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Dr. Richard Fessler, MD

Dr. Richard Fessler, MD

Neurosurgery*
40+ years of experience

Dr. Richard Fessler, MD is a neurosurgeon in Chicago, IL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO HOSPITAL / ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY in 1983. He is affiliated with Rush University Medical Center. He is accepting new patients.

3.8 Star Rating
Based on 43 reviews 3.8 Star Rating (43 reviews)

Practice

1725 W Harrison St Ste 855 Chicago, IL 60612

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Compare with other Neurosurgeons

Compare Dr. Fessler with our nearby Neurosurgeons at AdventHealth Chicago.

Dr. Fessler is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
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  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions

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Dr. Fessler's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Fessler

3.8
43 ratings, 24 with a written review
5 star
67%
67%
4 star
2%
2%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
2%
2%
1 star
28%
28%

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After spine surgery with Dr. Fessler I now have to take MiraLAX and cath twice a day and am going to Mayo clinic to be treated for Dysautonomia!
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Scott – Sep 28, 2023
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Excellent experience with Dr and his staff. Well spoken to you as a patient to understand and not in a hurry to say surgery. Willing to listen to your concerns. Highly recommend
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Jul 27, 2022
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Dr. Fessler seems to really study ALL data/tests/etc. to come up with the "best" plan.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 19, 2022
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Good
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 18, 2022
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My experience has been very good and smooth
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Mar 27, 2022
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Caring and explained options carefully
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Feb 22, 2022
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Dr. Fessler explained risks & benefits of surgery.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Feb 12, 2022
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My providers took the time to discuss my issues and really listen to my concerns with kindness and respect.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Oct 17, 2021
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How could one not appreciate Dr. Fessler? He has wonderful bedside manner and is an example for all other physicians. He should be cloned!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 24, 2021
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Dr. Fessler is the only neurosurgeon in 5+years who has offered help through surgery. I am looking forward to getting my active life back.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 19, 2021
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Dr. Fessler is really nice. Answers and replies to questions. He is very detailed and makes sure we understand.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 15, 2021
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Through his thorough explanation of my condition, precise answers to questions, and confidence in his ability to perform a successful spinal fusion, Dr. Fessler made my husband and me certain he is the doctor we want to perform the surgery should it be necessary. I feel I'm in the care of the best of the best.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jul 22, 2021
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He explained everything very well.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jul 18, 2021
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I met Dr. Fessler six years ago when I head back pain. He did everything he could to help me with my pain and to try and avoid surgery. Eventually in April 2020 I had to have S1 L5 fusion surgery. He did a very good job and I have no pain in my back.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
Helpful
Don Knapp – May 22, 2021
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EXCELLENT !!! He corrected my spine and my neck
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
FRANK – Feb 03, 2021
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Fabulous
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Robert Marshall – Oct 04, 2020
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He did fusions on my neck. He gave me my life back. I will always be grateful.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
nanci Fisher – Jul 30, 2020
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Anyone with a spine problem would be crazy to see any other neurosurgeon. Dr. Fessler solved my problem that pained me for 16 months. He always listened and answered all my questions. He works with an exceptional staff who eases any anxiety, they’re always there to help you. I am back to being myself thanks to this humble surgeon.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
D Susan in Chicago, IL – Oct 30, 2019
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All of my encounters with Dr. Fessler and his staff have been professional and informative. I found that he was very reassuring when discussing my surgery, He has a great bedside manner. My surgery went well, and I can barely see my neck incision.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Cindy in Crown Point – Feb 17, 2018
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Horrible Laminectomy L4/5 at Northwestern - 8.28.09 and I had the worst possible outcome. With spinal canal tear (blood patched in surgery ) I was sent to recovery without a catheter - offered a bedpan or to pee that bed due th need to lie flat due to the tear. Never had post-surgery CT for bad pain but was allowed to have #9 pain for 6-8 hours because he was in court all day and no one had the courage toradol & steriods. Stenosis just as bad - must have 2-3 min.invas. just like Peyton-bad DR.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Renee in Maple Grove, MN – Oct 22, 2017
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About Me

Watch Dr. Fessler's Video

care philosophy

The evolution I've seen in spine surgery has been nothing short of spectacular. Our results, in general, have improved by using minimally invasive technique - compared to using our open surgical techniques that we used 20 years ago. For example,...read more

  • Neurosurgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • University Of Chicago Medical Center

    Fellowship Hospital

  • University Of Chicago

    Residency Hospital, 1989

  • University Of Chicago

    Internship Hospital, 1985

  • University Of Chicago Hospital / Roosevelt University

    Medical School, 1983
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Neurological Surgery®
- 
Neurosurgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

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Dr. Fessler is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Neurosurgery

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    Locations

    Practice

    Rush University Medical Center1725 W Harrison St Ste 855 Chicago, IL 60612
    1
    (312) 942-6644

    Practice

    Rush Pulmonary Function Lab1520 W Harrison St Fl 6 Chicago, IL 60607
    2
    (312) 942-6644
    See all Neurosurgeons in Chicago, IL