Dr. Anita K. Rao, MD | Chesterton, IN | Pain Medicine Specialist

.about .noScriptHide .nojs-show,.truncated [data-rem],blockquote .truncated-text{ display: initial !important}.no-js-hide,.ellipsis { display: none; }.truncated:after {content: '' !important}

Pain management, anesthesiology.

accepting new patients
4.9

179 Ratings
28 years of experience
45 insurance plans accepted
speaks English, Spanish
Southern Illinois University School Of Medicine
166 written reviews
1 award
2 specialties
4 areas of expertise
2 board certifications
1 hospital affiliation
5 office locations
Female

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me

Based on patient feedback. Read the reviews

Dr. Rao's Ratings and Reviews

4.9

179 Ratings with 166 written Reviews

Average Wait Time 16 Minutes

How was your appointment with
Dr. Rao?

Patients’ Perspective

Gave an accurate diagnosis: (164) Did WellNeeds Improvement (1)
Had a good bedside manner: (166) Did WellNeeds Improvement (1)
Spent time with me: (165) Did WellNeeds Improvement (2)
Provided follow-up after the visit: (151) Did WellNeeds Improvement (2)
Flexible scheduling: (89) Did WellNeeds Improvement (2)
Saw me in a timely manner: No Ratings
Staff was courteous: No Ratings

179 ratings & reviews

Sort:

Showing 1 to 10 of 166 reviews

.rating-and-reviews .noScriptHide .nojs-show,.truncated [data-rem],blockquote .truncated-text{ display: initial !important}.no-js-hide,.ellipsis { display: none; }.truncated:after {content: '' !important}

Dr Rao is very easy to talk too. She listens . She is very through and answers all questions in a way you understand.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

February 4th, 2026

.rating-and-reviews .noScriptHide .nojs-show,.truncated [data-rem],blockquote .truncated-text{ display: initial !important}.no-js-hide,.ellipsis { display: none; }.truncated:after {content: '' !important}

I see several Drs at my age and she is one of the nicest and compassionate person ls I see. I appreciate her willingness to help and explained things and do it in such a kind and uplifting way!

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

February 4th, 2026

.rating-and-reviews .noScriptHide .nojs-show,.truncated [data-rem],blockquote .truncated-text{ display: initial !important}.no-js-hide,.ellipsis { display: none; }.truncated:after {content: '' !important}

Dr. Rao is my favorite doctor of all of mine. She is so knowledgeable & up -to-date on all issues regarding back pain. Dr. Rao makes getting pain shots pain free. Her sweet smile & attitude toward her patients is to be commended! Thank yo

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

February 2nd, 2026

.rating-and-reviews .noScriptHide .nojs-show,.truncated [data-rem],blockquote .truncated-text{ display: initial !important}.no-js-hide,.ellipsis { display: none; }.truncated:after {content: '' !important}

She's an awesome and very friendly Dr.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

January 16th, 2026

.rating-and-reviews .noScriptHide .nojs-show,.truncated [data-rem],blockquote .truncated-text{ display: initial !important}.no-js-hide,.ellipsis { display: none; }.truncated:after {content: '' !important}

I come out of the appointment with Dr Rao with hope, understanding, and a willingness to to continue fighting my problems. Not only does she listen to me but gives me options and hope.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

January 13th, 2026

.rating-and-reviews .noScriptHide .nojs-show,.truncated [data-rem],blockquote .truncated-text{ display: initial !important}.no-js-hide,.ellipsis { display: none; }.truncated:after {content: '' !important}

Dr Rao is simply amazing and thorough!! I would highly recommend her.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

January 7th, 2026

.rating-and-reviews .noScriptHide .nojs-show,.truncated [data-rem],blockquote .truncated-text{ display: initial !important}.no-js-hide,.ellipsis { display: none; }.truncated:after {content: '' !important}

She is the best. Comes in smiling, ask questions and doesn’t waste time. Very professional and intelligent. Highly recommend.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

January 6th, 2026

.rating-and-reviews .noScriptHide .nojs-show,.truncated [data-rem],blockquote .truncated-text{ display: initial !important}.no-js-hide,.ellipsis { display: none; }.truncated:after {content: '' !important}

Thank you for taking excellent care of me. I am so blessed to have you for my doctor.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

December 10th, 2025

.rating-and-reviews .noScriptHide .nojs-show,.truncated [data-rem],blockquote .truncated-text{ display: initial !important}.no-js-hide,.ellipsis { display: none; }.truncated:after {content: '' !important}

Dr. Rao is friendly, warm, reassuring and outstanding in her field! I would recommend her to anyone with back issues. A pleasant experience because of her and all staff members at this facility!!!!

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

November 19th, 2025

.rating-and-reviews .noScriptHide .nojs-show,.truncated [data-rem],blockquote .truncated-text{ display: initial !important}.no-js-hide,.ellipsis { display: none; }.truncated:after {content: '' !important}

Love Dr. Rao. She has kept trying to find ways to get my back pain under control. Her office staff and surgical staff do a great job. If you want a physician who cares go to Dr. Rao.

