Dr. Bicalho is the best doctor I have ever had. I have been going to her for 10 years and am so happy with her service. She is so helpful, informative, and caring regardless of the situation or questions I come in with. If you are looking for a OBGYN look no further. Before she was my doctor (when I was in my teens and early 20s) I had always dreaded these appointments. She makes every patient feel comforted and taken care of. I am so thankful to have her as my doctor and will be going to her forever. read more

Dr Brady Reis was very professional and lovely during my exam. I wanted a tubal ligation. She said the office would contact me to schedule it. When they called a woman talking very fast told me I'd need a special appointment and EKG for my heart murmur. I don't have a heart murmur. She didn't seem interested in that. I also said I'd want to set up the surgery in November because I was having knee surgery in Sept, so it wouldn't be right after another surgery. It was in August. they said it'd be a while before her schedule was available. I called back several weeks later after not hearing from them. When I said I was calling to follow up, they knew who I was ("This is Nikki, right?") and then they never called me back. It's now almost a year later, I got my plumbing tended somewhere else, and I have no interest in going back to that poorly-run office. read more

I had THE WORST experience here. The first time I came in to see my new OBGYN Brady Reis my exam was so rushed I literally felt in shock after it was done sitting in the exam room alone. I came back for my IUD insertion and removal and while I don't blame the doctor for not finding it right away or that my cervix wouldn't open I do fault either her or the nurse for leaving me in tears, not preparing me for the blood that would come out of me, and then pushing me out of the room by taking down the seat I was on making laying down impossible. No one ever showed remorse for anything including the receptionists. read more

This team of doctors will provide sensitive, compassionate, personalized, high quality care that meets your needs. You definitely won't feel like you're going through a revolving door like at other places like Northwestern. Here they will actually take time to get to know you and understand your needs and will personally follow up on any additional procedures or tests you need. Here you feel like a valued human being. Even though my primary care physician is through another hospital I will never leave this group. read more

I delivered my second baby with the Illinois Masonic OB/GYN practice and I couldn't be happier with the whole experience from prenatal care through delivery. I switched here at 18 weeks after being unhappy with the level of care at another Northside hospital, and I am so glad I did. Dr Branch was my main Dr, and I was so happy seeing her: she was kind, professional, and kept on top of my test results and orders making sure nothing got delayed or missed. I felt very confident in her care. I was monitored, and ultimately induced early, due to rising blood pressure, and felt that the practice were very proactive in monitoring potential issues and keeping you informed about potential actions they might need to take. When it came to labor and delivery, the nurses (and Dr Starr) were uniformly wonderful. I gave birth right at the start of the pandemic and lockdown and the hospital was dealing with a lot - I'm so thankful to everyone for making our time there feel really pretty normal, despite all that was going on. I especially appreciated the time we had in labor and delivery right after my daughter was born where everyone left my husband and I alone with the baby for 2 hours. It gave us time to bond and start nursing; A very different experience to my first birth in a different state where people were popping in and out and taking the baby away for various things. I was new to the city when choosing a hospital for delivery and an OBs office and many places and people recommended more famous hospitals. I'm really glad that I went with my instincts and opted for Illinois Masonic, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. read more

My initial phone call to set up an appointment was a negative experience, but I held out since this practice is conveniently located and the reviews are glowing. My appointment went smoothly. The woman who helped me at reception was welcoming, and I only waited a few minutes to be called in. The nurse, Corinna (sp?), was fantastic - warm, friendly, and helpful. I ended up seeing Dr. Starr, and it went alright. I was pleasantly surprised to *not* be dissuaded from considering Essure, and unlike some other doctors I've seen in the past, she wasn't dismissive when I told her about my unusual medical history. I would have liked a little more time to talk through my health history and the procedures I'm considering -- this part of the appointment felt rushed. I'm going to have to go back to Google for the information I need, which is disappointing. When I raised concerns about the potential for experiencing extreme pain, I was told that only a small percentage of women have this problem -- that's great, but what if I'm one of those women? I would have appreciated more information about what the doctor could or would do for me in that situation. Also, please be aware: this practice is part of the hospital, and since the hospital is faith-based, the services offered here are limited. read more

