What I have found out about yelp is that if a review is low-rated in a sea of glowing reviews the system will filter, in essence -- delete -- the review if the reviewer has few or no other reviews posted. Since my review is an all-too-true reprise of my experience with Dr. Close I feel it deserves to be seen and not trashed, so I am trying again, this time giving a two-star review instead of the one-star that I had originally given. Maybe this time my review will be retained. I'm hoping so, since I believe it has relevance. Let me start with the fact that. I, too, believed I had found my best-ever doctor. Dr. Close has a very hip and informal style which is a refreshing change of pace from the stodginess of some other docs. However, I did not find him very intuitive. He tries to "figure out" what's going on. Though not ideal, that was something I could still live with. But where I parted company with him is when he said to me he had a really great antibiotic for my sinusitis. Did I want to try it? (Yes, he likes to ask you what YOU want.) His hipness caused me to let down my guard. The stodgy doc would have had me online in a second researching the drug. Instead I went to get the prescription filled and took one of the pills. I figured one couldn't hurt. Afterward, I researched it. The reports were SO bad that I decided not to take the rest. Good decision! That ONE pill gave me double vision which did not go away for two months. The worst part was not knowing if it would EVER go away. Double vision so bad I could barely drive (I drove with one eye shut). These are antibiotics that should be taken only as a last resort when nothing else works. I learned that the World Health Organization recognizes a link between this antibiotic, levaquin, and double vision. The Internet is rife with reports of really, really bad adverse reactions to this class of drugs -- the fluoroquinolones. There is a class action suit pending right now. Check out this website: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/07/18/Antibiotics-to-Avoid-Like-the-Plague-Due-to-FDAs-Oversight-Failure.aspx I phoned Dr. Close and told him I had double-vision as a result of this drug, but I never heard from him again. He never followed up. He should have been aware that the drug he prescribed to me had the potential to be very harmful to a certain percentage of individuals, actually a relatively large percentage of individuals taking it. He seemed to have no idea. Yes, every drug has side effects, but if you research it as I did you will find that this class of antibiotics is truly remarkable in the devastation it has brought to many people's lives. Dr. Close is no longer my doctor. I learned a lesson I will never forget and I hope everyone reading this will research their medications thoroughly before taking them. read more

Let me explain my two-star review. I will relate the simple facts, and you be the judge. I, too, believed I had found my best-ever doctor. Dr. Close has a very hip and informal style which is a refreshing change of pace from the stodgy, self-importance of many other docs. However, I did not find him very intuitive. He tries to "figure out" what's going on. Though not ideal, that was something I could still live with. But where I parted company with him is when he said to me he had a really great antibiotic for my sinusitis. Did I want to try it? (Yes, he likes to ask you what YOU want.)His hipness caused me to let down my guard. The stodgy doc would have had me online in a second researching the drug. Instead I went to get the prescription filled and took one of the pills. I figured one couldn't hurt. Afterward, I researched it. The reports were SO bad that I decided not to take the rest. Good decision! That ONE pill gave me double vision which did not go away for two months. The worst part was not knowing if it would EVER go away. Double vision so bad I could barely drive (I drove with one eye shut). These are antibiotics that should be taken only as a last resort when nothing else works. I learned that the World Health Organization recognizes a link between this antibiotic, levaquin, and double vision. The Internet is rife with reports of really, really bad adverse reactions to this class of drugs -- the fluoroquinolones. There is a class action suit pending right now. Check out this website: http://articles.mercol... I phoned Dr. Close to tell him I had double-vision. But I never heard from him again. He should have been aware that the drug he prescribed to me had the potential to be very harmful to a certain percentage of individuals, actually a relatively large percentage of individuals taking it. Yes, every drug has side effects, but if you research it as I did you will find that this class of antibiotics is truly remarkable in the devastation it has brought to many people's lives. Dr. Close is no longer my doctor. I learned a lesson I will never forget and I hope everyone reading this will research their medications extensively before taking them. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Close for more than 6 months now and I think this gentleman is terrific. Sure, I have to wait for more than an hour sometimes, but I don't mind because (1) I already know that in advance and bring stuff with me to occupy myself and (2) the reason that he runs behind is because he spends SO MUCH time with each patient, including me that there is no way for him to keep to a strict schedule like so many other, stodgy, dismissive medical professionals do. Dr. Close is not only brilliant, but he has a wonderful personality. He tries to get to know you as a person, and he imparts medical wisdom very generously. My last visit, he was explaining problems with sugar consumption, then said, "wait a minute," he marched me into his private office, also occupied by his two lovely canines, he Googled up an article, printed it and gave it to me. When I request an appointment, I usually am able to get in there the very next day. He remembers me without having to study charts and such, and his treatment recommendations are appropriately minimalistic, which I very much appreciate. He always does blood work, and his assistant calls me the very next morning with the results. Dr. Close does not require follow up visits (meaning more $$$ for him) but rather, he treats you like an adult and tells you that you should return to see him when YOU decide to do that. As a bonus, if you want to discuss any related medical topics with him, he freely makes himself available to do that. As with most good things, I found the guy by accident and proximity to where I live, and I can say without equivocation that I am more than highly enthusiastic about his work. It is extremely obvious that this man cares deeply about his work and his patients. No doctor is right 100% of the time and there is as much art as science in the medical profession Sure you have to wait a little, but that beats having to schedule appointments weeks or months in advance as one often has to do with other practitioners. And I have found his staff to be very efficient, courteous and accommodating. John Abraham read more

