2022 The Times Best of the Region Health Care

Allergy & Asthma Specialists

Multiple locations

219-513-8923

allergyindiana.com

Led by Dr. Sanjay Patel, Allergy & Asthma Specialists strives to bring the highest quality of allergy and asthma care to the Region.

With more than 20 years of professional experience treating the most complex pediatric and adult cases in Northwest Indiana, Patel and his staff work to provide a personal and patient-oriented medical office.

The goal, Patel says, is to improve the quality of life for each patient using the latest technology.

A member of the teaching faculty at Indiana University School of Medicine, Patel is an assistant professor of medicine. He also continues to publish in peer-review journals and teach medical students while providing university-level care throughout the Region.

SECOND PLACE

CarePointe Allergy

Multiple locations

219-738-2617

carepointesinus.com

THIRD PLACE

Franciscan Physician Network

Multiple locations

219-864-3950

Franciscanhealth.org

Cardiovascular Consultants

Multiple locations

219-934-4200

cardioconsultantspc.com

Established to diagnose and treat cardiac diseases in Northwest Indiana patients, Cardiovascular Consultants has built a reputation as a premier provider in the area.

Each of the three offices in Munster and Hammond has cardiologists who specialize in a wide range of care, including peripheral artery disease (PAD) treatment, vein therapy and interventional cardiology.

In addition to offering emergency walk-in appointments, Cardiovascular Consultants also provides specialized services for varicose and spider veins.

Patients can expect the highest level of care from a team of doctors who have extensive training and experience, as well as nurses and staff who serve with compassion and respect.

SECOND PLACE

Community Healthcare System

Multiple locations

219-836-3477

Comhs.org

THIRD PLACE

Franciscan Health

Multiple locations

877-285-6920

franciscanhealth.org

Kennedy Avenue Chiropractic & Integrated Body & Medicine

8145 Kennedy Ave.

Highland

219-803-6651

Chiropractorhighlandin.com

As a leading chiropractic office in Northwest Indiana, Kennedy Avenue Chiropractic & Integrated Body & Medicine offers a “one-stop shop” experience for musculoskeletal ailments without the use of surgery or opioids.

Services include chiropractic care, massage therapy and physical rehab for patients suffering from back and neck pain, as well as sciatica. The chiropractic center also offers noninvasive knee and hip treatments, including platelet rich plasma (PRP) and other joint injections,. Many back, hip, knee, neck and nerve conditions are interrelated, staff members say.

Other services include IV vitamin infusions, Botox, Lipo B12 and weight-loss services.

SECOND PLACE

NorthShore Health Centers

6050 Sterling Creek Road

Portage

219-763-8112

northshorehealth.org

THIRD PLACE

Trimboli Chiropractic

12732 Wicker Ave.

Cedar Lake

219-374-4144

trimbolichiro.net

Compton and Broomhead Dental Center/

Kessler Family Dental and Associates

901 Fran-lin Pkwy.

Munster

219-552-8561

munsterdentist.com

9161 E. 109th Ave.

Crown Point

219-661-5085

kkesslerdental.com

Part of the Northwest Indiana community for more than 50 years, Compton and Broomhead Dental Center is a state-of-the-art dental facility that works to give patients individualized treatment plans using the latest technology.

“We pride ourselves on a ‘patient first’ business model,” Dr. Mark Broomhead said. “We provide a full range of dental services under one roof.”

From dental implants to wisdom teeth removal, sedation dentistry, same-day crowns, digital impressions and emergency treatment, patients can get their needs taken care of at one location. That access to treatment is important, Broomhead says, because dental health plays a significant role in overall health.

“We give the patients all options available for their treatment in order for them to make an informed decision about their dental care,” Broomhead said. “I think our patients appreciate that the most about our practice.”

SECOND PLACE

Ethos Dental Group/M&P Dental

1934 45th St.

Munster

219-595-3432

ethosdentalgroup.com

THIRD PLACE

Advanced Dental Concepts

Multiple locations

219-327-7525

adc4smiles.com

Dermio Dermatology

Multiple locations

219-228-4200

dermiodermatology.com

At Dermio Dermatology, patients can expect world-class dermatology care in a family-friendly environment.

“We treat our patients and staff like family from the first phone call all the way to check out, as well as followup care,” Dr. A. David Soleymani says. “Our dermatologists and physician assistants specialize in a wide variety of skin conditions, specializing in skin cancer, but offer medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology as well.”

