Dr. Claus Jurgen Fimmel, MD

Dr Fimmel is surely the top liver specialist in Chicagoland, maybe the nation. I first met him when I had a top insurance provider through my company. He did a lot for me and brought my health back, even went to bat for me to get the Ins carrier to approve a costly medication. His bedside manner was 2nd to none, funny, upbeat, awesome. Due to the pandemic, I lost my job and my insurance soon followed. I am in my late 50's and it wasn't easy with an ongoing liver issue. When I next saw the Dr, I was on Medicaid. I had specifically chosen a Medicaid provider that was usable at Dr Fimmel's office. When the doctor came in he was unusually cold, nearly rude. I didn't get, thought maybe he's having a tough day. But I was so glad to see him that it just kinda hurt my feelings. But I didn't put it together until I asked him if I should make another appointment, and he said "well, talk with your ins company, they will only allow a certain amount of specialist appointments." Oops, I thought,… that explains things. He knew my coverage had changed, and his mood had changed with it. A good friend of mine is a general practice physican, told me that medicaid pays pennies for appointments, said it's almost a loser when you factor in the time the Dr spends with you. And I get it, understand it, but it still hurt my feelings. Then I have since found it impossible to schedule an appointment. No callbacks, no openings for months. Just sad.

Dr. Fimmel was with me every step of the way and showed great interest as I recovered from liver transplantation. He was always kind and explained everything that I needed to know and clearly answered all my questions. Among the best of the doctors I know and well respected by his peers throughout the region.

Dr. Fimmel is amazing , I have nothing but the highest praise for him .

He is a top notch doctor who gives his time to listen and understand his patients. Calls back when needed. Advises is available to answer any questions and encourages his patients to communication with him when needed. Returns calls as promptly as possible and with such wonderful mannerism when he talks to you. He explains all medical advice clearly. His staff at the North Shore Health System is very courteous as well.

Excellent doctor. Wonderful person. Very intelligent Literally saved my life.I have been a patient of Dr. Fimmel's for many years. I followed him from Loyola. He will spend whatever time with needed with you to get to the bottom of the probelm.

Don't ask him too many technical questions about his diagnosis. He did not provide the medical explanation for his reasons for current medication, treatment, alternatives, did not offer assistance in related concerns of his and mine even though his Bio shows him treating these other areas and was defensive when questioned in detail. When he had nothing left to offer, he recommended going elsewhere. Not much resolve in finding new methods of treatment. He did not investigate sources of pain, was afraid of being asked too many questions and medically condescended to an educated person. Very disappointing.

I was greatly impressed with the time he spent going over the MRI images and explaining the implications of each. The electronic availability of all my records and his integration with others in the GI team was also impressive.

Bad bedside manner. Does not spend enough time with patients. Delay in returing phone calls. Poor service.

We met doctor fimmel about two years ago. My aunt came from Pakistan, she had liver cirrhosis and was in critical condition. She had no money for the TIPS procedure. Dr. Fimmel did everything possible to help her, he arranged conferences with other doctors and social workers.. he arranged to have her operation done within two weeks and she did not pay a single penny. He gave me his cell phone number to contact him anytime if needed.. he has always been really really helpful.. he would spend time discussing the best approach to treat her. I have never seen any doctor to be so courteous and caring. He saved my aunt's life.. I cant thank him enough. I highly recommend him to anyone dealing with liver or gastro issues. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend him.

About 6yrs. ago I went to see my Family Practioner for a physical. He said I had high levels of enzymes in my liver. He refered me to Dr. Fimmel,who did a liver biopsy and diagonosed me with choronic hepatitis b. I showed no symptoms but I was in stage 3 liver disease. My levels were off the chart. Since I showed no symptoms, there was no telling how long I had this problem or how I got it. Dr. Fimmel started me on a new radical oral medicine. After the first 5yrs. my liver is almost back to normal. Now it is just preventative. He's always taken time to explain every step of my recovery and we shared the facts we are similar in age and needed colonoscopys and he suggested we go together to share the expierence together. His staff from Bridget to Lucy seem to go out of their way to make sure all my questions are answered and my needs fulfilled. They even call between appointments to make sure everything is OK. I highly recommend this doctor to people looking for someone who cares. He's… made himself available for any questions I have, and if he doesn't get back to me his staff does. They know and recognize me and ask about my personal life at each visit. Thank you Dr. Fimmel for your time and caring ways.