Expert Care from Independent Providers

When this tech-heavy firm sought to connect with clients personally, advisor Mark Gerard took the call. A decade later, his team remains committed to the relationships behind their business.

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.

Dr. Sarah Hagarty
(815) 240-0900, drsarahhagarty.com 7117 Crimson Ridge Dr., Rockford
Dr. Sarah Hagarty helps people look their best without looking “overdone” or unnatural, through skin care, injectables, minimally invasive treatments or surgery. Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Hagarty specializes in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for men and women. She offers a boutique plastic surgery practice where you deal directly with the plastic surgeon. Treatments include blepharoplasty, to repair sagging eyelids; Botox and fillers, which decrease facial wrinkles; peels, micro-needling and other topical treatments to help your skin get that glow back. Other services include liposuction, Mommy Makeovers, Daddy Do-overs, tummy tuck, breast augmentation or reduction and rhinoplasty, which adjusts the contours of your nose. Before any treatment, you’ll consult directly with Dr. Hagarty to establish your needs and goals. This helps you to better understand your options. Dr. Hagarty understands the need for life balance and minimizing downtime after interventions. Being a mother of three, she has gone through all of the stages of pregnancy, childbirth and beyond; all of the joys and challenges many women face throughout their lives. This affords her a special gift: insight and empathy that make her patients feel at ease. Women understand women. Dr. Hagarty’s practice is now located with Dr. Joseph Eckburg’s practice on Crimson Ridge Drive, in Rockford. Visit DrSarahHagarty.com or call to schedule a consultation. ❚

Rockford Nephrology Associates
p: (815) 227-8300 // f: (855) 243-0207 // rockfordnephrology.org Main Office: 612 Roxbury Road, Rockford RNA Sycamore: 2127 Midlands Ct., Ste. 102 Sycamore, Ill. RNA Dixon: KSB Hospital Commerce Towers, 215 E. First St. Dixon, Ill. Beloit Dialysis Center: Beloit Memorial Hospital, 1969 W. Hart Road, Beloit, Wis. Rochelle Specialty Center: 900 N. Second St. Rochelle, Ill.
Nephrology is the medical specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases of the kidneys. Kidney disease affects 1 in 7 people (approximately 37 million) in the United States and may result from causes such as diabetes, hypertension, polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis or obstructions of the urinary tract. The most well-known function of the kidneys is to act as filters to form urine containing waste products from the body. However, the kidneys are also responsible for certain hormone secretion, which can affect the production of red blood cells and promote absorption of calcium. The kidneys also help with fluid and acid-base balance, blood pressure control and glucose production. Therefore, anemia, high blood pressure, Vitamin D deficiency, and fluid and electrolyte imbalances are also monitored and treated by the nephrology team. At Rockford Nephrology Associates, 10 board-certified nephrologists and five nurse practitioners provide consultative services and follow-up visits, which along with lab and radiology testing help to diagnose kidney disease and determine the best quality treatment options. Education is key to understanding the disease and preparing to make treatment choices at each stage. RNA and NKF of Illinois are hosting a free kidney and diabetes screening on Sept. 17, at the main RNA office. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (815) 227-8300.

Medical Pain Management Services
1235 N. Mulford Road, Rockford (815) 397-8400, medicalpain.com
Living with pain can be a reality that every age group faces. Medical Pain Management physicians and advanced nurse practitioners, who are highly trained and nationally awarded, specialize in interventional techniques that manage many forms of acute, chronic and debilitating pain. The latest treatment modalities are available for lumbar pain disorders, spinal decompression, regenerative medicine and implantable devices that control pain. MPMS nurses and physicians 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. Call (815) 397-8400 or visit medicalpain.com for more information.

Van Matre Encompass Health Rehab
*950 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL* (815) 381-8500, encompasshealth.com/vanmatrerehab
Discover renewed independence at Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital. Getting back to your routine and the activities you love can be physically and emotionally challenging after experiencing a life-altering illness or injury like stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury or hip fracture. Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital’s unique approach to rehabilitation involves a team of experts with extensive experience in today’s most advanced therapeutic methods and technologies to help patients return to their communities safer and stronger. Team Approach: An important key to success in rehabilitation is Van Matre Encompass Health’s team approach. The hospital is equipped with a diverse team of experts working together to best benefit each patient. Targeted Treatment Plans: Each patient’s treatment plan is designed to accomplish his or her therapeutic goals through a sequence of measurable and achievable steps. The hospital team works with each patient to tailor a plan with the patient’s medical and personal goals in mind, while incorporating physical, cognitive and emotional needs. Rehabilitation Technology: Healthcare is a technology-driven industry – especially rehabilitation. Van Matre Encompass Health offers advanced technologies that make regaining a certain skill quicker, safer and even more enjoyable at times. When it comes to finding the best rehabilitation services, be sure to understand the differences in available rehabilitation options. Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital is proud to have served the Rockford community for 20 years.

