Quality health care that fits your needs and delivers on its promise is of the utmost importance when you need medical care. In this guide, discover some of our area’s leaders among independent health care practitioners.
Our area has a strong number of accomplished health care providers who are dedicated to their independent practices. This Private Practice Physicians, Clinics & Medical Services Guide highlights their medical expertise, along with the unique advantages they provide to their patients.
Independent medical practices encourage physicians to freely pursue innovative approaches to delivering health care. Equally important, these physicians make their homes in the region in which we all live. They have laid down roots here so that they can enjoy long-term relationships with their patients. Within this section, you’ll find a variety of medical practitioners representing a wide range of skills and medical expertise.
On a more everyday level, we’ve found locally owned businesses that can outfit you with the right medical equipment you may need at home.
As you read through this section, you’ll appreciate the meaning behind the independent status of these practices. They truly have a passion for providing excellent, compassionate health care services to their patients.
And, as an informed health care consumer, you can make a more educated choice when it comes to determining the best health care provider for you and your family.
Medical Pain Management
Living with pain can be a reality that every age group faces.
Medical Pain Management physicians, who are highly trained and nationally awarded, specialize in interventional techniques that manage many forms of acute, chronic and debilitating cancer pain. The latest treatment modalities are available for lumbar pain disorders, spinal decompression, regenerative medicine and implantable devices that control pain without opioid addiction.
MPMS nurses are experienced in the field and understand the unique medical and emotional needs of pain patients.
Acute pain signals that there is a problem in your body; the perception of pain is highly individualized. When pain is not resolved after medical treatment lasting a duration of six months or more, the pain then is considered to be chronic in nature.
Chronic pain often causes dramatic changes in a person’s ability to function and lead a normal life. Early intervention is the key in evaluation and treatment. This can reduce the impact of pain and restore a patient’s quality of life.
Rockford Nephrology Associates
Nephrology is the study of the kidneys and related diseases, including hypertension. At Rockford Nephrology Associates (RNA), the goal of the medical staff is to serve nephrology patients with quality care and continuing education.
The staff includes 10 board-certified nephrologists and five nurse practitioners, all working exclusively in nephrology. In addition to a main office on Roxbury Road, RNA provides outpatient appointments at several convenient satellite locations, and visits inpatients at 11 area hospitals.
Comprehensive care is available, including consultations and follow-up visits, blood pressure monitoring, kidney disease education and dialysis services. Additionally, the physicians may diagnose and manage hypertension, kidney disease and situations that could lead to disease. Interventional nephrologists serve dialysis patients in an outpatient setting to ensure the best possible care.
With a goal to empower patients to learn about kidney disease, RNA offers free kidney education classes aimed specifically at patients diagnosed with Stage 3, Stage 4 and Stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Classes are held at the Rockford main office as well as in Beloit and cover everything patients need to know about disease progression and healthy lifestyles.
RNA cares for your kidneys. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 227-8300.
612 Roxbury Road, Rockford
p: (815) 227-8300 // f: (855) 243-0207, rockfordnephrology.org
Rockford Spine Center
For nearly 20 years, Rockford Spine Center (RSC) has been a mecca for patients seeking the finest and latest surgical treatments for complex spinal issues.
Located in a spacious, multi-floor clinic at 2902 McFarland Road on Rockford’s east side, RSC enjoys a thriving practice built on its ability to help heal patients who suffer from a wide range of spinal problems. RSC’s three partners, Drs. Fred Sweet, Michael Roh and Christopher Sliva, are globally recognized for their efforts to advance the field of spinal care medicine.
RSC is dedicated exclusively to spinal care, offering its patients the combined expertise of three fellowship-trained spine surgeons. RSC’s team of experts uses a multidisciplinary approach to treat spinal disorders ranging from simple to the most complex. The team has internationally recognized expertise in surgical and non-surgical spinal disorders that has earned recognition in Newsweek. RSC is ranked among the Top 50 Spine Surgery Practices to Know in Becker’s Spine Review and has earned the Patients’ Choice and Compassionate Doctor awards several times.
There’s good reason for this positive attention.
“Starting with the first telephone call, we begin to gather information about the patient’s case and we review it all before the patient arrives for the first appointment,” Sweet says. “When the patient walks in the door, we are ready from the first handshake.”
Using the latest surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures, RSC surgeons ensure that patients experience less pain and blood loss than with traditional surgery. Then, they follow up with rigorous post-operative monitoring.
