Neurosurgeons in Chicago, IL
Compare 213 neurosurgeons in Chicago, IL. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
213
Neurosurgeons
100%
Accepting patients
75%
Most common: MD
Top-Rated Neurosurgeons in Chicago, IL
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Specialty: neurosurgeonState: ILCity: Chicago
About neurosurgeons in Chicago, IL
Chicago is one of the great American medical cities. The Illinois Medical District on the Near West Side is one of the largest urban medical campuses in the country, and the competition between Northwestern, UChicago Medicine, Rush, and Advocate keeps driving specialization deeper. The challenge is that access depends heavily on which side of the city you live on, and the South and West sides have far fewer options than the North Side and downtown.
Chicago has 213 neurosurgeons. The most common credential is MD (75%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
The CTA L train connects many neighborhoods to the major hospital campuses. Northwestern and Lurie Children's sit in Streeterville off the Red Line. Rush and the Illinois Medical District are accessible via the Blue and Pink Lines. UChicago Medicine in Hyde Park is reachable by the 6 bus or Metra Electric. North Side residents have easy access to Advocate Illinois Masonic and Swedish Covenant. South Side access gaps are real, and residents in Englewood and Back of the Yards face longer trips for specialty care.
Providers practice throughout Chicago. Lincoln Park is a popular North Side neighborhood near Northwestern's Prentice Women's Hospital and Lurie Children's. Wicker Park is a trendy neighborhood with growing healthcare options and proximity to the Illinois Medical District. Hyde Park is home to the University of Chicago Medical Center, a Level I trauma center and nationally ranked hospital. Gold Coast is an affluent lakefront neighborhood with concierge practices and proximity to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Nearby hospitals include Northwestern Memorial Hospital, University of Chicago Medical Center, and Rush University Medical Center. Local training programs run through Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Chicago's Illinois Medical District is one of the largest urban medical districts in the US, spanning 560 acres.
What to expect at your first neurosurgeon visit in Chicago, IL
The consultation includes a neurological exam and detailed review of your imaging (MRI, CT). The neurosurgeon will explain whether surgery is recommended, what the procedure involves, the expected outcome, and the risks. They may recommend trying conservative treatments first (physical therapy, injections, medication) before operating. For elective procedures, you will have time to ask questions and seek a second opinion if desired.
Tips for Chicago, IL patients
If you are new to Chicago, pick your health system based on geography. Northwestern for the North Side and downtown, Rush for the West Side, UChicago for the South Side. Advocate Aurora is the largest system in the suburbs and has a growing city presence.
When to see a neurosurgeon
See a neurosurgeon for brain tumors, herniated discs causing nerve compression, spinal stenosis not improving with conservative treatment, spinal fractures or instability, brain aneurysms, trigeminal neuralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome (when surgery is needed), hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, and traumatic injuries to the brain or spine. Your neurologist, PCP, or ER physician will typically make the referral.
Typical costs
Consultation copay: $30-75 · Discectomy: $15,000-50,000 · Spinal fusion: $25,000-100,000+ · Brain tumor removal: $50,000-150,000+
Frequently asked questions about neurosurgeons in Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL has 213 licensed neurosurgeons. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of neurosurgeons in Chicago, IL are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is the dominant carrier in the Chicago market for both employer and individual plans. On the ACA marketplace, Ambetter, Molina, and Oscar compete on price. Medicaid enrollment is high, and CountyCare (Cook County's managed care plan) is a major Medicaid provider.
A consultation copay is $50 to $100. Spinal fusion costs $20,000 to $80,000. Brain tumor surgery costs $30,000 to $100,000+. Carpal tunnel release costs $2,000 to $5,000. Actual costs in Chicago, IL depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Neurosurgery is among the most expensive surgical specialties. Multiple bills are standard: surgeon, assistant surgeon, anesthesia, facility, implants (spinal hardware), and neuromonitoring. Get pre-authorization and ask about in-network status for all providers involved in the case.
Chicago's healthcare market is dominated by four academic systems (Northwestern, UChicago, Rush, Loyola) and two large community systems (Advocate Aurora, Ascension). Most physicians are affiliated with one system, and referrals stay in-network. Access varies by neighborhood: the North Side and downtown have excellent coverage, while the South and West sides have documented provider shortages.
56% of neurosurgeons in Chicago, IL accept Medicare. Medicare covers medically necessary neurosurgery, including spinal procedures, brain tumor removal, and treatment for conditions like trigeminal neuralgia. Facility and anesthesia fees are separate. Standard cost-sharing applies. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Some neurosurgeons in Chicago, IL accept Illinois Medicaid, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers medically necessary neurosurgical procedures. Prior authorization is almost always required. Coverage includes surgeon, facility, and anesthesia costs. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Illinois Medicaid participation before scheduling.
The Illinois Medical District is a 560-acre campus on Chicago's Near West Side. It includes Rush University Medical Center, the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, UIC Hospital, and several research institutions. It is one of the largest concentrations of healthcare facilities in any American city.
Hospital closures over the past two decades have reduced inpatient capacity on the South Side. UChicago Medicine expanded its trauma center in 2018 to help address the gap, but many South Side residents still travel 30 minutes or more for specialty care. Community health centers like Friend Health and PCC Community Wellness fill some of the primary care gaps.
Nearby Cities
Other specialties in Chicago
Insurance & Neurosurgeon coverage
Top accepted carriers in Chicago, IL include unitedhealthcare, medicare, centene, qhp-54192, and qhp-44228.
Neurosurgery is covered under medical insurance when medically indicated. Prior authorization is required for nearly all elective neurosurgical procedures. Verify that the neurosurgeon, the hospital, and the anesthesiologist are all in-network. Spine surgery and brain surgery are among the most expensive procedures in medicine. Request a detailed cost estimate and confirm your out-of-pocket maximum.