Soleymani is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery and will soon be joined by Dr. David Rosenfeld, who also is double-board certified in both areas.

“You can expect the latest techniques and proven treatments to improve your skin from all of our physicians and physician assistants,” Soleymani said. “We continually strive to improve and be the best in Northern Indiana in all facets of dermatology.”

SECOND PLACE

Applegarth Dermatology

1861 S. Sturdy Road

Valparaiso

219-548-0360

3444 Monroe St.

LaPorte

219-362-0161

applegarthdermatology.com

THIRD PLACE

Dermatology Associates of Northwest Indiana

Pinnacle Dermatology

Multiple locations

833-257-7546

pinnacleskin.com/dermatology-associates-of-northwest-indiana

CarePointe Ear, Nose, Throat & Sinus Centers

Multiple locations

219-738-2617

carepointesinus.com

At CarePointe Ear, Nose, Throat & Sinus Centers, specialists sympathize with tired and frustrated patients who are searching for solutions and want to live a better quality of life. Through an advanced, minimally invasive procedure called balloon sinuplasty, patients can find a long-term solution.

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, clears blocked sinuses that cause chronic sinusitis, frequent sinus infections, headaches and facial pain.

With locations in Merrillville, Munster and Hobart, Northwest Indiana residents have access to experienced surgeons who utilize this revolutionizing procedure so patients can experience relief from chronic sinusitis and sinus infections in the comfort of a physician’s office.

SECOND PLACE

Dr. Bethany Cataldi

Center for Otolaryngology & Facial Plastic Surgery LLC

2203 45th St., Suite B

Highland

219-836-4820

THIRD PLACE

Dr. Shridhar Ventrapragada

Community Healthcare System

900 Ridge Road, Suite D

Munster

219-836-9368

Comhs.org

Dr. Geissler’s Hearing Center

Multiple locations

219-836-0022

geisslerhearing.com

Serving Northwest Indiana residents since 2003, Dr. Geissler’s Hearing Center has provided trusted and high-rated audiology services for patients.

Hearing loss can feel frustrating and isolating, and experts at Dr. Geissler’s Hearing Center work to ensure patients of all ages have access to advanced hearing technology solutions that treat their individual health issue.

Treatment options include everything from ear wax removal to auditory processing and brain retraining; tinnitus consultation and treatment; Epley Maneuver to correct vertigo/balance issues; and hearing aid prescriptions, fittings and repairs. The practice also offers customized ear protection for all professions and recreational activities such as musicians, pilots and motorcyclists, as well as customized ear products for swimming and sleeping.

“At Dr. Geissler’s Hearing Center, we truly believe if you hear better, you live better,” said Dr. Gina Geissler, the owner. “We are committed to making sure our patients live their best lives with help from our hearing professionals.”

SECOND PLACE

Ascent Hearing Center

Multiple locations

219-462-6866

helpmehear.net

THIRD PLACE

Clear Ear Hearing

827 W. 45th Ave.

Griffith

219-934-9747

clearearhearingaid.com

Visiting Angels

2340 Cline Ave.

Schererville

219-322-6100

visitingangels.com

In its 12th year of serving Lake and Porter Counties, the team of managers and caregivers at Visiting Angels work together to provide the best nonmedical home health caregiving services to residents.

“Most of our managers have been with the company for 10 years or longer,” owner Debra Moleski said. “Our priority is and always has been staffing passionate caregivers.”

Most of the organization’s caregivers are certified nursing assistants with experience in working with patients who have Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“Everything we do is for our clients,” said Moleski, who oversees the home health care agency with business partner Sandra Aloia. “We start with a thorough assessment to help us put together a detailed service plan of care. We provide meet-and-greets on the first day of service for our new clients.”

A manager is always on call after regular business hours to assist clients with additional needs.

“I think all of us in our office would agree that our work with hospice clients is very special to us,” Moleski said. “We know that our hospice clients and families are going through a difficult time. Together, along with the hospice companies, we are honored to be with our clients and their families.”

People helping people — that’s the way this industry should always focus on, she says.

“The wonderful thing about working with our seniors is that our industry has great people who are always willing to work together no matter what transition period it is for our seniors,” Moleski said.

