Stephen E. Heim, MD
Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical GroupInsurance
This medical professional accepts the insurance providers listed below. For specific plans, see the full plan list. To be sure this medical professional is covered by your insurance plan, please contact your insurance carrier.
Commercial Payors
Government Payors
Exchange Payors
Education
- Medical Education:
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MD, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine - 1982
- Internship:
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McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 1983
- Residency:
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McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 1987
- Fellowships:
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McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 1987
Board Certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery - Orthopaedic Surgery (Certified)
Practice Groups and Affiliations
- Medical Group:
- Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group
- On Medical Staff At:
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Central DuPage HospitalDelnor HospitalNorthwestern Medicine Surgery Center
Ratings and Reviews
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385 Ratings
Reviews from Patients
Reviews from Patients
January 20, 2022
2.0 star star star_border star_border star_borderDr. Heim and his office seemed somewhat friendly toward me before surgery in October. Although, my first clue of what was to come should have been that when I asked Dr. Heim if I could be on vacation the week after surgery and go places and do things, he looked at him and said to do whatever I felt like. Although he said he generally tells patients to take off of work 2 weeks after surgery. Hmm . . . I wonder when he would have told me that if I hadn't asked. After surgery, it got worse. Although Alane did call me the 'problem patient' prior to surgery because I told her I couldn't take 2 of the medications she told me that I needed to take. She didn't ask me why. Just called me a problem. After surgery, I was told I would see Erik Rodriguez in 3 weeks to have the staples out. That shocked me. No one would see me for 3 weeks? In any event, it turned out that I was in horrific pain the weekend after surgery. I never expected this and feel expectations should have been explained to me. I believe it should have been Dr. Heim's first clue when I talked about being on vacation the week after. He had told me that my herniated disk was very bad. Why didn't he let me know the possible pain scenarios I might experience after surgery. Honestly, I expected to hear from the doctor's office or the hospital. A call to see how I was doing. I have had that care from other hospitals and other doctors after other surgeries. But nothing came. The following Monday, I called Dr. Heim's office and asked for pain medication. I was told someone would get back to me. At the end of the day, I called back and was told that emergency response was to get back to me in 24 hours. Seriously? Is that acceptable? 24 hours to get back to me when I told them I was experiencing great pain? So, Erik Rodriguez did call me back. He was kind and had a calming voice and we talked. I told him, calmly - not yelling or crying - that I felt a little abandoned. I could not believe no one followed up on me and no one was calling me back the same day I called to say I was in pain. Or that no one had set after surgery pain expectations for me. (I had told everyone that in past surgeries, I never took any pain pills. No one told me - this is back surgery. It is different. Although they said that to me after surgery!!!) Erik told me that my prescription of Norco (which I really did not want to take for personal reasons) was at my pharmacy and I could get that filled. The only other pain medication offered to me was Tylenol with codeine. I'm surprised there are no other pain medications on the market. Following that, I took the Norco and I got a refill of Tylenol with codeine. But I never heard from anyone. My next doctor appointment was in January! Again, I was shocked that it would be that long before I saw my doctor. But I went in ready to really delve into what was going on with me. I had been going to physical therapy, but was still in a lot of pain and could not stand up straight. When Dr. Heim came into the room he asked if I could touch my toes. I said no, but let's see how far I can get. He said to keep doing my PT, that the exercises were geared toward helping with that. Side note: I don't think they are - at all. I told him that I was still in pain and had a hard time standing up straight and he told me that I was fine. It was just habit to not stand up straight. Side note: I am in pain and it hurts to stand up straight most of the time. I tried talking to him about a different mattress and he told me that it is all marketing. Would not discuss it at all. I tried talking to him about possible exercise equipment: i.e. a Cubii. He looked at me like I was from the moon and told me to try whatever I want. In less than 5 minutes he was leaving the room. I was asking when I would see him again and he said that I would not. I was trying to ask him why not, or where do I go from here, but he - literally - was walking backward out of the room shaking his head. No help whatsoever. When he left the room, my boyfriend (who was in the room with me) and I looked at each other with our mouths hanging open. We both said, "What just happened?" i am not sure if Dr. Heim read notes from my discussion with Erik and didn't like. Or if he is always cold and done with a person after surgery. But whichever it is, I am not at all happy with any of this.
January 18, 2022
0.0 star_border star_border star_border star_border star_borderReferred by Dr. Ghanayem of Loyola. Heim ordered xrays. Immediately said he couldnt help me. I asked for diagnosis. Said " I dont know". What's wrong with me? Same answer. What do I do to keep back from going out- same. No recomm.
December 05, 2021
5.0 star star star star starHe tells you what you need to know. Stand up Dr that takes the time to talk to you. Treats you like a person not just another patient. My surgery is set with him coming up. I’m looking forward to having it done.
November 13, 2021
5.0 star star star star starDr Heim performed my husband’s surgery. I was impressed with him and his staff then and now. When I informed the pain management staff I was seeing that I was going to see dr Heim , I was told excellent choice as she was familiar with him.
October 19, 2021
5.0 star star star star starI was very apprehensive about seeing a surgeon, figuring he would recommend surgery right of the bat. I wasn't expecting to do x-rays, either but was gald they did. I knew all about my issues but Dr. Heim had pointed out how arthritic my lower back joints were. Dr. Heim recommended seeing a spine therapist.
September 26, 2021
3.0 star star star star_border star_borderHe's an excellent surgeon. He has poor bedside manner on post op appointments. So I chose a great surgeon who isn't listening post op. I don't think I would send a friend to him without that warning.
August 24, 2021
5.0 star star star star starDr. Heim's skillful surgery relieved a symptom of right foot drop which had plagued me for over 12 years. I had no complications after the procedure, and a month out I have been walking over 3 miles per day.
August 11, 2021
5.0 star star star star starI went to him because of having back pain, did an x-ray immediately, found the reason for the pain, and immediately ordered physical therapy. He was very direct with me and I appreciate that in a doctor.
July 28, 2021
0.0 star_border star_border star_border star_border star_borderThe doctor did a physical exam and told me that I didn't need surgery so pretty much there was no reason for me to be seeing him, he said that I have a muscle injury and it's a large group of muscles so it's going to hurt, he just told me to follow up with occupational health and sent me on my way. He had no other help or advice or recommendations or referrals to anyone else
June 30, 2021
5.0 star star star star starKnowledgeable and professional. He did not try to analyze without first gathering more data/images. Greatly appreciated that. Will gain more insight after we begin further review of all images. He appeared to understand my level of “normal� activity is more than just walking but training!
June 05, 2021
4.0 star star star star star_borderHe had never done surgery on me but he came highly recommended by a good friend of mine. My friend had basically only 2 bad weeks right after surgery then it was unbelievable on how well he progressed during his recovering. I know this surgery is not the easiest to recover from but my friend’s recovery was great that’s enough for me.
May 07, 2021
5.0 star star star star starVery well manner, and took time to listen , to my issues and over all showed that he truly wanted to help me. And Communicated with me about how he was going to treat and fully diagnose my condition. I feel very comfortable with him.
Disclosures
Stephen E. Heim, MD reported no external professional relationships for calendar year 2021.
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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