Biography
Dr. Richard Noren is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist. His practice is dedicated to the treatment of pain, particularly back and neck pain, complex regional pain syndromes, other forms of neuropathy and arthritis. He offers the latest in pain management care, including epidural injections, nerve injections, and implantable nerve stimulators to relieve chronic pain. He also provides medical consultations for the insurance industry.
Originally an anesthesiologist, he decided to become a pain management specialist because he wanted a more one-on-one, long term relationship with his patients. His current practice is now limited to pain management only. Dr. Noren brings true compassion and empathy when caring for patients. He takes time to listen, understand the condition fully and provide the best, safest treatment plan for each individual. The goal for all of his patients is to help them understand their treatment options, participate in choosing the best plan to relieve their pain, and ultimately improve their ability to function.
Dr. Noren enjoys an active lifestyle including skiing, hiking and golf. These activities give him an added appreciation of the importance of healthy, pain-free joints and help fuel his determination to improve his patients’ conditions.
Philosophy of Care
Compassionate care isn’t a relationship between the wounded and the healer, but a relationship between equals.
Education
Fellowship
Emory University
Acute and Chronic Pain Management
Residency
Emory University
Anesthesiology
Internship
Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center
Surgery
Medical School
Washington University School of Medicine
Awards
- Top Doctors in America U.S. News: 2011
- Top Pain Management Specialist, Chicago Metropolitan Area, Castle-Connelly Aware: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2003, 2002, 2001
- MVP Award for Physician Excellence, Advocate Healthcare: 1997-1998
- Top Pain Management Specialist Award, Chicago Metropolitan Area and Midwest Region, Castle-Connelly Award: 2012
Appointments
Professional Appointments:
- Director, Pain Management Program, Midwest Regional Medical Ctr., Zion IL: 1995-1998
- Director, Palliative Care, Midwest Regional Medical Ctr, Zion IL: 1996-1998
- Medical Director, Pain Clinic, Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge IL: 1993-2010
- Medical Director, Functional Restoration Program: 1998-1999
Academic Appointments:
- Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesia, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA: 1992-1993
- Clinical Faculty, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta GA: 1992-1993
- Clinical Faculty, Center for Pain Medicine, Atlanta GA: 1992-1993
- Clinical Instructor, Health South Back & Neck Institute, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago IL: 1989-1999
Accepted Insurance
- Aetna EPO, HMO, PPO, POS, NAP
- Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO, HMO
- Aetna Whole Health
- Beech Street/Concentra/Viant PPO and Workers’ Compensation
- Blue Advantage PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, BlueChoice PPO, HMO, HMOI, HMO Advantage, Blue Precision HMO, Medicare Advantage, MMAI Plan (some physicians)
- CareIQ, Rehab for Workers Compensation
- CCN POS
- CCN PPO
- Cigna HMO, PPO, POS
- CorVel PPO, Workers’ Compensation
- Coventry Medicare Advantage PPO, HMO
- Coventry PPO, Workers’ Compensation
- Encompass (surgery network for injured workers)
- First Health PPO
- Healthcare’s Finest Network PPO, Workers’ Compensation
- HealthLink Plans HMO, PPO
- HMO Illinois (some physicians)
- Humana MMAI, HMO, POS, PPO
- Imagine Health/Smart Network (MRI/CT Services, Rehab Services, and some Physicians)
- Longevity Health Medicare Advantage HMO
- Medicare
- MedRisk (Rehab services for injured workers)
- MultiPlan/Private Health Care Systems PPO
- One Call Medical Network (Imaging services for injured workers)
- One Call Care Management (Rehab services for injured workers)
- Orchid Medical (Rehab services for injured workers)
- PPO Next (aka HealthStar PPO, Preferred Health Network PPO)
- Preferred Network Access PPO
- Preferred Plan PPO
- Premier Comp Solutions (imaging services only)
- Savility
- Sunrise Advantage Medicare Advantage Plan
- Therapy Direct (Rehab services for injured workers)
- Union Health Service
- UnitedHealthcare HMO, Open Access, POS, PPO
IBJI providers are participating providers in the following workers’ compensation Preferred Provider Programs (PPP):
- CorVel
- Coventry
- Healthcare’s Finest Network
- MedRisk (Rehab/Work Comp)