Stephen E. Heim, MD

Stephen E. Heim, MD

4.7 
391 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Spine Surgery

Secondary Specialty

Physician Website

Insurance

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Accepting New Patients
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Education

Medical Education:
MD, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine - 1982
Internship:
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 1983
Residency:
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 1987
Fellowships:
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
Physician Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group
On Medical Staff At:
Central DuPage Hospital
Delnor Hospital
Northwestern 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.

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Overall Rating

4.7
4.7 

391 Ratings

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Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

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100 Most Recent Reviews

August 24, 2021

5.0

Dr. 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.

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August 22, 2021

5.0

he is an excellent surgeon with a caring and supportive nurse, Alane.

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August 13, 2021

5.0

Good Doctor

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August 11, 2021

5.0

I 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.

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July 30, 2021

5.0

Personable and explained things well

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July 29, 2021

5.0

Very thorough

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July 28, 2021

0.0

The 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

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July 28, 2021

5.0

The best orthopedic surgeon in the Chicago area!

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July 24, 2021

5.0

I have had 2 back surgeries, lower back and a spinal fusion. With each operation both he and his staff explained each and were more than willing to answer questions.

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July 17, 2021

5.0

Dr Heim and nurse were very helpful.

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July 16, 2021

5.0

Professional-extremely knowledgeable

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July 14, 2021

5.0

Very good bedside manner

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July 13, 2021

5.0

He is a very good doctor

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July 07, 2021

5.0

Very knowledgeable

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July 06, 2021

5.0

highly skilled and thorough

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July 01, 2021

5.0

Fine fellow

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June 30, 2021

5.0

Knowledgeable 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!

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June 27, 2021

4.0

I was highly recommended to him and I am going on that recommendation but I feel the doctors need to stay on on place rather move from locations.

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June 24, 2021

5.0

Experienced, knowledgeable, proficient, professional

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June 23, 2021

5.0

Great bedside manner, very professional & empathetic

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June 23, 2021

5.0

Straight forward with examination, thorough review of diagnosis and explanation of corrective measures necessary to improve situation.

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June 23, 2021

5.0

Through, attentive, and personable; an experienced physician and surgeon.

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June 18, 2021

2.0

The doctor was not very helpful with the problems that I’m still occur his interest in my recovery and giving me further information was not there.

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June 18, 2021

5.0

Presents himself so well prepared confident and competent

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June 16, 2021

2.0

I am disappointed

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June 16, 2021

5.0

Very knowledgeable, compassionate, and best surgeon!

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June 15, 2021

5.0

Great service

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June 15, 2021

5.0

I like him and feel like he cares about my health

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June 11, 2021

0.0

He isn't nice almost to the point of rude

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June 05, 2021

4.0

He 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.

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June 04, 2021

5.0

Explained the correct and incorrect fusion 6lower back. Took xrays to show me the pain I have.

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June 02, 2021

5.0

Explained everything

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June 02, 2021

5.0

Knowledgeable, professional. He gives you a warm feeling.

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May 14, 2021

5.0

An all-around great surgeon!

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May 12, 2021

5.0

Willing to answer questions and takes time to explain things.

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May 11, 2021

5.0

Due to the results of my prior treatment I have already recommended Dr. Heim to friends and family.

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May 09, 2021

5.0

Dr Heim is very professional , competent, empathetic, and an excellent surgeon.I cannot truly believe my back surgery was so very successful. I am grateful for his staff and his care .

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May 07, 2021

5.0

Very 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.

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May 04, 2021

5.0

He is very calming, doesn’t rush the appointment and explains everything to help you understand.

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May 01, 2021

5.0

I already have a friend coming for a consult with Dr. Heim this week per my referral

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April 27, 2021

5.0

Professional Decisive Expedient

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April 26, 2021

5.0

Professional, team is awesome and helpful

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April 20, 2021

5.0

As an H.S.P., I sensed genuine kindness.

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April 16, 2021

5.0

I had previous surgery from Dr Heim he is terrific

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April 16, 2021

4.0

Very lovely man great bedside manners.

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April 14, 2021

5.0

Takes his time to explain condition and answer questions.

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April 14, 2021

5.0

Very friendly and informative. Once he realized the seriousness of my situation squeezed me in to an earlier spot for surgery.

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April 13, 2021

5.0

kind, caring, capable

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April 11, 2021

5.0

He is capable and a caring Doctor

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April 09, 2021

5.0

I’m so confident in him. No worries about surgery at all!

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April 03, 2021

4.0

Not very friendly

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March 26, 2021

5.0

I felt very comfortable with him. I did not feel rushed and he explained everything and showed me the X-ray and MRI

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March 24, 2021

0.0

the doctor was an unhelpful prick

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March 21, 2021

5.0

Very knowledgeable, very experienced. Dr Heim is kind and will answer any questions you have. He will not rush you out of hiss office. I was very comfortable with Dr Heim

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March 20, 2021

5.0

I can walk again with no pain!

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March 18, 2021

5.0

Excellent care, professionalism and compassion for the patient is what my experience has been for over 20 years. I have complete confidence in Dr. Heim and Alaine’s ability to facilitate & coordinate navigating through the process is exceptional.

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March 17, 2021

5.0

Dr. Heim explains everything clearly. He did a great job-my surgery was very successful.

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March 16, 2021

5.0

Dr Heim is a great surgeon, person and an incredibly reliable information source for all matters pre & post op! I’m very grateful for his surgical skill set!