Further advancing their field, the RSC team devised a breakthrough surgical method using the antibiotic Vancomycin to significantly reduce staph, strep and MRSA infections in surgical sites.
“To reduce the prevalence of resistant bacteria, we apply Vancomycin in powder form, directly into the surgical incision, instead of through an IV,” Sweet explains. “The antibiotic stays in the wound and does not get into the patient’s blood stream, eliminating the potential for resistance. By doing so, we have reduced the incidence of infection by 1,000%.”
The partners published their findings in Spine magazine and presented them in a number of conferences. The innovative use of Vancomycin has been studied globally and is now being applied in many countries.
Additionally, the team is perfecting a procedure to correct severe deformities by cutting through the spine while preserving the nerves and spinal cord. Thus, the spine can be straightened during surgery and reinforced with plates and screws.
The surgeons also specialize in cervical surgeries and minimally invasive techniques. In fact, Roh was one of the select core faculty members for the Prestige Cervical Disc, and he traveled around the country teaching his innovative disc replacement procedure.
“Recovery times are fast, and in nearly every case, the patient has gone home the same day,” Roh says, adding that patients can go back to a desk job within a few days and can expect full recovery in seven to 10 days.
“When our patients hear this, they get an incredible look of relief on their faces,” Roh says. “In the past, they’ve heard scary stories about how painful the surgery is, as well as how long it used to take to recover.”
The surgeons at RSC also are using a new technique to minimize the pain patients feel when recovering from spine surgery. Roh and Sliva began using Exparel, a non-narcotic numbing medication, in 2015 during certain surgical procedures. Now, a study by the OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Pharmacy Department shows that the drug helps patients to make a faster recovery with less post-surgical pain.
The surgeons inject the medication at the surgical site toward the end of cervical, lumbar or thoracic fusion surgeries and other similar procedures. As the Exparel wears off, the oral pain-reducing medications begin working, further reducing the pain the patient might feel.
Less pain means a much shorter hospital stay following the procedure and a more pleasant surgical experience with higher patient satisfaction. Using Exparel also has eliminated the need for patients to have a Foley catheter or a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump.
“We’re in the business of reducing patients’ pain,” says Sliva. “We’re always looking for innovative ways to make our patients more comfortable following surgery. At the same time, our patients know that with our extensive surgical experience and advanced surgical techniques, our outcomes are more predictable, and safer, and we can get them back to living full, pain-free lives quickly.”
2902 McFarland Rd, Suite 300
Rockford, (815) 316-2100, rockfordspine.com
Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center
You have enough headaches to worry about when preparing for a surgery. Why should cost be one of those? Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center, 1016 Featherstone Road, in Rockford, offers a safe, reliable and cost-effective way to schedule your operation.
Depending on your health plan, you could be paying more when you elect to have an operation at the hospital. For example, you could save about 30 percent by having a bunionectomy, or nearly 53 percent by repairing an inguinal hernia, at Rockford Ambulatory. Astonishingly, even a lumpectomy is less expensive – about a 287 percent savings – at Rockford Ambulatory.
Why do these outpatient operations cost substantially less? For one thing, Rockford Ambulatory is designed for outpatient surgical operations. Outpatient facilities provide a safe, quiet alternative to in-hospital, daylong care and allow patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes. Surgeons work with a staff of nearly 30 registered nurses, many of whom are cross-trained to handle nearly any stage of an operation.
Patients begin their surgical experience in their own private pre-operative room. Following procedures, patients are moved to a first-stage recovery room, where they are closely monitored as they recuperate. Next, they are transferred to a final recovery room. In general, most patients are discharged home within 30 to 90 minutes of being moved to recovery.
Best of all, Rockford Ambulatory Surgery Center has a 0.08% post-surgical infection rate. This is much lower than any hospital in the region. Patients are carefully screened to ensure they are suitable candidates for outpatient surgery. To ensure the safety of all patients, at-risk or ill patients have procedures delayed or cancelled. This has never been more significant than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When it opened in 1994, Rockford Ambulatory was just one of 1,500 outpatient surgical facilities in the U.S. Today, there are more than 6,000. All three of Rockford’s hospitals and many top surgeons have a working relationship with the facility.
This year, as in the previous year, more patients will choose Rockford Ambulatory for their outpatient operations and procedures. The most common operations performed here are removal of cataracts, hernias, tonsils and gallbladders; laparoscopies; plastic surgeries; foot surgeries; and ear tube implants. Patients may also receive pain management treatments.
