Orthopedic Surgeons in Chicago, IL
Compare 513 orthopedic surgeons in Chicago, IL. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
513
Orthopedic Surgeons
100%
Accepting patients
80%
Most common: MD
Top-Rated Orthopedic Surgeons in Chicago, IL
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Specialty: orthopedistState: ILCity: Chicago
About orthopedic surgeons 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 513 orthopedic surgeons. The most common credential is MD (80%). 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 orthopedic surgeon visit in Chicago, IL
The first visit includes a physical exam of the affected area, range-of-motion testing, and imaging review (bring any existing X-rays or MRI results). The orthopedist may order additional imaging. They will explain the diagnosis and discuss treatment options, starting with conservative approaches (therapy, bracing, injections) before considering surgery.
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 orthopedic surgeon
See an orthopedist for persistent joint pain, sports injuries (torn ACL, meniscus tears, rotator cuff), fractures, back or neck pain that is not improving, carpal tunnel symptoms, arthritis limiting your daily activities, or a musculoskeletal injury that has not responded to initial treatment from your primary care doctor.
Typical costs
Office visit copay: $30-75 · MRI: $500-3,000 · Cortisone injection: $100-300 · Knee replacement: $20,000-50,000
Frequently asked questions about orthopedic surgeons in Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL has 513 licensed orthopedic surgeons. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of orthopedic surgeons 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.
Office visit copays range from $30 to $75. An MRI costs $500 to $3,000. Cortisone injections run $100 to $300. Knee replacement surgery costs $20,000 to $50,000 before insurance. Actual costs in Chicago, IL depend on the provider and your insurance plan. MRIs and advanced imaging often require prior authorization. Physical therapy sessions are usually covered but may be capped at a certain number per year. Verify in-network status for both surgeon and facility before any procedure.
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.
57% of orthopedic surgeons in Chicago, IL accept Medicare. Medicare covers orthopedic visits, imaging, and procedures when medically necessary. Joint replacements are covered under Part A (inpatient) or Part B (outpatient). Physical therapy is also covered with limits. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
Some orthopedic surgeons in Chicago, IL accept Illinois Medicaid, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers orthopedic services including office visits, imaging, and medically necessary surgeries. Coverage for elective procedures and physical therapy sessions may be limited. 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 & Orthopedic Surgeon coverage
Top accepted carriers in Chicago, IL include unitedhealthcare, medicare, centene, qhp-44228, and qhp-54192.
Orthopedic visits are covered as specialist visits under your medical insurance. MRIs and other imaging may require prior authorization. Physical therapy sessions are usually covered with a copay, though plans may limit the number per year. Joint replacement surgery is a major medical expense. Verify in-network status for both the surgeon and the facility.