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March 10, 2021

5.0

He knows his med and takes the time to explain it to you

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March 09, 2021

5.0

He’s awesome

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March 02, 2021

0.0

I was rushed through my appointment. My MRI wasn’t reviewed; just the x-rays that were taken the day of my appointment. I was told that I should “let my pediatrician know when I have a family because they’ll need to monitor my kids for scoliosis� (I do not have kids, nor will I be having kids in the foreseeable future). There was no rationale presented for my excruciating back pain, and I was prescribed physical therapy which has never worked for me in the past.

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February 24, 2021

5.0

Excellent work and through explanation s

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February 21, 2021

5.0

Also, he’s performed two successful spinal fusion surgeries on me previously.

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February 20, 2021

5.0

Convinced he is the Very Best possible choice for back surgery

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February 17, 2021

5.0

Dr. Steven Heim is my surgeon he did an exceptional job on my lumbar infusions, Lower Back and Neck, I highly recommend this awesome Surgeon. ��

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February 16, 2021

1.0

He was not aware of my recent treatment at NM (7 - 20 days ago with 3 appointments) and did not look at my xrays or MRI results from NM. He referred me to a neurologist to get an mri that I already have (last week) and ordered me to restart PT that I just canceled at the direction of PA Erik. I feel farther away from getting help than before my appointment. $40 copay and my time wasted.

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February 16, 2021

5.0

Excellent surgeon

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February 10, 2021

5.0

To the point with diagnosis. Felt very comfortable.

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February 10, 2021

5.0

His concern and professionalism

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February 10, 2021

5.0

Dr. Heim was extremely knowledgeable and explained the surgery in detail

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February 09, 2021

5.0

He allowed me to regain my active life years ago.

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February 07, 2021

5.0

He is a very good surgeon and he explains very well before and after surgery

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February 02, 2021

5.0

Very personable success my wife had

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February 02, 2021

5.0

Considerate listens explains does not rush answers questions awesome surgeon

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February 02, 2021

5.0

I have had great relief from the back issues through Dr. Heim’s skilled surgery.

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January 19, 2021

5.0

Excellent surgeon along with bedside manner. Always ready to assist in healing.

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January 17, 2021

5.0

Very clear and personable.

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January 13, 2021

5.0

Extremely knowledgeable

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January 08, 2021

5.0

Caring and informative.

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December 31, 2020

5.0

Excellent care, recommendations from others, reputation, bedside manner, the respect of the people who work with him.

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December 23, 2020

2.0

This was the 2nd time I had seen Dr. Heim. The first time was fine. Today I was there to go over a lumbar MRI I had done a few days earlier. The visit lasted about 2 minutes. He told me my MRI showed no major structural problems. However, I am still having problems. He seemed dismissive of the assessment’s of my PT and Chiro. It appeared he did not have time to listen to my concerns, and then suggested an EMG and left. As the EMG was being scheduled I asked to speak with him again for confirmation of the MRI. He seemed put out by me asking more questions.

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December 23, 2020

5.0

very professional, explained clearly....good experience, Cindy the Doctors Asst was very good too ....Not a fan of the receptionist - she seemed rude when questioning me about Covid symptoms (Leanne?)

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December 23, 2020

5.0

Professional

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December 15, 2020

5.0

Dr. Heim was amazing in the way he explained my imaging results, and his surgical recommendation.

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December 14, 2020

5.0

Dr. Heim and his staff are truly caring individuals and do care about the patients needs

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December 13, 2020

4.0

His experience. And makes me feel secure.

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December 13, 2020

4.0

Would have liked a recommendation for pain meds till physical therapy started

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December 12, 2020

5.0

So caring and really listened to my fears and concerns. He has taken care of me from start to finish and I am so grateful I am back to being myself.

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December 11, 2020

1.0

He's a surgeon who doesn't relate to injuries that don't involve surgery.

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December 09, 2020

5.0

I have seen him for two spinal areas. Friends I have referred to him enjoyed their experiences & benefitted a lot.

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December 09, 2020

0.0

Mr. Heim is a clueless hack... I will never call him doctor... Since this is anonymous, my name is Jason Brunke... What an absolute joke of a "second opinion"... nurses and xray tech were nice... I'll probably get tetanus from his safety pin he carries around to poke you with... I feel the visit was a complete waste of time and percocet... I could have had my kid poke me with sharp objects... He did nothing, had no opinion, said I was fine lol... Whats that sound a duck makes?

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December 08, 2020

5.0

Very good reputation

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December 07, 2020

5.0

high quality communication and expertise

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December 06, 2020

5.0

He explained surgery in a way that I could understand. Answered my questions clearly and completely.

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December 05, 2020

5.0

Dr. Heim is thorough, communicative, knowledgable, professional and highly skilled.

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December 03, 2020

5.0

Again Dr. Hime did an incredible job with the surgery on my back. He did a fusion 25 years ago, perhaps I’ll get another 25 years out of this last surgery. He is amazing

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December 01, 2020

5.0

Clear direction friendly took time did not rush

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November 23, 2020

5.0

Very knowledgeable and confident surgeon with a stellar reputation. Also a nice guy!

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November 18, 2020

5.0

He was carrying and really very thorough.

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November 17, 2020

5.0

very knowledgable vs a previous Dr. No surgery recommendation on first visit - even second visit - sort of forces PT on you... BUT that is a really good thing!

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