Patients who choose Rockford Ambulatory can receive many outpatient procedures across a variety of disciplines. Otolaryngology, ophthalmic, oral/dental and podiatric procedures, as well as hand surgery, cosmetic surgery and general surgery cover just a few specialties.
1016 Featherstone Road, Rockford
(815) 226-3300, rockfordambulatory.com
Dr. Jerome Weiskopf, Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery
Modern plastic surgery is more than beautification or enhancement. Over the past 50 years, Dr. Jerome Weiskopf has treated nearly 50,000 patients in the Rockford region. His office continues to provide full-service treatment of many conditions, such as treatment of skin diseases, accidental situations and congenital deformities, as well as beauty and enhancement. The staff addresses all aspects of plastic surgery with equal skill and enthusiasm.
Weiskopf works closely with each patient to develop an individualized plan of treatment. He is dedicated to helping patients achieve a natural post-surgical look, since patient appearance and self-confidence is of great importance to him.
With cosmetic and plastic surgery, Weiskopf can help patients look as young as they feel. Whether patients want to reshape their nose or breasts, smooth wrinkles and tighten sagging skin, remove excess fat, or correct a problem resulting from surgery, birth defects or the effects of aging, the wide array of procedures available can help patients achieve the appearance they desire.
Weiskopf welcomes patients of all concerns to call (815) 397-4180, go to drjeromeweiskopf.com, or visit 6533 Lexus Dr., Rockford.
Northern Illinois Retina
Dr. Susan Fowell is an ophthalmologist who specializes in the diagnosis and surgery of diseases of the vitreous and the retina. Fowell graduated college from Northwestern University, in Evanston, Ill., with Summa Cum Laude honors and was elected into Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She then graduated from Northwestern University’s McGaw Medical School in Chicago and was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. She completed an internship in internal medicine, a residency in ophthalmology and a fellowship in vitreoretinal disease – all at Northwestern University in Chicago. She began her practice in Rockford in 1990.
She is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmolgy and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and is a Fellow of the American Society of Retinal Surgeons (ASRS). She has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, attends two major CME meetings per year, and offers state-of-the-art university-level care on a full-time basis to Rockford and surrounding communities.
Practice at Northern Illinois Retina is limited to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the back portion of the eye, the retina, macula and vitreous. These include but are not limited to macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, ocular trauma, retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane and uveitis.
Diagnostic procedures performed in the office include Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), OCT angiography and fluorescein angiography. In-office surgical treatment includes laser photocoagulation, cryopexy of retinal tears and pneumatic retinopexy for retinal detachment, and intravitreal injections of Avastin, Lucentis 0.3 and 0.5, Eylea, Beovu, and Ozurdex. Intraocular surgeries are performed in the hospital and include scleral buckling surgery, pars plana vitrectomy and membrane peeling.
Patients are usually referred by other ophthalmic and optometric colleagues, but if you have concerns or questions, visit niretina.net and click on the education tab to learn more about specific eye conditions affecting the retina and their treatment.
1235 N. Mulford Road (Cornerstone Building) Suite 100, Rockford
(815) 226-4990, niretina.com
Brynwood Myofascial Therapy
Mofascial Release is a whole-body, highly specialized, hands-on technique for the evaluation and treatment of pain. The term comes from “myo,” meaning muscle, and “fascia,” meaning connective tissue.
Fascia is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional web from head to foot without interruption. Trauma, posture, or inflammation can create a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels and/or organs. Since many standard tests such as X-rays, CAT scans, electromyography, etc., do not show the fascial restrictions, it is thought that an extremely high percentage of people suffering with pain and/or lack of motion may be having fascial problems, but most go undiagnosed.
Myofascial Release addresses problems that have not responded to previous surgeries, therapies and medications, and it can bring lasting changes. Gentle, sustained pressure applied slowly into connective tissue restrictions allows the fascia to elongate, thus eliminating pain and restoring motion. Restrictions can occur when there is physical trauma to the body, such as surgical procedures, motor vehicle accidents, falls, inflammation or infection. Fascial strains can slowly tighten and spread, and when that happens, flexibility and spontaneity of movement are lost, causing more trauma, pain and movement restriction.
Brynwood offers physical and occupational therapy as well as lymphedema treatments done by a certified lymphedema therapist. “Loosen Up!” with Brynwood Myofascial Therapy.