SECOND PLACE

BrightStar Care of Lake County

9521 Indianapolis Blvd., Suite O

Highland

219-924-0200

brightstarcare.com/west-lake-county

THIRD PLACE

Home Instead

Multiple locations

219-733-8923

homeinstead.com

Community Healthcare System

Multiple locations

219-836-3477

Comhs.org

The hospitals of Community Healthcare System — Community Hospital in Munster, St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart and Community Stroke and Rehabilitation Center in Crown Point — are home to the area’s leading medical programs.

As Northwest Indiana’s only Joint Commission certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, Community Hospital is among an elite group of hospitals nationwide to provide the highest level of expertise in the treatment of complex, acute strokes. When it comes to recovery, Community Stroke & Rehabilitation Center was recognized as one of America’s best physical rehabilitation centers in 2021, according to Newsweek and Statista Inc.

Community Healthcare System also uses the most advanced procedures for cardiovascular care, oncology care and maternity care.

 St. Catherine Hospital offers the newest technology for radiation therapy with the CyberKnife® S7™, the only robotic radiosurgery system that offers a highly precise, non-surgical treatment for tumors and lesions.

Expert maternity teams offer neonatal transport for critically ill babies, a dedicated Obstetric Emergency department and nursing excellence. U.S. News & World Report named St. Mary Medical Center as a high performing hospital for maternity care – a designation earned by only three hospitals in Indiana.

“The services we offer today and the progress we are making for the future confirms that Community Healthcare System is the destination for health care in Northwest Indiana,” said Donald P. Fesko, president and CEO of Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana Inc.

SECOND PLACE (TIE)

Methodist Hospitals

Multiple locations

219-886-4000

Methodisthospitals.org

NW Indiana ER & Hospital

7904 Cabela Drive

Hammond

219-554-9911

nwindianaer.com

THIRD PLACE

Franciscan Health

Multiple locations

877-285-6920

franciscanhealth.org

Laser Beauty and Medspa Center

8731 Indianapolis Blvd., Suite B

Highland

219-300-6031

laserbeautymedspa.com

At Laser Beauty and Medspa Center, clients can enjoy a wide range of procedures for all skin types with a complete customized treatment plan.

When clients arrive, they meet with an interdisciplinary team of licensed, experienced medical staff and estheticians who can accommodate each individual’s needs, schedule and budget.

The newest technology is available, including Alma & Opus Plasma, Micro-channeling, Botox and Fillers, facials, laser hair removal, tattoo removal and brow and lash services. The visitor experience is enhanced by a relaxing, clean and inviting spa environment.

SECOND PLACE

Dermio Dermatology

Multiple locations

219-228-4200

dermiodermatology.com

THIRD PLACE

Dr. Gustavo Galante

322 U.S. Hwy. 41, Suite 103

Schererville

219-322-3131

galantemd.com

Superior Ambulance Service

9835 Express Drive

Highland

630-832-2000

superiorambulance.com/indiana

Founded in 1959, Superior Ambulance Service has experienced exponential growth, now employing more than 3,000 and providing emergency medical services in five states.

Named Best in Region since 2018, Superior provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation to all of Northwest Indiana. The service also provides rotor and fixed-wing medical transportation for the most critical patients requiring transport to specialty centers.

“Superior employs over 350 EMS providers, dispatchers and administrative personnel in Northwest Indiana,” said Jeff Collins, Indiana general manager. “We offer an in-house EMT basic training at no cost for people interested in working on an ambulance.”

EMS drivers can drive the ambulance until they finish the EMT course.

SECOND PLACE

Hammond Fire Department

6110 Calumet Ave.

Hammond

219-853-6416

gohammond.com/departments/fire-department

THIRD PLACE

Elite Ambulance

11551 W. 184th Place

Orland Park, Ill.

219-322-6061

eliteamb.com

Residences Senior Living

Residences at Deer Creek

401 E. U.S. Hwy. 30

Schererville

219-864-0700

Residences at Coffee Creek

2300 Village Point

Chesterton

219-921-5200

residencesseniorliving.com

Residences Senior Living also was voted Best Retirement/Assisted Living  Community.