I just gave birth to my second son and it was such a wonderful experience. Dr. Bichalo is my primary doctor and was wonderful and supportive throughout my pregnancy. She takes time to listen to concerns and is extremely knowledgable. Dr. Dennis is also wonderful and I would recommend her as well. Towards the end of my pregnancy, I had a few appointments with Dr. Heraty and she ultimately delivered my son. I was amazed at how calming she was during labor and she made the delivery a wonderful experience. This was a much different delivery from my first son where there must have been 3-4 different doctors during my labor and I can't even remember who delivered me. Delivering at Illinois Masonic was also much more calming than delivering at Northwestern. I would defintely recommend delivering at a community hospital. The nurses were extrememly attentive and helpful and you wouldn't believe that I actually received a full hot towel massage before I left the hospital, which was much needed! All in all a perfect birthing experience - I would definitely recommend this practice. read more

This OB/Gyn practice is part of Advocate Illinois Masonic hospital at Halsted and Wellington. I am due in October 2010 but sadly will have to leave this great practice since I am moving out to Naperville. All of the doctors I have met so far have been very nice. Just a tip--it seems that the first OB you see at your 8 week check-up is your "primary" doctor, the one who under normal circumstances, will be the one to delivery the baby. However, you may, like me, choose to rotate doctors every time you come so that you meet everyone else in case they are on call at the time you deliver. Dr. Stephanie Heraty is my primary doctor, she is friendly and personable and follows up with you after ultrasounds, etc. She's great, but the doctor I originally wanted as a primary is Dr. Melissa Dennis. She is particularly nice and knowledgeable; she picked up on things quickly and made recommendations for me regarding migraines, etc. The third OB I see is Dr. Brenda Darrell. My first impression of her was rather unfavorable, but then again, she is the one who does the early appointments (7:30 am, 7:45am, etc)...so maybe she was having a bad morning that day. I met her again today and she was wonderful, so I can honestly say that I would be comfortable with any of them at the delivery. There is also one man in the practice if that is what you prefer (I do not). The front desk/nursing staff in the office is friendly and will work with your schedule to find an appointment time that will work for you. If like me, you work an hour away and 9:30-6:30, it's rather difficult to in for appointments, so the early 7:30 slot is great! There is one really old lady who mans the phones sometimes and it can take her 15-20 minutes to try to use the scheduling system, which is a little frustrating, so call them early in the morning and you will get the more, er, capable receptionists. read more

I'd give them 0 stars if I could. Receptionists are extremely rude (especially Cindy) for making a basic annual exam. Unclean practices ( room was not prepped by assitant prior to the exam. Doctor is reaching in drawers mid exam - unsanitary! Leaving used speculum on the bare counters. Gross! ) Doctor darted out of the room after the exam with no instructions. Dr took no time to read notes on prior visit. Dr was very patronizing and her knowledge was questionable. Left 2 phone messages with the office manager, Donna Rice - no return phone call. In summary: - rude staff - unclean / unprepared - incomplete exams - lacking current knowledge on OBGYN health read more

I went for a yearly check up and the staff and Dr. Reese were all very polite. Dr. Reese listened to my concerns and made all the exam as painless as it she could. She didn't rush or dismiss anything I asked. I'm glad I found her and I do recommend her. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Starr as my general OB/Gyn for about four years now and am overall very happy with the service I receive there. Dr. Starr is thoughtful and a good listener and doesn't make me feel rushed. She answers my questions and is quick to get back with test results, etc. My biggest complaint is that I often have to wait for a while past my appointment time before being called back to see the doctor. I know this is common with all doctors but it's still frustrating. read more

This is a great practice! The people who work at this office are extremely professional and friendly to boot. I saw Dr. Stephanie Heraty for an annual exam and I have no hesitation recommending her. She was confident, kind, and capable. I was particularly pleased with how thorough everything from when I made my appointment to the follow up call for test results was - a definite plus. I really felt taken care of. read more