Maintain Your Smile Dental
1110 S. Mulford Road, Rockford (815) 398-3879, maintainyoursmile.com 1001 Lincoln Highway, Rochelle, Ill. (815) 562-2030, maintainyoursmile.com
The central mission of Maintain Your Smile Dental is to provide care that puts the patient first. Using the latest technologies, they seek to offer an accurate diagnosis at an affordable cost – and they’ll always discuss treatments and costs upfront. Maintain Your Smile Dental is a full-service family dental practice that handles everything from routine cleanings and orthodontics to implant and restorative dentistry. State-of-the-art 5-D scanners help to reduce the need for X-ray radiation and messy impressions while boosting the ability to visualize what’s happening in each patient’s mouth. A new, on-site mill produces lab-quality crowns right in-house, further reducing costs and increasing the speed at which patients can see results. The seven dentists behind Maintain Your Smile boast a combined 100-plus years of experience in the field, and they’re well-known around the community. Dr. Todd Stern has led the practice for more than 15 years. Dr. John Halversen serves on the county board of health. Dr. Heather Shick ran Above & Beyond Dentistry before joining a few years ago. Dr. Marshall Valadez is a recent graduate. Dr. Lionel Gibson once worked at Crusader Clinic, and with the recent retirement of Dr. William Shold, the team welcomes Dr. David Feldhaus to the practice. Dr. Mike Wattles runs a satellite office in Rochelle, Ill., where the same gamut of services is available.

Brynwood Myofascial Therapy
6072 Brynwood Dr., Ste. 102, Rockford, (815) 904-6163, brynwoodmyofascial.com
Myofascial 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 of the standard tests, such as X-rays, CAT scans and electromyography, don’t show the fascial restrictions, it’s 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 haven’t 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’s 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 it happens, flexibility and spontaneity of movement are lost, causing more trauma, pain and movement restriction. Brynwood offers physical and occupational therapy and lymphedema treatments done by a certified lymphedema therapist. “Loosen Up!” with Brynwood Myofascial Therapy.

Cosic Dental
6417 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford (815) 282-5233, cosicdental.com \| [email protected]
Cosic Dental was established in 2021, when Drs. Vanja and Dunja Cosic Carlson purchased the practice from Drs. Roger and Pamela Schmidt, who wished to retire. Determined to carry on the holistic dentistry services the Drs. Schmidt maintained for 40 years, Cosic Dental has added a number of new procedures and updated technologies in an effort to provide the most thorough care for their patients. Cosic Dental’s philosophy is that oral health is intrinsically tied to whole body health. In addition to conventional dentistry services, Cosic Dental offers a health centered approach that considers the patient’s whole body and promotes overall well-being. Holistic dentistry is just like standard dentistry, but with a focus on minimally invasive treatment and preventative care. Extra measures are taken during every procedure both to ensure safety and to determine the root cause of patients’ dental conditions. The materials and tools that are used in each procedure are the highest quality and most bio-compatible on the market to further protect patient welfare. Cosic Dental also utilizes ozone therapy, a treatment that employs the use of ozone to treat infections without the use of drugs or harsh chemicals. The practice uses ozonated water in its waterlines and handpieces. Ozone gas is used in every restorative, surgical and hygiene procedure, thus ensuring a clean and disinfected environment, reducing the chance for infection and initiating the healing process. Cosic Dental is more than just a dental office. It is a partner in good health. The practice offers health coaching as one of its many services. A nutritionist is on staff to assist patients in adopting healthier habits that will lead to better dental and overall health. Along with helping patients be healthier, Cosic Dental prides itself on the superior quality of dental work. Services offered by Cosic Dental include general services, like cleanings, fillings and crowns/bridges. Children of all ages are welcome, with staff working closely with the child and their parents to ensure they have a positive experience. They also evaluate children for orthodontics with a focus on the airway and nasal breathing, which has recently been found to be critical for children’s growth and development. Alongside general services, Cosic Dental also offers a spectrum of specialty and cosmetic procedures, including veneers, all-porcelain crowns, whitening and Invisalign, a teeth-straightening system that is a comfortable and convenient alternative to conventional braces. As a full-service practice, Cosic Dental provides extractions, bone grafting, implants and dentures. It is truly a one-stop destination for all aspects of oral care, with patient wellness and quality dental care as top priorities.