SECOND PLACE

Brentwood at Hobart Assisted Living and Memory Care

1420 St. Mary's Circle

Hobart

219-945-1968

brentwoodathobartseniorliving.com

THIRD PLACE

Symphony Care Network - Crown Point, Dyer, Chesterton

Multiple locations

855-477-8777

symphonynetwork.com

Heartland Wellness Center 

2068 Lucas Pkwy.

Lowell

219-690-7025

heartlandrecoverycenter.com

The unique blend of health-care specialists and professionals at Heartland Wellness Center come together to answer the question: “Can we provide an environment where clients are empowered to embrace an authentic connection to healing and recovery?”

The Wellness Center offers a guided, holistic approach to help patients reach their wellness goals, while the Recovery Center focuses on healing for those struggling with the pain of addiction.

Behavioral health specialists assist patients with mental and emotional well-being when life becomes overwhelming, while an alumni program called Heartland Heartbeats helps those who have gone through their journey at Heartland to stay connected, motivated and healthy.

"Heartland Wellness Center has an amazing team of professionals who are passionate and purposeful about the work they do and are dedicated to the clients we serve," said Jaime Rogers, director of operations. "It is an honor to be here in our community serving in this capacity."

SECOND PLACE

Anxiety & OCD Behavioral Health Center

900 Ridge Road, Suite F

Munster

1100 S. Calumet Road, Suite 3B

Chesterton

219-228-7630

anxietybehavioralhealth.com

THIRD PLACE  (Tie)

Campagna Academy

7403 Cline Ave.

Schererville

219-322-8614

Campagnaacademy.org

NorthShore Health Centers

Multiple locations

219-763-8112

northshorehealth.org

Symphony Care Network 

- Crown Point, Dyer, Chesterton

Multiple locations

855-477 8777

symphonynetwork.com

Started as a small family-owned and family-centered business in 1978, Symphony has since grown to include more than 28 locations, with local facilities in Chesterton, Crown Point and Dyer, while continuing to pioneer innovative concepts in the senior care field.

Symphony properties stand out with a medical resort-style atmosphere that includes Starbucks cafes, pubs, chef-prepared cuisines, movie theaters, state-of-the-art therapy centers and private rooms. Symphony also provides a continuum of care by offering comfortable assisted-living services, allowing guests to rest, recover and enjoy life in one luxurious location.

But Regional Director of Business Development Alison Zaleski says there’s one thing that hasn’t changed since the company’s founding more than four decades ago.

“Our commitment to quality care and our culture of family has never changed,” she says. “It starts from the top and is embraced at all levels within the organization.”

SECOND PLACE

Hartsfield Village

10000 Columbia Ave.

Munster

219-934-0750

hartsfieldvillage.com

THIRD PLACE

Wittenberg Village

1150 Luther Drive

Crown Point

219-663-3860

lutheranlifecommunities.org/wittenberg-village

Orthopedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana 

Multiple locations

219-924-3300

osni.org

Given how vital orthopedic care can be in terms of improving function and quality of life, patients tend to be very choosy about where they get their treatment and advice. And here in the Region, that often means turning to the professionals at Orthopedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana, who have trained at some of the most prestigious universities and hospitals to deliver timely, compassionate, state-of-the-art care right in their community.

“In this era of corporate medicine, we strive to deliver personalized care that focuses on the entire patient experience, spending as much time as patients need in order to feel comfortable with their medical condition and the treatment options available,” explains Dr. Sunil Dedhia “We treat patients as if they’re our own family members.”

SECOND PLACE

North Point Orthopaedics

Multiple locations

219-836-1060

northpointortho.com

THIRD PLACE

Bone & Joint Specialists

Multiple locations

219-795-3360

orthopedicdoctors.com

Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics

Multiple locations

219-662-2264

pandcsmiles.com

Orthodontic work is one of those things most people generally don’t appreciate until it’s over and done. But the team at Puntillo & Crane is dedicated to not only delivering great results, but also to making the “during” portion of the orthodontic journey a more pleasant experience.

Working from four convenient locations throughout Northwest Indiana, doctors Anthony Puntillo, Christopher Crane and Carolyn Gardiner and the full staff strive to put every patient’s needs first and to make sure the road to better health is just as fulfilling as the end destination.

“Our entire team works hard to provide our patients with a positive orthodontic experience and is fully committed to creating life-changing smiles for the patients we serve,” says Crane.