I have been a patient. of Dr. Close for a little over a month now, and he is by far the best doctor i have ever had. From the start, he has always listened to what I have to say, and give me his feedback every time I see him. I went to see him because of the back problems I have been having for the past 18 months after a bad car accident. I told him I wanted to stop the pain killersd I have been taking and try something new. We decided on a newer medication, and it has been the best month I have had in 18 months. I'm still feeling the pain, but its not so severe as it was in the past, and I'm not an "addict" anymore. I didnt know what the painkillers were doing to me and he explained it to me so I could understand. I was destroying my body from the inside out. I have become totally anti-social and have alienated all of my friends. Its quite sad. Since I have been on the new meds, I have gotten a new job, and I actually have the energy it takes to be a human being again. All I can say is THANK YOU! Because of Dr. Close, I am much better and cant wait to see what the future has for me. I recommend him with 10 stars, but this site only lets me choose 5. If you need a new doctor, I suggest you call him. You wont be dissapointed. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Close's for a little over 2 years now. I was so tired of doctors being dismissive, in a hurry and intimidating. They generally caused me to feel as if my illness, etc. was an inconvenience to them. As an epileptic, I have been on so many medications throughout my life, and I just wanted to understand what I was taking and to whittle them down, if possible. I wanted to see if I really need all of these drugs or if there was another solution. Dr. Close not only listened to me, he even drew diagrams to help me understand what issues each drug was addressing. He went so far as to research the drugs I am on to see how they interact with one another and is helping me, over time, to whittle down the presciptions I need. Even better, I am more informed now as to what issues I have, and what TYPES of drugs address them in what manner. Go to see Dr. Close. He is the type of doctor I thought was long gone. He is patient, he listens, and truly cares. The extra time he takes makes a real difference which is obvious once you meet another one of his patients. They will go on and on about how fabulous he is. read more

Dr. Close is the only family practitioner I've ever met (other than my own father, now retired) who always takes the time to listen to you, and really tries to get in your shoes and goes out of his way to do what's best for you. A few years ago, I had a nasty skin infection that required something like 10 days in a row with an IV antibiotic. Any other doctor would have sent me to the hospital. Instead, he and Jim, his office manager, met me each day, opening just for me on the days the shop was closed, so I could get that hour-long iv drip and spare me a long, and otherwise unnecessary (and costly!) hospital stay. Even on Sundays, they opened the shop just for me for an hour! Need I say more? Actually, I do need to say one more thing, it's a practice with a heart, a sense of purpose and even some humor. no doubt; he is a fantastic clinician, updated always about the latest advances, treatments, and what not. I always say to friends "he is one of only two doctors still practicing that I know, who lives by the rules of the unfortunately long-ago-forgotten Hippocratic Oath." read more