My primary OBGYN is Dr. Heraty, and I think she is amazing. Always so nice and comforting, and felt in very good hands with her. I did get a chance to meet most of the doctors in the office because Dr. Heraty was going to be on maternity leave during my due date. I met, Dr. Dennis, Dr. Bicalho, Dr. Popper, and Dr. Starr. I will tell you that most of these doctors were so amazing, and I felt very safe with any of them. 9 mo later when my due date came and went, I wasn't going into labor. I was 41 weeks pregnant and wanted to be induced that day. Unfortunately, I had Dr. Starr deliver me, and I thought she was a great doctor that was going to take care of me, but I was wrong. This is actually really hard for me to think about, and even type, but my delivery was a nightmare. Dr. Starr turned off my epidural, which caused me to spiral into down into a place of hysteria. I was screaming, vomiting, and literally thought I wasn't going to get through it. Dr. Starr would not turn back on my epidural, and kept telling me to "push through the pain." During my pushing through the most intense pain I have ever experienced my baby's heart rate was dropping significantly. He wasn't coming out. I had to be rushed to the OR for an emergency c-section, and there was not enough time for the epidural medicine to kick in my body. They opened me up immediately, and I felt everything. They also tied my arms down, and I felt like I was in a mental institution. I was so hysterical they put me out as soon as my son was born, and he was not breathing for the first 5 minutes of his life, and was immediately taken into the NICU. Because of my traumatic experience, I lost A LOT of blood, and couldn't move out of bed for the first 35 hours after birth. My baby was in the NICU, and wasn't allowed to leave, so I didn't get to meet my first born son until 35 hours after he was born. I was devastated, and numb. I am a very small person, that gave birth to a 9.3 lb baby. How the delivery was handled, I lost a lot of blood and my hemoglobin levels were dangerously low. If they would have dropped another point it could have been deadly. Dr. Dennis came into my room, and requested a blood transfusion, and this made me nervous. I told her how Dr. Starr handled my delivery, and she made me feel very at home. I was crying because I had just WISHED it would have been her delivering my child. I know it wouldn't have been that way. The next day I had to have a blood transfusion because of all the blood loss. I will tell you that Dr. Starr never once came to see me in the hospital the entire WEEK i was there. Dr. Dennis, and Dr. Popper visited me daily. These two doctors are amazing, especially Dr. Dennis. I truly do feel very grateful to her, and how she really took care of me, and my son after my traumatic experience. Dr. Heraty was on maternity leave and as soon as she got back she called me, and when I wasn't answering she kept calling to make sure I was okay. She felt so bad, and wanted to check on my well being. I do really feel that a these doctors really care about you. If I do decide to deliver at Illinois Masonic again, I will ONLY allow, Dr. Dennis or Dr. Heraty to deliver my child. I will refuse anyone else.... it's sad it has to be that way, but I will not go through that again. I can't even tell you the mental trauma I had after the entire situation. It took me about 6 weeks to really recover and feel back to normal fully blame Dr. Starr, and she will never come near me or another child of mine. I'm telling you ladies... this woman will seem very nice in the office, but she's different in the delivery room.... please get rid of her as a doctor! She's awful, and it's been 5 mo, and I still am SICK about it. Bc of her, my baby and me could have not made it. The nurses were amazing. I LOVED Shirley, and will never forget how much she took care of me.I was so weak, and she pushed me to get out of bed, and truly cared about me. I give 10 stars to Dr. Dennis, and Dr. Heraty. I give - ZERO stars to Dr. Starr....she needs to learn how to be sympathetic to her patients, and LISTEN when they tell you DO NOT turn off my epidural....DO NOT do that! She's disgusting, and I hope that I can help anyone else to avoid this nightmare that my baby and I went through. Stay away from her! read more

This is probably the most important review I have ever written. Dr Heraty and the nursing staff here made my first pregnancy an enjoyable deal! I have been going here since the time I found out that I was expecting. I did as much research as I could and chose this practice as my insurance covered it and due to its proximity to where I live. I first met with nurse Beth, while I was 6 weeks preggers and she answered all my questions and concerns patiently. I then made an appt with Dr Heraty and continued to see her through most of my pregnancy. She is a great doctor and additionally, she was friendly and made me feel very comfortable during my visits. Since my baby was breech, she suggested many options to turn her but we ultimately chose to go with a C-section. Dr Heraty not only made it so easy and simple but she also promptly followed up the next two days. I can't say enough about how helpful the nursing staff were! Be it during my appts with Dr Heraty, at the OB triage or immediately following the delivery, the nurses were incredible. I'm so happy with my experience here and now my life is all about a cute smile that makes all the sleepless nights worth it :) read more

I love Doctor Heraty...her appointments are always on-time and her nurses(s) are easy to talk to. Additionally, Doctor Heraty seems to really care about her patients. I can't say enough good things about her:) read more

I haven't gone to my appointment yet, but I just spoke to the nicest woman ever on the phone. Her name is Renee and she called me back when I filled out the online request for an appointment for my annual. The Doc I requested wasn't available for several week, so she worked with me to help me find another Doc who was close to home AND had an opening very soon! She was so nice and helpful, I wanted to give her a shout out on Yelp! read more