SECOND PLACE

Ellis Orthodontics

275 U.S. Hwy. 30, Suite 260

Dyer

219-322-7645

123 N. Main St., Suite 101

Crown Point

219-663-2000

ellisbraces.com

THIRD PLACE

Orthodontic Specialists

Dr. Michael Koufos & Associates

1734 45th St.

Munster

219-924-1440

9321 Wicker Ave., Suite 201

St. John

219-365-2323

orthospcs.com

Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists

8840 Calumet Ave., Suite 103

Munster

1100 S. Calumet Road, Suite 1

Chesterton

219-836-7246

spinecaremw.com

Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists also won for Best Spine Care.

SECOND PLACE

Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care

Multiple locations

219-215-6588

discover-cpc.com

THIRD PLACE (TIE)

NWI Spine Institute

Multiple locations

219-797-7463

nwispineinstitute.com

Bone & Joint Specialists

Multiple locations

219-795-3360

orthopedicdoctors.com

Kids First Pediatrics on 30

1160 Joliet St., Suite 103

Dyer

219-322-8534

kidsfirstnwi.com

Dr. Tae'Ni Chang-Stroman knows how important a good pediatrician can be to children and their parents. That’s why he and his team at Kids First Pediatrics on 30 work so hard to create a warm and welcoming environment to soothe the fears of little ones and a convenient and stress-free experience for busy families.

Kids First offers same-day sick appointments for patients needing to see a doctor on short notice and provides patients with access to the doctors’ cell phone numbers when they’re not in the office for any emergency or followup questions. It’s this kind of personal approach to health care that Chang-Stroman credits with taking the top spot in this category for yet another year.

“Being named the Best Pediatric Care provider again is a testament to the fact that our joy in providing top-quality care for infants, children and teens is appreciated by the families we serve,” he says. “It is truly an honor for us.”

SECOND PLACE

NorthShore Health Centers

Multiple locations

219-763-8112

northshorehealth.org/health-services/pediatrics

THIRD PLACE

Associated Pediatricians

1111 Glendale Blvd., Suite 101

Valparaiso

219-462-0555

3630 Willowcreek Road, Suite 6

Portage

219-364-3250

associatedpediatricians.com

CVS

Multiple locations

cvs.com

For everything from convenience and a knowledgeable pharmacy staff to  snacks and personal care items, CVS fits the bill with a multitude of outlets throughout the Region.

Whether they’re getting answers about drug interactions from a pharmacist or just picking up a few household essentials, Northwest Indiana customers have come to embrace CVS as their modern version of the old corner pharmacy — one that just happens to be on just about every other corner.

SECOND PLACE

NorthShore Health Centers

Multiple locations

northshorehealth.org

THIRD PLACE

Walgreens

Multiple locations

walgreens.com

Orthopedic & Balance Therapy Specialists

Multiple locations

219-548-8770

orthopedicandbalancetherapy.com

Though being voted Best Physical Therapy provider for the third straight year is not taken for granted at Orthopedic & Balance Therapy Specialists, Director of Wow Experiences Shane Nowak says the dedicated team of professionals and support staff at OBTS always goes above and beyond to deliver the type of one-on-one attention that patients love. In all four locations, patients find a caring, supportive environment where the goal is to help every patient reach an unhindered life.

“The family atmosphere in each of our clinics has allowed us to create and maintain personal relationships with our patients,” Nowak says. “We have the honor of meeting and getting to know so many wonderful people and we are truly fortunate to have the profession we have.”

SECOND PLACE

Orthopedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana 

Multiple locations

219-924-3300

osni.org

THIRD PLACE

Chesterton Physical Therapy

Multiple locations

219-203-1101

chestertonpt.com

Dr. Michael Nirenberg

Friendly Foot Care

50 W. 94th Place

Crown Point

219-663-2273

friendlyfootcare.com

In his nearly three decades of treating heel, foot and ankle pain and problems, Dr. Michael Nirenberg has developed a passion for making a difference in the lives of his patients. But his curiosity about and dedication to foot health goes beyond the office of Friendly Foot Care.

Nirenberg is also active in research, having had some of his findings on foot-related topics, including COVID in the foot, bunion surgery and the forensic analysis of footprints, published in scientific journals. He is also a forensic podiatrist and has assisted in solving crimes based on footprints and/or gait analysis.