I had sinusitis. Dr Close prescribed an antibiotic that many people have experienced serious side effects with. I took one capsule, then read up on this drug. I stopped taking it when I read about people's experiences. Then a few days later I got very bad double-vision, a known side-effect of this drug. This symptom lasted TWO months! The worst part was I didn't know if it would ever go away. I phoned Dr. Close and told him what happened. He never followed up. The positive things people say about him are true, yet, in my opinion, he is not careful enough in what he prescribes. Levaquin should be a "last line of defense" antibiotic because too many people have suffered harm from it. In fairness, it should be noted that many physicians prescribe it cavalierly, but that doesn't make it right. The antibiotic levaquin is in the fluoroquinolone group. Be very careful with these antibiotics. They have caused terrible side effects. Do a search. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/07/18/Antibiotics-to-Avoid-Like-the-Plague-Due-to-FDAs-Oversight-Failure.aspx read more

Dr. Close is by far the best doctor I've had. He takes the time to ask many questions about his patients and their health, and he offers advice and suggests treatment that is well thought out rather than a quick fix. On multiple occasions I have sat in his office talking to him about a health-related issue or even general well being for nearly an hour, and he always seems to enjoy answering my questions. He's also very helpful and considerate of patients under tight financial circumstances. He does have an inclination toward tangential conversation (we spent 15 to 20 minutes talking about diet-related books such as "Omnivore's Dilemma" during one of my appointments), but I find it endearing. He's truly interested in helping his patients become more informed about their own wellness. He also tends to run late, especially if you have a Saturday appointment, but I think his counseling and treatment is worth the wait. I'm moving to Washington, D.C. in a few weeks and I'm sad I'll have to find a new doctor. I'm fairly certain I won't find another one as good. read more

A doctor who actually made 2 house calls on the way to work! I had just moved to Chicago and did not have a PCP yet. I was sick in bed with a nasty flu and pretty high fever. My partner started to look up local doctors and randomly found Dr. Close called his practice and left a message to schedule a visit (this was around 7AM). Dr.Close called us back with in 10 minutes and told my partner that he can stop by NOW because he is in the area on the way to work. When he got to our apartment, a few minutes later, he treated me like I was a family member, took all my vitals, and gave us advice how to care for my illness called his practice to set up a followup appointment, and got me registered as a new patient. (I wasn't even a patient of his yet)! A few years later, he did it again. He stated I'm in the neighborhood why don't I just stop by, it's winter and you're too sick to leave your home. I lived in Chicago for 13 years and by far, he was the best most thorough caring doctor I have ever had. There should be more doctors like him practicing. read more

Dr. Close is the BEST doctor I have ever seen. I have referred all of my friends and family to Dr. Close because he listens to me and treats me like a person - not like just another patient. Dr. Close is positively brilliant. He will not just tell me what kind of treatments will work for an ailment, but describes why he feels this treatment is right for me and discusses the medical rationale for its success. He places equal weight on Western medical treatments and alternative medicine, creating holistic and comprehensive care. I also appreciate that Dr. Close is fairly casual and laid back, and this style reverberates through his office. The woman at the front desk is one of the nicest and most kind people I have ever seen working in a medical office. Things can get quite hectic up at the front desk, and she delivers that same quality, individual attention to each phone call that Dr. Close gives to each patient in the examination room. I never want to leave Chicago because I know that I will never find such a great doctor. read more

I am a chiropractor and as such, am a little leery of the M.D. I have grown fatigued from defending my profession from the continued unfounded criticism of the medical profession and the lack of recognition that chiropractic deserves as a part of mainstream healthcare. I recognize that many, if not most of medical doctors are not critical of chiropractic, but the ones that are certainly cause a lot of frustration. Dr. Close is a diamond in the medical rough as he is not critical, rather very supportive of complimentary and alternative medicine. I sincerely trust his opinion when I have a personal issue that needs attention and know that when I refer a patient to him he will keep the patient's best interest in mind and my patients love working with him. He is sincere, and takes time to truly listen to patient's concerns. If you are looking for a new GP, call Dr. Close. You will not be disappointed. read more