6072 Brynwood Dr., Ste. 102, Rockford
(815) 904-6163, brynwoodmyofascial.com
Dr. Sarah Hagarty
Dr. Sarah Hagarty helps people look their best without looking “overdone” or unnatural, whether through skin care, injectables, minimally invasive treatments or surgical procedures.
A member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Hagarty specializes in several forms of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for men and women. Treatments include eyelid surgery, to repair sagging eyelids; Botox and fillers, which decrease the appearance of facial wrinkles; and liposuction to remove unwanted fat.
Other services include tummy tuck, breast augmentation or reduction, and rhinoplasty, a cosmetic procedure that adjusts the contours of your nose.
Before any treatment, you’ll consult with Dr. Hagarty directly to establish your needs and goals. This helps you to better understand your options.
Hagarty, a mother of three, understands the need for life balance and minimizing downtime after interventions, and she makes every effort to provide minimally invasive techniques. She has a reliable network of dedicated health professionals who are available for the times when life gets overwhelming, or when hormonal or weight issues are a struggle. Women understand women.
Dr. Hagarty’s practice is located with Lenox Healthcare for Women, inside the Cornerstone Building, in Rockford. Visit drsarahhagarty.com or call to schedule a consultation.
1235 N. Mulford Road, Ste. 200, Rockford
(815) 965-6644, drsarahhagarty.com
Miller Eye Center
Dr. Richard Miller, founder and medical director of Miller Eye Center, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained corneal specialist. He is the former director of the cataract division at the University of Chicago.
He utilizes state-of-the-art technology by offering a revolutionary advancement in the treatment of cataracts: PanOptix. The goal of PanOptix is to restore your vision and give you the best chance to see without the use of glasses.
Also on staff is Dr. Ahmet Ozkok, a fellowship-trained physician who specializes in retina diseases including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. His unique set of surgical specialties includes retinal detachment, epiretinal membranes and eye trauma.
Dr. Peter Gunther, a board-certified optometrist, brings a broad range of optometry skills and experience to Miller Eye Center. A retired Navy doctor, Dr. Gunther offers particular expertise with ocular diseases.
Miller Eye Center’s conveniently located clinic offers many eye-related services, including corneal implant treatment, floater laser treatment, macular degeneration, refractive surgery, diabetic eye care, dry eye, cosmetic procedures and a full optical dispensary for all of your vision needs.
2995 Eastrock Dr., Rockford
(815) 226-1500, MillerEyeCenter.com
Circle of Wellness
Leila MacQueen founded Circle of Wellness in 2008 to provide affordable massage treatments to patients of all income levels. She has advanced trainings in medical massage and has been practicing for 20 years in Illinois and Florida.
Several services are offered at Circle of Wellness, including chiropractic, rehabilitation, acupuncture, medical massage, skin care, reflexology, nutrition, weight loss, and pediatric and geriatric services. Having doctors on staff allows those who require ongoing medical attention to utilize insurance coverage.
Circle of Wellness has successfully provided treatment for more than 28,000 patients and has grown into one of the largest wellness clinics in the area. It’s also one of the most diverse, given its wide range of available treatments – and the list keeps growing.
A recent addition to the lineup is the Softwave/Stem Cell Machine, a new breakthrough regenerative medicine approach to treat musculoskeletal conditions, degenerative conditions and chronic pain. This nonsurgical, noninvasive treatment uses high-energy sound waves that stimulate the body’s own healing capabilities. It’s been shown to reduc pain and increase mobility and function because of its ability to activate healing and positively impact injured tissue. Patients often turn to it for help in treating plantar fasciitis, muscle pain, carpal tunnel syndrom, rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis and arthritic joints.
Also new to Circle of Wellness is laser hair removal. This treatment uses a Cynosure laser to destroy unsightly hair at the source, eliminating hair cells without affecting the surrounding skin. This cutting-edge treatment can also help to minimize the appearance of spider veins and unsightly blood vessels, as well as sunspots and brown spots, activating natural healing processes for more beautiful skin.
Circle of Wellness provides accessible wellness treatment for all residents of the Rockford community and its surrounding areas. The center offers an introductory rate of $30 for the first hour-long massage for all new patients.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact the center at circleofwellnessrockford.com or call (779) 423-1700.
3626 E. State St., Rockford
(779) 423-1700, circleofwellnessrockford.com
Mobility Connection
Mobility Connection Inc. has been committed to providing personal freedom and independence to its clients for 30 years. Through a large selection of mobility products and equipment, they work on an individual basis to find the perfect solution to specific mobility needs.