More than anything, however, he loves working with athletes, diabetics, children and others who come through the door at Friendly Foot Care. There’s been nothing quite as fulfilling over the past thirty years as watching people come in with foot issues and walk out happier and healthier.

“I and my wonderful staff love making a difference for people,” he says. “Here, people are treated the way we would want to be treated.”

SECOND PLACE

Dr. John Rachoy

North Point Orthopaedics 

9445 Calumet Ave.

Munster

219-836-1060

northpointortho.com

THIRD PLACE

 Dr. James Hong

Bone & Joint Specialists

9001 Broadway

Merrillville

219-795-3360

orthopedicdoctors.com

Residences Senior Living

Residences at Deer Creek

401 E. U.S. Hwy. 30

Schererville

219-864-0700

Residences at Coffee Creek

2300 Village Point

Chesterton

219-921-5200

residencesseniorliving.com

Melissa Caldwell says it’s easy to see why so many seniors choose to call the locally owned and operated Residences Senior Living communities of Deer Creek and Coffee Creek home.

“These properties both provide the perfect blend of an independent living feel with the peace of mind of a licensed assisted living community model,” says Caldwell, a principal at WestShore Senior Living, the management community for Residences Senior Living. “We not only strive to keep residents safe, well cared for physically and engaged socially, but we also offer our own on-site licensed social worker to help round out all the dimensions of wellness, especially the emotional and intellectual aspects.”

While the amenities in communities are top-notch, Caldwell believes it’s the commitment to personalized and compassionate care for residents that trickles down from leadership to the entire team that really make the difference at Deer Creek and Coffee Creek.

“Being responsive to our residents’ needs and their families’ concerns over the years has helped distinguish Residences Senior Living as a safe and trustworthy senior living community, which translates into a great place to live and visit,” she says.

Residences Senior Living also was voted Best Memory Care Facility.

SECOND PLACE

Symphony Care Network - Crown Point, Dyer, Chesterton

Multiple locations

855-477-8777

symphonynetwork.com

THIRD PLACE

Hartsfield Village

10000 Columbia Ave.

Munster

219-934-0750

hartsfieldvillage.com

Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists

8840 Calumet Ave., Suite 103

Munster

1100 S. Calumet Road, Suite 1

Chesterton

219-836-7246

spinecaremw.com

Whether seeing a patient for a worker’s comp injury, working with someone injured in an automobile accident or simply treating someone with chronic pain, the doctors, nurse practitioners and support staff at Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists always focus on the diagnosis. While this may seem obvious, taking the time to drill down to a root cause before jumping into potential solutions or treatments is not always as common in health care as it should be.

But practice administrator Lynne Anton says finding the “why” of a patient’s pain is the foundation from which Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists operate because it informs the care options and treatment choices. Once the cause is determined, the doctors can better select from their toolbox of traditional and regenerative solutions to find a way to block that pain signal — and to hopefully prevent surgery and/or heavy medication — and send the patient out with the prospect of a pain-free life.

It's an opportunity that nobody on the staff takes lightly — the ability to change someone’s life for the better.

Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists also won for Best Pain Management.

SECOND PLACE

NWI Spine Institute

Dr. Zeshan Hyder

Multiple locations

219-797-7463

nwispineinstitute.com

THIRD PLACE

Orthopedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana

Dr. Nitin Khanna

730 45th St.

Munster

219-924-3300

spinecarespecialists.com

Dr. Zeshan Hyder

NWI Spine Institute 

11055 Broadway

Crown Point

219-797-7463

nwispineinstitute.com

Dr. Zeshan Hyder knows there’s much more to being a good surgeon than just having the technical skills to operate on a patient. That’s why his goal as a minimally invasive spinal surgeon is to treat patients with respect, to clearly diagnose their problems and to remove any fears they may be having about their neck or back pain. Using tools such as multimedia presentations and spine models, Hyder strives to educate patients regarding their condition and answer any and all questions they may have. A phone call from the staff the night after surgery and during recovery at home helps carry the comfort level all the way through the journey.

“We work diligently to establish a solid doctor-patient relationship where the patient’s needs come first,” says Hyder, who has been in practice a little more than 10 years and lives with his family in Northwest Indiana. “My goal is for no patient to leave without feeling 100% comfortable and informed.”

