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Rush Employed ProviderRush Employed Provider

Ricardo Fontes, MD

4.9
RUSH University Medical Group
Clinical Area:
Neurosurgery Services; Spine and Back Care
Specialty: Neurological Surgery
Languages:
English, German, Portuguese, Spanish

About Me

Scoliosis starts in adolescence. These are kids who start becoming retracted and start getting concerned about physical activities, wearing tighter clothes -- it poses a huge social burden on them. Correction does wonders for them. It allows them to live a normal life, and it spares them problems later in adult life.

Ricardo Fontes, MD, PhD, is a neurosurgeon at RUSH. He also serves as associate professor of neurosurgery and program director of the neurosurgery residency program here. Fontes earned his medical degree from the University of São Paulo and completed a neurological surgery residency in Brazil. He completed hisneurological surgery fellowship and another neurological surgery residencyat Rush University Medical Center. 

Although he was born and raised in Brazil and fully trained as a neurosurgeon there, he wanted to pursue advanced training here. He was eager to focus on the most complex spine surgery cases and earned boardcertification as a neurosurgeon in the U.S.Fontes isvery proudof the complex spine pathway for patients, which is an approach to care that uses both minimally invasive surgery and open spinal reconstructions as needed. He also enjoys being a hands-on teacher for neurosurgery residents. 

His treatment starts with thorough evaluation, followed by preoperative care that includes bone health and weight control and nonsurgical management of conditions. Fontes specializes in treating adult and pediatric spine deformity, including kyphosis and scoliosis.  

“Scoliosis starts in adolescence,” Fontes says. “These kids may become retracted and concerned about physical activities or wearing different clothes; it poses a huge social burden on them. Correction does wonders. It allows them to live a normal life and spares them problems later as adults. 

He also specializes in complex spine revision surgery and spine surgery in difficult cases for patients who have frequently been denied a surgical alternative before seeing a specialist. 

 

Videos

Locations & Appointments

Primary location
RUSH Neurosurgery
RUSH Neurosurgery
1520 W Harrison St
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building
6th Floor
Chicago, IL, 60607

(312) 942-6644
(312) 942-2176
Directions
RUSH Neurosurgery
RUSH Neurosurgery
2011 York Rd
Oak Brook, IL, 60523

(630) 724-1300
Directions

Credentials

Certifications

Neurological Surgery

Education and Training

Rush University Medical Center - Neurological Surgery
Universidade de S?Paulo - Neurological Surgery
Rush University Medical Center - Neurological Surgery
Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Clinical Expertise

Atlantoaxial instability
Scoliosis
Scoliosis surgery
Spinal deformity
Spine surgery

Academics & Publications

In addition to providing patient care, many of our clinicians have faculty appointments at RUSH University and perform clinical, basic science and community-based research. Our education and research endeavors are dedicated to enhancing excellence in patient care — now and in the future.

Insurance

Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
Affiliated Physician Group
Ambetter of Illinois
Beech Street
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage HMO
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage PPO
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO
Blue Cross Community Medicaid (FHP & ICP)
Chicago Health System(MacNeal Health Provider) Com
Chicago Health System(MacNeal Health Provider) Gov
Cigna
Cigna Medicare Advantage
Community Healthcare Partners, LLC
CorVel
CountyCare
Coventry
Devoted Health
Dolton Medical Clinic
Dreyer Medical Clinic
Dupage Medical Group
ElmCare, LLC
Essential Health Partners
Fox Valley Medicine, Ltd.
Great-West Healthcare
Health Care's Finest Network (HFN)
Hinsdale Physician Group
Humana
Humana Medicare Advantage
Humana Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative
IlliniCare YouthCare
Ingalls Provider Group
Little Company of Mary Health Providers
Meridian Complete (MMAI)
Meridian Health Plan
Molina Dual Options
Molina Healthcare of Illinois
Molina Healthcare of Illinois, Inc Marketplace
MultiPlan
NorthShore Physician Associates, Inc
Northwest Community Health Partners
Northwest Suburban IPA
Physician Care Network
Preferred Plan (Healthsmart)
Progress Health
Pronger-Smith Medical Care
Silver Cross Managed Care Organization
Specialty Physicians of Illinois
Swedish Covenant Physician Partners
USA Managed Care Organization
Union Health Services
United Healthcare
United Healthcare Medicare Advantage
University of Chicago Health Plans (Inactive)
University of Illinois at Chicago
WellCare Medicare Advantage
Zing Health

Accepted insurance plans are subject to change without notice. Please contact your insurance company to verify that the location or provider you plan to visit is included in your network before your visit. If you schedule an appointment and your provider is not in network with your insurance, your out of pocket liability may be higher than expected.