Circle of Wellness
3626 E. State St., Rockford, (779) 423-1700 circleofwellnessrockford.com
Circle of Wellness encompasses a full spectrum of services including chiropractic, rehabilitation, acupuncture, medical massage, skin care, reflexology, nutrition, weight loss, and pediatric and geriatric services. Doctors on staff allow 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. Red light therapy, now offered at Circle of Wellness, is a technology that utilizes infrared and near infrared light wavelengths to stimulate weight loss and cellulite reduction, slow aging, provide pain management and enhance whole-body healing. The wavelengths provided by the Trifecta light bed stimulate body tissue at a cellular level to produce adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, an organic compound that provides energy to living cells. Red light therapy sessions offer a variety of clinically proven benefits including skin health, weight loss, improved blood flow and pain reduction. The mission of Circle of Wellness is to provide optimum health, which begins by promoting healthy habits. The new 12-week weight loss programs offered at Circle of Health helps patients take a proactive, not reactive, approach by developing a health-informed mindset. With sessions that provide nutritional education and personal training, plus access to services like the Body Transformation Center’s infrared sauna, lypossage and body contouring sessions, patients are given a valuable place to start their health and wellness journey. Every body is different, and the Circle of Wellness Body Transformation Center takes time with clients to provide individualized programs and goals to achieve optimal results. The Med Spa at Circle of Wellness provides facials and facial treatments, body scrubs, infusion therapies, and microcurrent and microneedling treatments, as well as body contouring following weight loss. An esthetician can assist in creating a personalized skincare plan and offer a wide range of products to take home. Circle of Wellness also provides top-of-the-line laser services for hair removal, vein treatments and sunspot removal. Circle of Wellness is the only wellness center in the region with TempSure machines that offer TempSure Vitalia Vaginal Rejuvenation treatments. This non-invasive, non-hormonal and chemical-free solution delivers therapeutic heat to increase circulation and promote vaginal health. The MonaLisa Touch TempSure Firm treatment also promotes gynecological health using fractional laser technology to support rapid healing, and provide CO2 facials. These treatments can be used for women of all ages to strengthen the pelvic floor and tighten cervical walls, reduce bladder incontinence, and assist with problems caused by endometriosis, menstruation or menopause. Circle of Wellness provides accessible wellness treatment for all residents of the Rockford community and its surrounding areas. Experts are ready to provide healing and guidance to patients who wish to improve their health journey, or who are waiting for treatment from their medical practitioner. For more information, to make an appointment or to learn more about upcoming events and training opportunities, go to circleofwellnessrockford.com or call (779) 423-1700.

Elite Spine & Wellness Center
6833 Stalter Dr., Ste. 203, Rockford (815) 904-6650
Dr. Brittany Sullivan, a Rockford native, 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. Elite Spine & Wellness Center, at 6833 Stalter Dr., Ste. 203 in Rockford, offers services that include chiropractic, medical massage, rehab and therapies. 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 and is 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 enjoys time with her son, Declan, and her husband, Matt.

Stewart Family Dental
*1393 S. Alpine Road, Rockford* (815) 397-5615, stewartfamilydental.com
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.

Mobility Connection
4100 E. State St., Rockford (815) 965-8090, rockfordmobility.com
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.

Northern Illinois Retina
*1235 N. Mulford Road, Ste. 100, Rockford* (815) 226-4990, niretina.com
Recognized as one of 2019-2022 Best Doctors in America in the Field of Ophthalmology.Since 1990, we have been providing state-of-the-art university-level care to patients with vitreoretinal disorders locally, on a full time basis. We are known for our convenient modern office, patient-oriented service and our compassionate care. 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 Life Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and 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 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.com and click on the education tab to learn more about specific eye conditions affecting the retina and their treatment.

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