SECOND PLACE

Dr. Gregory P. McComis

North Point Orthopaedics

9445 Calumet Ave.

Munster

219-836-1060

northpointortho.com

THIRD PLACE

Dr. Anton Thompkins

LakeShore Bone & Joint Institute

Multiple locations

219-921-1444

lbji.com

Midwest Express Clinic

Multiple locations

219-513-2000

midwestexpressclinic.com

With high-powered sports personalities such as Chicago Bull Zach LaVine and former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch helping to spread the word from giant highway billboards, Midwest Express Clinic is enjoying high visibility throughout Northwest Indiana.

But particularly given the enormous strain hospital emergency rooms and doctor’s offices have been under the last two years, it’s likely that many Region patients have gotten to know the Midwest Express brand in a much more personal way – by walking through the doors of one of its 10 area locations to get a nonemergency illness or injury treated by one of the experienced, board-certified professionals on staff.

And whether the needs involved family care, women’s health, a school or sports physical, lab work, COVID-19 testing, X-rays or just an unexpected injury or illness, those patients have enjoyed a positive experience — this is Midwest Express Clinic’s second straight win in this category — whether they’ve seen those billboards or not.

SECOND PLACE

Methodist Hospitals CareFirst

Multiple locations

219-663-2793

methodisthospitals.org

THIRD PLACE

Franciscan ExpressCare

Multiple locations

219-934-9856

franciscanhealth.org

Region Vein

931 Ridge Road, Suite C

Munster

219-595-3095

regionvein.com

Dr. Demetrios Karamichos can tick off any number of reasons so many patients seek out his practice when they need treatment for the leg pain, fatigue, swelling and muscle cramps that come with varicose veins: From the individualized care they receive in a single, local office to the single-minded focus on vein care to the personal treatment the doctor himself always provides. 8ut it’s the comfort and sense of peace that he and his veteran team provide that he believes set Region Vein apart.

“I have done thousands of these procedures and can provide the most efficient and most comfortable experience available,” Karamichos says. “We take the time to educate our patients on all aspects of their symptoms, treatment options and coverage upfront so there are no surprises. Our goal is to get them to live healthier and happier lives being active, and not slowed down by leg pain.”

SECOND PLACE

Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care

Multiple locations

219-476-7246

discover-cpc.com

THIRD PLACE

Cardiovascular Consultants

Multiple locations

219-934-4200

cardioconsultantspc.com

Levin Eye Care Center

1334 119th St.

Whiting

219-659-3050

levineyecare.com

Proudly serving Northwest Indiana and Chicago for nearly 50 years, the doctors and support team at Levin Eye Care Center provide high-quality care to every patient who comes through the door. And whether administering its Vision Therapy Program to identify hidden learning-related vision problems or treating and rehabilitating everything from lazy eye to misaligned eyes to visual motor complications from traumatic brain injury, the goal is always the same: To provide the kind of comprehensive eye exams and superior customer service that lead to visual enjoyment and a higher quality of life.

“We could not have won the honor of Best Vision Care again without our doctors and staff who are committed to excellence and take pride in the care we offer to each patient,” says Dr. Steven Levin, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indiana Optometric Association in 2021. “And we look forward to continuing to serve the eye care needs of the Region for many years to come.”

SECOND PLACE

Moses EyeCare Centers

Multiple locations

833-376-6737

moseseyecare.com

THIRD PLACE

Vision Boutique

8319 Wicker Ave.

St. John

219-228-1776

vision-boutique.com

NorthShore Health Centers

Multiple locations

219-763-8112

northshorehealth.org

Dr. Matthew Tipton says that what sets NorthShore Health Centers apart from others in women's health care is its attention to the social and emotional well-being of patients. The aim, he explains, is to not only provide evidence-based medicine, but to also strive for cultural competence and a connection that goes beyond any disease process.

“Our genuine and caring relationship with our patients is vital to the care we provide,” Tipton says. “Each member of our team is a fun-loving, family-oriented and shirt-off-our-back kind of person. We make an effort to bring this approach to every patient we encounter.

“We work extremely hard to provide the best patient experience,” Tipton adds. “The work is long and often times very tiring, but to receive this kind of backing from our community is confirmation that we are perhaps doing things the right way.”

SECOND PLACE

Community Healthcare System

Multiple locations

219-934-8320

comhs.org

THIRD PLACE

Franciscan Health

Multiple locations

219-662-5700

franciscanhealth.org