Mobility Connection sells new and used wheelchair-accessible vans. If it’s not on the lot, staff members can help you find what you need. Other driver and passenger aids include transfer seats, hand controls and tie-down systems. All staff members will try to work within set budgets.
The showroom has a large display of products that can aid all aspects of mobility, and helpful staff can answer your questions about making your or your loved one’s life easier and fulfilled. Many hard-to-find, small items for simple solutions to daily living challenges can be found there. Mobility scooters, power wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs can help clients “on the go,” while lift chairs assist with the extra boost one may need. Portable, threshold and modular ramps are also available. Stairlifts are another product that can help inside the home. Most modular ramp systems and stairlifts can be installed within 10 business days.
This locally owned small business has been serving the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area for more than 30 years. The Assisted Technology Professional (ATP) and staff are prepared to help with all of your mobility needs. Call for an appointment or drop in to visit the showroom.
4100 E. State St., Rockford
(815) 965-8090, rockfordmobility.com
Oak Street Health
Oak Street Health isn’t your typical doctor’s office. The center provides the highest-quality health care tailored to the needs of older adults with Medicare.
At Oak Street Health, paying attention isn’t a specialty, it’s common sense. That’s why the staff spends more time getting to know you, so the doctors can provide you with individualized treatment. After all, nobody knows your body better than you.
At Oak Street Health, you’re treated like a person, not a number. And because your health matters to the staff, they provide you the support you need to stay on track to a healthy life.
Oak Street Health offers 20 minutes or more with your doctor, a 24/7 patient support line, transportation to and from appointments when needed, access to specialist and Medicare advisors, community activities and daily events, an on-site pharmacy and more.
This allows more time to understand a patient’s individual circumstance and develop a comprehensive care plan including the ability to connect with specialists.
Oak Street Health is making a difference in the way you experience health care.
Call today and see what they can do for you: (815) 668-7810.
301 E. State St., Rockford
(815) 668-7810, oakstreethealth.com
Elite Spine & Wellness Center
Dr. Brittany Sullivan earned a bachelor’s degree from Rockford College, now known as Rockford University, before attending Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida. She then moved back home to begin her career.
After working as an independent chiropractor for nearly 10 years, Sullivan has branched out on her own. She opened her new Elite Spine & Wellness Center location this past January at 6833 Stalter Dr., Ste. 203 in Rockford.
Sullivan works with patients who suffer from any type of pain in the neck, back and extremities, including muscle strains, misalignments, arthritis and lifting injuries. She also specializes in Cox Flexion/Distraction, which helps decompress the spine often used to treat disc injuries.
Among her various approaches to chiropractic care, Sullivan performs manual adjustments, though she also uses the Activator method, where a unique hand-held tool allows her to do adjustments with low force.
After taking a full medical history and completing a thorough examination, Sullivan works with her patients to tailor the treatment plan to each individual’s needs. “We start with acute care,” she says. “We’ll do adjustments and passive therapies like muscle stimulation, ultrasound and massage just to keep their pain down. Once their pain improves, we’ll do rehabilitative treatment.”
When she’s not practicing, Sullivan spends her time with her son, Declan, and her husband, Matt.
6833 Stalter Dr., Ste. 203, Rockford
(815) 904-6650
Stewart Family Dental
Since 1984, Stewart Family Dental has been serving the Rockford region as a local, family-owned dental office. A full range of dental services is available, including denture fabrication, cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery. The office also provides convenient care with same-day and emergency services. Staff members are licensed and insured for your protection.
Stewart Family Dental provides personalized care to patients in a family-friendly environment. Patients can keep gum disease at bay and maintain good oral health by scheduling regular checkups. The compassionate and caring staff can treat the whole family to maintain healthy gums and teeth with regular dental exams and teeth cleanings.
Patients can also make their smile unforgettable with teeth whitening services, tooth-colored fillings, crowns/bridges and other affordable cosmetic dentistry services. The staff can also correct dental issues such as gaps, chips, irregular shaping and more.
Stewart Family Dental also provides quality dentures to enhance a patient’s appearance and improve their ability to eat. The dentures are natural looking, durable and custom made for a patient’s mouth.
To accommodate patients, Stewart Family Dental accepts most dental insurance plans. The office is a Delta Dental Premier provider and accepts CareCredit. To schedule an appointment or a free denture consultation, call (815) 397-5615.
1393 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
(815) 397-5615, stewartfamilydental.com