Dr. Close and his organized staff are by far the best in Chicago! Dr Close takes time to talk and listen to his patients. I've been to see him on numerous occasions for different ailments. Each time the care has been perfect. Additionally, it's a well run business and this is how it goes: Walk in, check in with the reception desk, sit in the waiting area (for a short amount of time), once you hear your name, you're escorted to the private office where the nurse immediately takes your blood pressure, temp, etc., and asks the reason for the visit. Moments later Dr. Close comes in. He listens, talks, then prescribes IF NEEDED. Seeing Dr. Close has always been a great experience (even when I can barely drag myself from my bed) and it's why I will continue to seek care from his professional practice. read more

Really, really, really good doctor. Extremely intelligent, knowledgeable guy (even for a doctor), yet comes across as a real person (he has a personality, and I've even seen him in different moods - kinda unusual for a doctor). I trust him as much as I've trusted any health professional. He'll listen to and respect your feelings and requests, but will be more than willing to provide his own opinions (often at length), some of which are very strong. He is also thorough, and is careful to start with the basics (your diet, career, life situation, history, routine tests, etc.) before he simply tosses a prescription/diagnosis at you. Spent a great deal of time talking to me during my initial visit. Excellent, caring nurse, friendly staff. I'm very glad to have found Dr. Close. read more

I had an accident this morning and did not know who to call. I did not want to go to the emergency room so I tried to look on-line for someone nearby. I had heard of Dr. Close so decided to call him, not expecting to get to see him today. Well, my expectations were wrong and they saw me a few hours after my call! They were all very pleasant! The receptionists were extremely helpful and friendly, Jim was great, and Dr. Close was very imformative and in no way was dismissive as some doctors are. He listened carefully and was very informative about my condition. I have never had a better experience! Hopefully I will not have to see him soon, but if so I don't think it will be all that bad. I think he is great! read more

I have visited Dr. Close over 5 times. Thus far I find his knowledge, manner and concern near the best I have experienced. My health concerns are numerous and he has really been a "go to" person for me. His staff is very efficient, his nurse is more than capable, the receptionist is very friendly and helpful.. He has done well with cross over problems due to a transplant I had a few years back and I know he is constantly thinking to help enhance my quality of life which is what it is all about in the end. I can deal with a wait and it being somewhat crazy at times because I know when it is my turn I will get a Doctor who is genuinely concerned about my quality of life. read more

Went to Dr. Close suffering from a potentially serious condition. No insurance, and out of work, I was ready to head to Cook County Emergency. Dr. Close advised me that I could go to St. Josephs and he could walk me through paperwork which would have the bills reduced substantially. He also sent me to Costco to fill the antibiotic prescription because he said they are MUCH cheaper for the generics. I was lucky. The antibiotics worked and only cost me $17.00. He had me come back THE NEXT DAY for no charge to see how I was. He was obviously very concerned and I was lucky. I was still quite sick for a couple more days but avoided the hospital stay. read more

I have been a patient of Dr.Close's for a long time now, and I must say that he is the best physician that I have ever seen. I drive 45 miles for my appointments with him because I live in the suburbs, but it is very worth it. Dr. Close truly cares about his patients, and is very easy to open up to! He is not like many other doctors who try to prescribe a lot of unnecessary meds, and rush the patients out the door. Dr.Close goes above and beyond to find the root cause of an issue, instead of merely masking it. I give Dr. Close the even higher than a five star rating! read more

Not just a great first impression....but rather long standing. This man of health care - - -is an absolute gem. A rare, rare find. He has been our daughter's primary physician for about 5 years now and has proven himself again and again to be a competent 5-star- - -thorough, insightful, patience, a very keen mind, a critical thinker for sure +++ willing to spend his time (isn't that $$$?)- - -to convey his concern to GET IT RIGHT. In all ways, I count our familly fortunate to have found him....truly blessed :-) read more

This is my first online review, but I use yelp constantly for reference. I just had my appointment today, and I cannot believe what an amazing doctor I now have. THANK you!!! What Emily said in her post above is dead on with the teach a man to fish analogy. He takes the time to talk to you about medication, natural supplements, draws it out for you. He's just a really intelligent and caring doctor. But in addition to that, he's like this uber-cool laidback funny guy- you'll want to like, have a beer with him. read more