I have to agree with another review that this is the most important review I've ever written. My labor began with Dr. Dennis and I ultimately delivered my baby with my doctor, Dr. Branch. But I have to say that my entire experience with everyone at the hospital, from the doctors to the nurses was amazing. Everyone was extremely knowledgeable and sensitive to the fact that this was my first pregnancy. I have nothing but good things to say about the practice and ultimately the delivery at the hospital. My biggest concern when I went on the tour was that the facility didn't seem "posh" enough. However, after my delivery, I realized that the care I received, far beyond exceeded my expectations. You will not find more caring doctors, nurses and staff than here! Thank you to everyone who cared for us!! read more

Haven't delivered yet, but monthly appointments are easy to schedule, Dr. Heraty keeps to the appointment times and is always friendly and encouraging. read more

I am pregnant and I love everyone in this practice; Bichala, Dennis, and Darrell. They are all compassionate and patient with all of my questions and concerns. I was very apprehensive of doing HMO and not getting the posh Northwestern treatment, but I am pleasantly surprised at the great care I am receiving. The hospital does boast the nursing awards has received - Top 100 hospital, etc. and it shows!! Nurses do everything. read more

We've been really happy with the OB Practice at 3000 N Halsted for all my prenatal care, they've taken time to ensure we've met each doctor (any one of 6 may deliver you) and have felt supported and encouraged throughout. Each doctor we've met with so far have been patient, warm, and excited about their work. I never leave with additional questions or worries, and the myadvocate portal email system has been wonderful for asking occasional panicked pregnancy questions -- they always reply within a few hours with compassion and advice. I'm feeling secure so far in my first pregnancy and trust the care I'm receiving there. read more

We are rather new to Lincoln Park, coming from Glen Ellyn, IL a western suburb where my healthcare was provided by physicians with Cadence Health. I had thought about Northwestern for my GYN care but Dr. Stephanie Heraty was referred to me by my daughter's Internal Medicine Physician at Advocate as someone I should consider. I can't say enough good about her - As a nurse (now working in healthcare technology I have years of OB/Gyn, Cardiac and ED inpatient experience. She is both clinically astute, knowledgeable and very patient-centered in her manner of care. She is not aggressive in treatment, follows all current standards and guidelines and believes in supporting the patient in the decision-making process. Advocate is lucky to have her; the new models of care to engage patients in their care will need physician leaders like Dr. Heraty. That's not to underplay the importance of the Office Manager, front office staff and nursing staff. I had made the mistake of coming an hour early for an appointment (the first of the day). With my work travel I had looked at my phone the day before while on the east coast so showed up at 8a.m. They went out of their way, letting me come into the office early as they opened and got me in to see the nurse and Dr. Heraty ahead of schedule. Again, very patient focused. And last, both Dr. Heraty and her staff encouraged me to sign up for the patient portal - great way to get your test results, see your chart, etc. Glad I was referred and know I will stay with Dr. Heraty and Advocate for my care. Cathy Crookston read more

So the doctors at this practice were great throughout my prenatal care. However, my delivery was traumatic because of staff and halfway through during a nurse change I had a nurse tell me "quit the crying we don't need all that" after my epidural didn't work. I was breathing and just tearing up in so much pain- it was the last thing I needed to hear. I had bad PPD and I think it may have been different had I not been so miserable during labor/delivery/post care. I would use their doctors for visits but I would NEVER deliver there again. Next baby I am picking a new practice. read more

Dr. Dennis is my primary OB and she is amazing! Super friendly, very patient, and I've never felt rushed. Definitely try to get a morning appointment as I notice the delays and waits get longer as the day wears on. During my pregnancy I also saw Dr. Branch once who seemed great and I felt very comfortable with her as well. Ultimately, Dr. Starr was the one who actually delivered my baby but I couldn't have been happier. The whole nursing/resident team at the hospital were very accommodating and really respected my birthing preferences. read more

Dr. Bicalho is my wife's OB/GYN and she delivered our baby daughter this past summer. We were very pleased with Dr. Bicalho. She was always extremely nice, patient, courteous and professional. My wife has seen approximately three other OB/GYNs in Texas, Washington, DC, and Chicago, and Dr. Bicalho was definitely our overall favorite. FYI-Unless scheduled for induced labor or a C section, you will get whoever is on the rotation for her practice to deliver your baby. Dr.Melissa Dennis and Dr. Stephanie Heraty from this same office, however, also were great so we would have been very pleased with them delivering our baby as well. If Dr. Bicalho weren't our doctor or available, my wife would gladly see Dr. Dennis as she was especially competent, caring, and professional. Highly recommended!! When deliverying your baby at Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital, make sure you know who the residents are vs. the actual board certified doctors. A couple of the residents were kind of weak and we had to demand to have only the experienced MDs taking care of business. Some of the residents don't always explain they are only residents. All the nurses were very nice. It was super convenient as it is only blocks away from our home. read more

