02, 2022

5.0

Outstanding physician. Very down to earth. Explains everything to your satisfaction. Makes sure you have all your questions answered.

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April 21, 2022

5.0

I’m very pleased that he takes his time to explain my medical issues. He always includes me while discussing my medical needs.

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April 19, 2022

5.0

Dr. Balabanov always provides me with excellent care and asks my opinion and makes sure I’m comfortable with next steps.

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April 19, 2022

5.0

Brilliant but still easy to talk to. Honest in his analysis.

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April 18, 2022

5.0

He is very knowledgeable, responsive and seems to care.

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April 18, 2022

5.0

The doctor was thorough and listened & responded thoughtfully to my questions.

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April 17, 2022

5.0

Excellent doctor!

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April 14, 2022

5.0

Extremely great doctor and bedside manner

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April 12, 2022

5.0

Dr. Balabanov is extremely knowledgeable about Multiple Sclerosis and I trust his opinions and expertise.

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April 11, 2022

5.0

I love Dr B! He is so easy to talk to and is very realistic about life and care.

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April 07, 2022

5.0

Dr B is thorough and patient. He shows empathy and is extremely concerned about the patient as also a person

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April 07, 2022

5.0

He really takes time out for his patient he really care and concerned about my healing I appreciate it make me feel very comfortable

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April 07, 2022

5.0

He cares!

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March 27, 2022

5.0

He is caring and patient

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March 23, 2022

5.0

Great physician

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March 21, 2022

5.0

My neurologist is compassionate, very personable and knowledgeable. He played a crucial role in my Multiple Scleroris treatment and I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a neurologist.

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March 21, 2022

5.0

He takes time to talk to you to find out how you feel and discusses with you what the plan is.

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March 21, 2022

5.0

Overall, Dr. Balabanov is an excellent physician.

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March 17, 2022

5.0

Excellent at explaining so I can understand the most difficult concepts

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March 14, 2022

5.0

Caring smart kind professional

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March 14, 2022

5.0

He listened gave me his opinion and could tell he cared.

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March 14, 2022

5.0

Friendly doctor and staff. Knowledgeable and helpful doctor. Dr. balavanov took as much time as i needed to answer all questions thoroughly to my understanding. Did not rush our visit. i'm very thankful for being referred to Dr. Balavanov. Thanks for everything you do.

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March 11, 2022

5.0

Confident in his abilities

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March 11, 2022

5.0

He is highly knowledgeable and professional.

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March 10, 2022

5.0

Outstanding physician who care deeply about his patients.

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March 08, 2022

5.0

Great bedside manner, really explained my condition, treatment options, prognosis, and was very good at listening to what my concerns were, and addressed all of them.

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March 08, 2022

5.0

He’s a excellent doctor

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March 04, 2022

5.0

Very thorough

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February 28, 2022

5.0

Great doctor

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February 22, 2022

5.0

The best Neurologist in Northwestern

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February 21, 2022

5.0

Dr. Balabanov is wonderful. He provided good information and also made me feel heard.

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February 21, 2022

5.0

Excellent Doctor

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February 18, 2022

5.0

Very attentive and considerate. Knowledgable able all aspects of MS and health. Listens well to patient.

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February 10, 2022

5.0

Brilliant

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February 10, 2022

5.0

Dr. Is super kinda and very knowledgeable.

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February 07, 2022

5.0

He's a great doctor, very thorough

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February 04, 2022

5.0

As many of his patients will call him,Dr.B ,Is the kind of Physican, that truly cares about the concern of his patient's. even when he has a heavy patient load he never makes you feel unheard.I feel because of Dr. B ,I have contuined to fight this disease from 2004 until now.Dr B , Contuine the great work that you do for your patient's !!! I thank God for you!!

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January 31, 2022

5.0

Offers his expert opinion in an easy to understand manner. His ease and willingness to spend time on questions asked is invaluable in a Doctor nowadays. Very personable.

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January 24, 2022

5.0

Makes you feel comfortable in discussing your diagnosis. Works with you on a plan of action. Also very efficient.

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January 24, 2022

5.0

Very professional

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January 17, 2022

5.0

Generous with his time and expertise. He is the best.

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January 14, 2022

5.0

When going through any medical issue, having someone empathize and give sound medical advice with you in mind is priceless.

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January 13, 2022

5.0

Dr. Balabanov has a very insightful approach and philosophy which I had been searching for.

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January 10, 2022

5.0

Personal friendly concerned empathetic sincere

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January 07, 2022

5.0

He’s smart, on top of all MS-related treatments, and capable of answering any question I ask. That’s so unbelievably rare!

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January 07, 2022

5.0

He seems highly knowledgeable .

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Disclosures

Industry Relationships

Consulting / Related Activities

Faculty member engaged in activities such as speaking, advising, consulting, or providing educational programs for the following companies or other entities

  • Biogen

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.

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