Dr. Lewis Stuart Blumenthal, MD

I am appalled by the visit I had with Dr. Blumenthal. I came to him with severe chronic pain due to menstruation—pain so blinding that it frequently renders me unconscious on the floor. I explained that I wanted an ablation and that due to my numerous complicated health issues, I know I will never want to pass on my DNA in any way, shape, or form. I have such debilitating medical issues that I would never want to take the risk of passing them on to a child. Instead of compassion, I was met with inappropriate and rude comments from Dr. Blumenthal. He told me that I should see a psychiatrist and be evaluated for anxiety and depression despite my chart and medication list which indicated that I am already being successfully treated for those disorders. When I reminded him of this, he asked me if I had been assaulted and said there “must be an emotional component” and an assault would explain that. As a woman who was assaulted at age 21, I told him that I saw no reason why that was… necessary information with regard to the debilitating periods I’ve had since age 12. He told me that everything I’m experiencing is normal and there’s nothing wrong. I told him that he cannot possible tell me that it’s normal to lose so much blood and be in so much pain that my husband has to rescue me when he finds me unconscious on the floor. Dr. Blumenthal made me feel like some crazy, over-emotional, neurotic who couldn’t possibly know my own body and needs. I have not felt so demoralized by a doctor as I did in this appointment. No one deserves to feel this way. Dr. Blumenthal: While I am furious about how you treated me, I know that you may one day have complicated medical issues of your own. When you cross that bridge, I certainly wish you a better doctor than you were to me.

After my long-time gynecologist left her practice for medical reasons, it took me a long time to decide on another doctor. I chose Dr. Blumenthal for many reasons; one is that he is independent and not "owned" by Northwestern or anyone else. I am past menopause and in great health, but had some age-related concerns. I am also a firm opponent about "medicalizing" older age with unnecessary testing and drugs. Dr. Blumenthal listened to my concerns and helped me determine non-drug solutions. At no time did I feel I was being rushed or talked-down to. I left with a great feeling of confidence that I had found my new doctor.

He does not explain about procedures. He tried to perform a radical hysterectomy that would bring me to the menopause. I looked for a second opinion. This radical approach was not needed. I was lucky to find another doctor. Unfortunately he looks a your organs as if they have a price tag. I hear he has a big business with pregnant women. If that is not your case, you are endangered with him. Save your life and stay away from him.

Have seen Dr. B for 20+ years, during which time he's expertly handled several different health issues. Always knowledgeable, with great suggestions and insight. Very friendly & easy to talk to. Really bright & insightful. I highly recommend him.

I highly recommend Dr. Blumenthal. After years of neglecting visits to a gynecologist, or an internist for routine exams due to my irrational fear of doctors, I had a CT scan for kidney stones come back indicating there could be some gynecological problems. I spent several very sleepless nights imagining the worst, due to my own negligence. I did my research trying to identify a doctor that would be highly experienced, professional, and hopefully compassionate, who had an affiliation with Northwestern Memorial Hospital. On Northwestern's website Dr. Blumenthal appeared in a video where he discussed his background and clinical interests. After watching the video several times I felt this was the Doctor for me. I purposely made the appointment at Dr. Blumenthal's Northbrook office rather than his main downtown location. When I arrived with much apprehension, the less clinical atmosphere put me at ease. The doctor's wife was working behind the desk and interacting with the nurse. … Many patients of all ages were either in the office or arriving. Most of the patients had long relationships with Doctor Blumenthal. The interaction with his wife and nurse was familiar and personal. When I arrived an hour early, Mrs. Blumenthal greeted me warmly as being the doctors new patient. She was extremely personable, and must have detected my nervousness. She told me exactly what to expect with my first meeting with the doctor, and reiterated what I observed about how most of his patients had been coming to see her husband for many years. Once called, I met with the nurse for a brief check of my blood pressure and a few questions. As a new patient I met with the doctor in his office. He sat behind the desk while we went over my medical history. After revealing my long absence from going to a gynecologist we immediately began to form a bond. He said he realized my apprehension of doctors was profound. He told me exactly what his goals were going to be in the exam, and what the exam would consist of being. I then went into the exam room and had a great deal of confidence that I had selected the right doctor for me. He was so knowledgeable and professional throughout the exam. He made me feel relaxed and treated me with much compassion and respect. After the exam he shook my hand, and told me we would be working as a team from here on out. He went over the follow- up with lab work and several more tests at his downtown office. A wonderful doctor and staff that made a great impression on me. I'm grateful to have found Dr. Blumenthal.