Ratings and Reviews

Overall
4.9
Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (risks, benefits, etc.)
4.9
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
5
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
4.9
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.9
Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others
4.9
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Feb 2024
Wonderful doctor with outstanding communication skills.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Feb 2024
Dr. Fontes is great. He explained everything to me very concerning.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jan 2024
This was an important second opinion for me and I found the doctor to be very forthright and clear.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jan 2024
Love Dr. Fontes and his team.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Dec 2023
Dr. Encouraged to ask about any concerns
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Nov 2023
Dr Fontes explained everything clearly & was concerned for me generally...very kind & very professional
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Nov 2023
Dr. Fontes is the most caring doctor I've ever met. He explains everything and gives time for questions.
4.6
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Nov 2023
All good
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Oct 2023
Dr Fontes made me feel very comfortable. He obviously is the top doc! I was grateful to get in to see him.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Oct 2023
Dr. Fontes is always very clear in describing everything in detail and explaining things in a way that I can understand. He is caring and comforting and makes me feel reassured about myself, my progress and what steps I need to take to achieve goals to get even better.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Oct 2023
Both my husband and I love Dr. Fontes. He's open and honest about everything which is as it should be.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Sep 2023
Dr. Fontes is the absolute best!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Sep 2023
Dr. Explained everything to me and my husband. He's very personable. I would surely recommend him.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Aug 2023
Dr. Fontes always listens to you and is very thorough in his explanation and helping you out. To me,he's the best.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Aug 2023
Dr has always been great with me. He stayed right with me when it was difficult to find the answer.Thanks to him I am still moving
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Aug 2023
Dr. Fontes came highly recommended, from multiple sources. My expectations were high. He exceeded them. A great and caring physician, who takes the time to explain your medical issues to you!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jul 2023
DR FONTES was excellent & was patient & listened. Would highly recommend him
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jul 2023
Dr. Fontes skill provided life changing improvement in my life.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jun 2023
Dr. Fontes is an outstanding doctor and caring human being.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jun 2023
Dr Fontes spent a long time with me explaining my condition and my surgical options. He listened and answered all of my questions.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - May 2023
I feel extremely confident in the level of care I'm receiving with thorough explanations throughout the visit with plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way. Simply an exceptional physician!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - May 2023
Dr. Fontes, was very professional, patient, kind, and friendly. He answered all my questions. He showed that he cared about me. I appreciated that so much. He is an excellent physician and I truly appreciate that he is my doctor.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - May 2023
Detail oriented
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
Perfect
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
Dr. Fontes is the best. Doesn't rush, and explains everything so I can understand.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
Dr. Fontes was excellent he took his time and explained everything
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
This physician was very thorough in his evaluation of my condition , explaining every possible solution and the likelihood or success.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
Dr Fontes was very easy to understand, and he was very frank regarding his perspective on my problem including a need for more information.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
Dr. Fontes and his staff are the Best! I am a repeat surgical patient to Dr. Fontes, and I am grateful that life brought me to find him. His skills saved me from the possibility of paralysis. I hope not to need any more of his services but if I do, I will not consider any other but Dr. Fontes and RUSH!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
I like and trust Dr. Frontes, so our conversations are well informed.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Mar 2023
Dr Fontes was very professional, highly intelligent, and a kind provider.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Mar 2023
Dr Fontes has always very attentive to me during my visits. Listened, answered and explained everything re my post surgery visit. So glad I chose him as my surgeon.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Mar 2023
I came to see Dr. Fontes for a second opinion. I am extremely pleased with everything about my visit. I felt respected and included. Doctor spent time going over my x-rays and clearly explained all the things going on and the reasons for my pain. I was especially happy that he suggested several more conservative steps to try before going directly into a fusion surgery. I would recommend him to anyone with spine issues.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Mar 2023
I was given a very clear explanation of the cause of my problem. We had a very good discussion as to care and future expectations.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Mar 2023
Dr. Fontes is a great doctor. He answered all my questions, examined me for strength. I have a very unusual case and I am beyond happy that he is overseeing my care.