Orthopedic Surgeons · Illinois · October 2026
Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Illinois (October 2026)
Dr. Michael Corcoran ranks first with a score of 88.8: 5.0 stars from 341 Google reviews; 35 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment. Dr. Alexander Michalow ranks second with a score of 88.8: 5.0 stars from 328 Google reviews; 42 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment. Dr. Timothy Petsche ranks third with a score of 88.4: 5.0 stars from 257 Google reviews; 32 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment.
- 1
Michael Corcoran, MD
5.0 out of 5 · 341 Google reviews
Score 88.8 · 35 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment
- 2
Alexander Michalow, MD
5.0 out of 5 · 328 Google reviews
Score 88.8 · 42 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment
- 3
Timothy Petsche, MD
5.0 out of 5 · 257 Google reviews
Score 88.4 · 32 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment
- 4
Eric Bartel, MD
5.0 out of 5 · 151 Google reviews
Score 87.2 · 36 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment
- 5
Michael Merkley, MD
5.0 out of 5 · 130 Google reviews
Score 86.9 · 33 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment
- 6
Edward Connolly, MD
4.9 out of 5 · 458 Google reviews
Score 86.3 · 36 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment
- 7
Christopher Wottowa, MD
4.9 out of 5 · 352 Google reviews
Score 86.0 · 36 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment
- 8
Craig Torosian, MD
4.9 out of 5 · 332 Google reviews
Score 86.0 · 37 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment
- 9
Mark Greatting, MD
4.9 out of 5 · 327 Google reviews
Score 86.0 · 41 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment
- 10
James Williams, MD
4.9 out of 5 · 290 Google reviews
Score 85.8 · 36 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment
The same list as a table
| Rank | Doctor | City | Score | Rating | Reviews | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Corcoran, MD | Bradley | 88.8 | 5.0 | 341 | 35 |
| 2 | Alexander Michalow, MD | Bradley | 88.8 | 5.0 | 328 | 42 |
| 3 | Timothy Petsche, MD | Geneva | 88.4 | 5.0 | 257 | 32 |
| 4 | Eric Bartel, MD | Geneva | 87.2 | 5.0 | 151 | 36 |
| 5 | Michael Merkley, MD | Peoria | 86.9 | 5.0 | 130 | 33 |
| 6 | Edward Connolly, MD | Moline | 86.3 | 4.9 | 458 | 36 |
| 7 | Christopher Wottowa, MD | Springfield | 86.0 | 4.9 | 352 | 36 |
| 8 | Craig Torosian, MD | Geneva | 86.0 | 4.9 | 332 | 37 |
| 9 | Mark Greatting, MD | Springfield | 86.0 | 4.9 | 327 | 41 |
| 10 | James Williams, MD | Peoria | 85.8 | 4.9 | 290 | 36 |
How we ranked
Ratings are weighted toward independent, third-party verified patient reviews. When a physician has them, 60% of the rating comes from patients surveyed by an independent third party (not chosen by the practice) and 40% from public, anonymous reviews such as Google. Anonymous reviews alone count for less, so a few posts can't carry a physician to the top. The score also weighs years since medical school and accepting Medicare assignment. Every physician here has a verified practice website and at least five patient reviews. No one can pay to change a rank. Read the full method.
Questions
Who is the highest-ranked orthopedic surgeon in Illinois?
Michael Corcoran, MD in Bradley, with a BestDocs score of 88.8 (5.0 stars from 341 Google reviews; 35 years since medical school; accepts Medicare assignment).
How many orthopedic surgeons in Illinois have online booking?
96 of the 199 ranked orthopedic surgeons in Illinois offer online booking on their practice website.
How are these orthopedic surgeons ranked?
By the BestDocs score, which is weighted toward independent third-party verified patient reviews: patient rating (50 points; 60% independent verified reviews and 40% anonymous public reviews when both exist), years in practice (31.25) and verified credentials (18.75). Sponsored placements never change rank. The full method is on the methodology page.
Data as of October 2026. Sources: CMS NPPES, CMS Doctors and Clinicians file, Google business listings, practice websites. Ratings are Google ratings, shown as text and not marked up as reviews.