Did Well

Gave an accurate diagnosis
Had a good bedside manner
Spent time with me
Provided follow-up after the visit
Flexible scheduling

Needs Improvement

November 17th, 2025

Vitals Preferred Provider
- - Preferred Provider badge recognizes providers that are committed to transparency, responsiveness and great service to patients, and have earned a high patient satisfaction rating.
Click for our Methodology

Lakeshore Bone And Joint Institute

601 Gateway Blvd NChesterton, IN 46304

Tel: (219) 921-1444

Mon9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tue9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wed9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thu9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri9:00 am - 5:00 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed

Lakeshore Bone And Joint Institute

3691 Willowcreek RdPortage, IN 46368

Tel: (219) 921-1444

Mon8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Tue8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Wed8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Thu8:00 am - 4:30 pm

FriClosed

SatClosed

SunClosed

Portage Hospital

3630 Willowcreek RdPortage, IN 46368

Tel: (219) 364-3000

Northwest Health Lakeshore Surgicare

3111 Village PtChesterton, IN 46304

Mon8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Tue8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Wed8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Thu8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Fri8:00 am - 4:30 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed

Lakeshore Bone And Joint Institute

500 E 109th AveCrown Point, IN 46307

Mon8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tue8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wed8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thu8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Fri8:00 am - 6:00 pm

SatClosed

SunClosed


Dr. Anita Kala Rao, MD	Dr. Thomas Pontinen, MD	Dr. Daniel T Saah, MD	Dr. Ronald Hayes, MD
Pain Medicine	Pain Medicine	Anesthesiology	Anesthesiology
Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients
4.9 (179 Ratings)	4.7 (59 Ratings)	5 (6 Ratings)	4.5 (2 Ratings)
28 Years of Experience	18 Years of Experience	42 Years of Experience	38 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English, Spanish	Speaks English, Spanish	Speaks English, Spanish	Speaks English
Chesterton , IN	Chicago , IL	East Chicago , IN	Gary , IN
Med School: Southern Illinois University School Of Medicine	Med School: University of Minnesota	Med School: A M Dogliotti College Of Medicine	Med School: University Of Illinois At Chicago College Of Medicine
Current Profile	View Profile	View Profile	View Profile

Search for your insurance and plan

Acute Pain
Anesthesiology
Cancer Pain
Chronic Pain

Dr. Anita Kala Rao holds an active medical license in the state of Indiana.

Medical License

Medical Doctor with an active medical license in the state of Indiana that expires in 2027.

Education & Training

Medical School

Graduated from Southern Illinois University School Of Medicine in 1998.

NPI Number

Dr. Rao's NPI number is 1033176516.

Linne Francois Toussaint
Anesthesiology
66 Years Exp | Munster, IN
(0)
Andrea Leigh Kent
Anesthesiology
13 Years Exp | Valparaiso, IN
(0)
Imran Husain
Anesthesiology
8 Years Exp | Vincennes, IN
(0)
Kimberly Allen
Anesthesiology
6 Years Exp | Munster, IN
(0)
Mary Elizabeth Paris
Nurse Practitioner
| Hobart, IN
(0)
Dr. Stephen Eric Goldberg, MD
Anesthesiology
33 Years Exp | Munster, IN
(0)
Dr. Oren Gene Carterman, MD
Anesthesiology
38 Years Exp | Knox, IN
(0)
Dr. Mussart Khalil Chaudhry, MD
Anesthesiology
35 Years Exp | Michigan City, IN
(0)
Dr. Stan Tovsky, MD
Anesthesiology
20 Years Exp | Los Angeles, CA
(4)
Dr. Louis Lin, MD
Anesthesiology
21 Years Exp | Munster, IN
(3)

What languages does Dr. Anita Rao speak?: Dr. Anita Rao speaks English and Spanish.
Does Dr. Anita Rao accept my insurance?: You can see the insurance plans that Dr. Anita Rao accepts on their Vitals profile.
Is Dr. Anita Rao accepting new patients?: Dr. Anita Rao is accepting new patients on Vitals. View Dr. Anita Rao's profile on Vitals to make an appointment.
Which hospitals is Dr. Anita Rao affiliated with?: Dr. Anita Rao is affiliated with Northwest Health Porter.
How can I make an appointment with Dr. Anita Rao?: You can find contact information for Dr. Anita Rao here on Vitals.

Our provider data is gathered directly from physicians and publicly available databases. Providers who verify their profiles gain the ability to update information, offering additional details about their specialties,education, treated conditions, performed procedures, and accepted insurances.

Reviews on Vitals are submitted by users only. Recognizing the valuable insights these reviews offer into a doctor's reputation, we maintain internal policies and protocols to ensure the quality and accuracy of all reviews. Importantly, providers cannot delete or alter reviews independently. Reviews can only be deleted or changed following an internal assessment by our customer service team.

Your feedback is highly valued and we encourage you to contact our support team should you encounter any issues.

Copyright © 2026 Vitals Consumer Services, LLC. US Patent No. 8, 694, 441. All Rights Reserved.
As more fully set forth in this website's terms of use . (1) nothing contained on or offered by or through this website should be construed as medical advice and should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis or treatment. Vitals Consumer Services, LLC ("Vitals"). the provider of this website, does not recommend or endorse any particular healthcare provider whose information or ratings appear on this website; and (2) Vitals has granted you a limited license to access and use this website for your own noncommercial use. You are not permitted to copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, mirror, frame, scrape, extract, wrap, create derivative works of, reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble any part or aspect of this website.