My husband and I did extensive research about area OB/GYNs prior to my first pregnancy. Dr. Blumenthal came highly recommended by both his colleagues and current patients.Dr. Blumenthal took excellent care of me during my entire pregnancy. He managed my pregnancy and all of the related symptoms (e.g. genetic testing needs and extreme nausea). It was clear from the numerous conversations he had with me and with my husband that he was very well-read and current on his research knowledge.When deliver day came and complications ensued, he was fantastic. He was calm, decisive,and handled the situation well. Dr. Blumenthal ensured that what was a complicated delivery resulted in a positive outcome. After my delivery experience, I would not see anyone else.

I've been a patient for over 7 years and feel he is a great OB/Gyn. I had two high-risk pregnancies and Dr. Blumenthal worked in conjunction with my other doctor (specialist) to make sure all went well throughout. I saw him weekly in the last trimesters of both pregnancies at his Chicago office and have to be honest and say that his main nurse (took vitals and handled NST) is not too friendly and can be abrasive at times. There were many appts she told me, "You look puffy and tired!" Most of the time, I let her comments go, but sometimes she was so annoying that she raised my blood pressure and Dr. B had to retake it at the end of the appt to be sure that I wasn't developing pre-eclampsia...it was always normal when he took my BP so I attribute the nurse's sour personality to it being elevated at the beginning of the appt. The rest of the staff, however, is super-friendly and helpful. I successfully delivered two healthy babies within the past 5 years with a lot of guidance from… Dr. Blumenthal so that's really the most important thing. His many years of experience was helpful (especially with my first prgncy) when having to make decisions about testing, etc. He presented the facts, risks and answered all of my questions. At no time did he ever dictate that tests *must* be done, but he made certain that he gave me all the information to make a decision. He's got a great bedside manner and overall, I think he's a great doctor!

I have been a patient of Dr. Blumenthal's for more than 18 years. I have 3 teenage children in which he supervised my prenatal care for and delivered as well. He has an excellent bedside manner and I respect his decisions, expertise & advise concerning my health. Tto those who know the importance of having certain testing done within age timeframes for women, you would understand his need to make certain that testing is completed to ensure your health. At his insight, I actually discovered that I had the sickle-cell trait while pregnant with my first born. This is something that had since birth. I had ALL the symptoms, but my pediatrician never identified the problem and I went years not knowing why I had the problems I had - so although I did not ask for a sickle cell test, his desire to give the test to me anyway helped me become aware of my body and it protected the health of my unborn children. So I DEFINITELY recommend (as my sister & I call him) "Lew Blu".

I saw Dr. Blumenthal only once and don't recommend him to anyone, based on my experience. Although he has a nice manner, he apparently believes that it's ok for him to ignore a patient's instructions & desire as to whether a test should be done--I told him I neither needed nor wanted a bone density test. I did agree to a breast ultrasound. Soon thereafter, his nurse came in & said to follow her, partially undress, & lie on a table. I assumed I was getting the ultrasound. When she began passing some equipment over me, I said something about the ultrasound I believed she was performing, and she said that it was a bone-density test. I repeated that I didn't need the test but she continued. I feel I was tricked into this unneeded test. Subsequently, when I was preparing to go home, I was given an appointment to return for an ultrasound, which I again assumed was the breast ultrasound. However, I asked Dr. Blumenthal if I couldn't have it done in a neighborhood lab, and he replied… that he needed to be present to inject liquid. This made me wonder, and after some research on the internet, I phoned & talked with his nurse, who informed me that the scheduled ultrasound had nothing to do with the breast area. I said that the only Dr. Blumenthal had mentioned was for the breast, and she said he would probably tell me about the ultrasound he'd scheduled for me when I actually came in for the test. I immediately cancelled because I'd never trust what this doctor said or did. I believe that if I had to go to his hospital, he would order all kinds of unneeded tests, etc.