Seriously, I can't say enough good things about this group of Doctors. Through my entire twin pregnancy I saw Dr. Popper with exception of one visit with Dr. Starr. They always listened and made me feel comfortable and welcomed in their office. I deliveved my identical twin girls at 35 weeks and was delighted that they did everything possible to make my vaginal birth plan a reality. I can't thank Dr. Dennis enough she made my delivery as easy as it could be. The entire experience was better than I imagined it would be. It was so nice that they Dr. Popper came to see the babies and I after delivery. So personable and I appreciated all of the extra special care I received. This delivery of my twin girls was easier than the delivery of my first daughter. You ladies are the best and I can't thank you enough. read more

I started coming to this practice mostly because I live in Lakeview and they're located a few blocks from my apartment. I figured this would be nice since my husband and I were ready to start a family and the location made frequent office visits more convenient to juggle with work. My primary doctor was Dr. Dennis, but once I got pregnant, I met all of the other doctors in the practice before having my baby. All of the doctors in the practice are professional and personable, and I felt comfortable with everyone I encountered. Sure, sometimes things in the office would get backed up and the wait would be a little longer, but if you're going to the doctor every few weeks sometimes this happens. Dr. Darrell delivered my baby and she was amazing. I felt so relaxed that we even discussed restaurants between contractions! The entire nursing staff in delivery and mother/baby at Advocate was wonderful. I felt like I was in good hands. read more

Had my baby here...all the doctors are great.. Dr popper and Dr Star are such wonderful doctors as well! The staff really took care of me and made sure I was comfortable through the whole process. read more

I saw Dr. Darrell for a routine pap smear. She was nice enough, but she did not take any interest in me as a person. I've never been to a gynecologist before that didn't ask me one question about myself, like what I do for a living. She just performed the test in virtual silence. Then, I get a call a few days later that they need to repeat the test because there weren't enough cells to read. I asked who's fault that was, and I was told that Dr. Darrell had used too much lube on the speculum, thereby destroying the cells. Then, the lady says to me, " I should probably let her know about that because you are the 5th patient I've had to call because of that same issue." Of course, I was more than annoyed, not only to have to come in again, which is a big inconvenience for me, but to have to repeat such an uncomfortable exam. But I had to do it, so I rescheduled, this time with the nurse partitioner. I don't want to go into great detail, but it was the most painful pap smear I have ever had, and she actually punctured my cervix causing it to bleed. I will never go back to this practice. read more

I've been a patient at this practice for 26 years and have also provided doula services to mothers delivering with these physicians at Illinois Masonic. They are personable, professional, patient and encouraging. I recommend these doctors without reservation and believe they provide women with thoughtful, informative medical care. They're simply the best! read more

I have been seeing Dr. Starr for just about 2 years now. She is seriously the best. She takes time to answer your questions, is so caring, and never makes you feel rushed. Her nursing staff are great as well. Almost always on time which is a huge plus. read more

Sylvia Bichalo is warm & caring. You feel all her attention when she's in the room with you, & not like she's already starting to think about getting to her next appointment. read more

I cannot rave enough about this practice! I started here when I moved back to Chicago and needed a GYN. My husband and I had decided to start trying for a family so I made an appointment with Dr. Bannon and she could not be more fantastic! She is patient, answersall my questions, has a very calming demeanor and I have never felt rushed. I also have never had a wait while sitting solo in the exam room, which for me is huge at the doctors because you can sit in those rooms freezing in a paper gown for 20-30min waiting to see the doc at other places. I have also seen Dr Carlos who was also very nice, answered all my questions and never rushed me. I have been with them now through the first 17 weeks of my pregnancy and couldn't be happier. I also cannot rave enough about the nursing staff! They quickly turn around a call or question within the day and are very thorough and kind. Happy to have found this office to go through my first pregnancy with! read more

I have used this practice for nearly 20 years and highly recommend them to anyone seeking a compassionate and thoughtful group of physicians. My primary doctor is Brenda Darrell, a delightful, thorough and experienced practitioner. I have also seen Dr. Popper when I had a female issue and found her as capable, gentle and supportive as Dr. Darrell. I've had two babies delivered with the help of these physicians, both in the Illinois Masonic Hospital Alternative Birthing Center. In each case I was able to deliver my baby without intervention, medication or IV which was my goal. I was free to move and change positions to enhance my comfort during labor. The doctors made me feel empowered as a woman and a mother ~ what a great start to the parenting journey. read more