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Dr. Carl Bakken, MD

Dr. Carl Bakken, MD

Infectious Disease Medicine*
55+ years of experience

Dr. Carl Bakken, MD is an infectious disease internist in Arlington Heights, IL and has over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1969. He is affiliated with Northwest Community Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

2.6 Star Rating
Based on 19 reviews 2.6 Star Rating (19 reviews)

Practice

1051 W Rand Rd Ste 110 Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Telehealth available

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At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Bakken specializes in the areas of Infectious Disease & Internal Medicine. See board certifications
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ See hospitals
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Dr. Bakken's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Bakken

2.6
19 ratings, 12 with a written review
5 star
32%
32%
4 star
11%
11%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
5%
5%
1 star
53%
53%

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My husband and I have gone to him for many years and we trust his sound judgment. He's not a pill-pusher, which is fine for us, and he's not one to run up your charges. In the past, when I have asked his opinion on certain providers, he was direct and honest. He won't suffer fools or rude people. Present the facts to him in a succinct manner.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
M, Older Patient in IL – Jun 25, 2018
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Far from cutting edge. I went to him for traveler vaccinations. He was not aware of the disease outbreak in the country to which I was traveling. I had to show him the traveler's advisory from the State Dept. Gave me a "prescription" for a liquid vaccine no one else will fill. I could go on but I'm beyond frustrated. Top top it off, on the way out I stopped at the bathroom and found it to be dirty. Not what you want to see in in ID office! Not even what I want to see in a restaurant.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Elgin – Feb 05, 2018
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Terrible. Denied me antibiotics when I had an infection. Diagnosed me with anxiety and hypochondria instead. Lost my testicles because of it. Refused ultrasound and other tests. Spent no less than 5 minutes with me before diagnosing me with anxiety, and the second time with hypochondria. I almost want to say he's malicious because that screws with every other doctor you go to. He got angry when I tried to see things from his point of view and then blamed me for it.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
James in Arlington Heights – Apr 14, 2017
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I have seen Dr. Bakken 3 times for annual check-ups. I want to keep this short, not going into the details, Bakken is not a good person, he is arrogant, he did not treat me appropriately or respectfully.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
R.J. in Arlington Heights, IL – Jan 17, 2017
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It has taken three days to get a call back from Dr. Bakken or one of his nurses regarding my MRI (that I've had read by a Dr friend of mine). My disc pain needs immediate attention with cortisone shots but I can't get anyone to call me back. It is the worst experience I have ever had. Please don't subject yourself to this Dr.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Tia in Palatine, IL – May 20, 2016
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I have a chronic condition. I do research periodically to stay educated, since I'm still symptomatic & the treatment Dr. Bakken prescribes is behind in modern medical advances. I found that there were some not-so-new treatments available that he never discussed with me. I printed up correlating peer-reviewed, published studies from well-respected medical journals in preparation for my bi-annual visit. He blatantly refused to look. He admitted he does not participate in continued education.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
S.A.H. in Rolling Meadows, IL – May 04, 2016
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I went for a visit because I was sure I had a bacterial infection that I had once before. Dr. Bakken would not listen to my symptoms and declined to treat it. The next day it was getting worse, so I went to an urgent care in my neighborhood. Sure enough I tested positive for the infection and was placed on antibiotics right away. My infection cleared up, but if had trusted Dr. Bakken's poor advice, it would have gotten much, much worse. I don't know why he would not even test.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
11 others found this helpful
Helpful
Angelina in Arlington Heights, IL – May 04, 2016
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No wonder why Dr. Bakken is always accepting new patients when most of his colleagues are not. Nobody wants to return to him after being subjected to his belligerent nature and lack of concern for people/patients. It is definitely time for him to hang up the white lab coat and stethoscope for good. Maybe that's why he has given up and just does not care any longer. Is there a piece of land in Florida calling his name?
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mark in Chicago, IL – May 03, 2016
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Mr. Bakken (I can't bring myself to address him as a doctor) Terrible, egotistical man who is clearly disinterested in treating patients. His office staff is great but he is so distracted these days it is to the point of negligence. Such a shame as this used to be a good practice. Last visit I asked him why the change in his demeanor and he yelled at me very loudly.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mary in Streamwood, IL – May 03, 2016
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I have been seeing Dr. Bakken for the past four years and have been very happy with the service he provides. He is thorough and has a wealth of experience.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Kevin M in Arlington Heights, IL – Apr 26, 2016
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Dr. Bakken is now close to retirement and has given up on trying to achieve good health for his patients. He rushes through visits, does not listen to symptoms, has a terrible bedside manner and is often blatantly rude. Most of his patients are geriatric, and it sickened us so much how he berates them, that it was the final push we needed to find a new primary care physician for our whole family.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Angela in Elmhurst, IL – Apr 24, 2016
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Dr. Bakken caught on issue that 3 other doctors had missed, including a specialist.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Glenview, IL – Feb 09, 2016
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About Me

care philosophy

NCH Medical Group is here to seamlessly deliver coordinated, top quality healthcare in our medical offices, NCH Immediate Care Centers and hospital. Whether you're seeking routine medical care or something more specialized, the NCH Integrated System of Care connects you with the care you need.
  • Infectious Disease Medicine

  • Internal Medicine

  • Emergency Medicine

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Rush Medical College

    Fellowship Hospital, 1974
  • Rush Presby St Lukes Hospital

    Fellowship Hospital, 1974
  • Baylor College Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1969
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Internal Medicine®
Infectious Disease
Internal Medicine
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Locations

Practice

Office1051 W Rand Rd Ste 110 Arlington Heights, IL 60004
1

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Northwest Community Hospital

    800 W Central Rd
    Arlington Heights, IL 60005
    Recipient of 6
    hospital awards

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    81%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    3% lower than the national average

    75%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    1% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality