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Dr. John Costello, MD

Dr. John Costello, MD

Internal Medicine*
45+ years of experience

Dr. John Costello, MD is an internist in Saint Louis, MO and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1977. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Mercy Hospital St. Louis and Missouri Baptist Medical Center. He is accepting new patients.

3.5 Star Rating
Based on 31 reviews 3.5 Star Rating (31 reviews)

Practice

2821 N Ballas Rd Ste 165 Saint Louis, MO 63131

Dr. Costello is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Rheumatology

The Healthgrades Choice designation helps you understand the most important factors to consider when choosing a healthcare professional. This designation is earned based on four set standards.
Read our methodology

  • Above average experience
  • Good hospital quality
  • Good patient ratings
  • No healthcare sanctions

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Dr. Costello's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Costello

3.5
31 ratings, 7 with a written review
5 star
52%
52%
4 star
10%
10%
3 star
3%
3%
2 star
3%
3%
1 star
32%
32%

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Unprofessional behavior
Dr. Costello spent about five minutes examining me and ordering bloodwork, and spent the remainder of the appointment asking about my divorce and dating life, and admonishing me for being sexually active without being in a relationship. None of this was relevant to my treatment. He also tried to sell me his book about marriage and relationships, which he was not qualified to write as a rheumatologist. It was completely unprofessional to use the appointment as a sales pitch. I felt embarrassed and ashamed after the appointment and will not return.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
No longer patient – Nov 11, 2022
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Ive been going to Dr Costello for over 10 years. I have had nothing but good experiences. I've read through some of these comments and it seems like some people are carrying s grudge about something? If you truly have an issue why don't you sign your name? I think you are one person with a grudge and trying to slander the man. I call bs about him being an hour late. His office staff knocks on the door and finds out why its going over 15 minutes, He may be taking care of an emergency.......... Lee Ann Martin
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
Lee Ann – Feb 05, 2021
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5 stars does not give enough credit to Dr Costello’s expertise. I continue to go to Dr Costello for many reasons. First and foremost he sees his own pt’s and does not have a PA in his office. He himself or one of his staff ALWAYS answers your calls. If they say they will order it, that is exactly what they do. I so appreciate the fact that no one knocks on the door after 15 minutes announcing that your time is up. Dr Costello is an active listener and gently guides the pt in the right direction. I have NEVER left his office frustrated about a health concern or not having ALL of my questions answered. He stays current on the new treatments and medications. I continually benefit from his knowledge base. Before I leave the office the invitation is extended that if I need anything to just call. Thank you Dr Costello!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
JoEllen – Mar 05, 2020
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If you have any issues with your health. He does not read records. Had no idea of my issues. Due not recommend.
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
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
MO – Feb 06, 2019
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Dr. Costello is a wonderful doctor, he treats you like a friend rather than a patient.
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
Alice Leach in Wentzville, Mo – Mar 13, 2018
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I waited for over an hour to see this doctor. I was early for my appt, which was at 8 am, I wouldn’t think he’d be behind schedule that early. He knew I was in a great deal of pain trying to sit in a chair in the waiting room. Didn’t really listen to what my complaints were and didn’t offer any advice or help. He just blamed everything on an old injury instead of looking for a true diagnosis.
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
Dec 13, 2017
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I've been going to Dr. Costello for more than 20 years and have found him to be an excellent doctor and diagnostician. I would highly recommend him to family and friends. In fact, my wife is now a patient.
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
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Mike in St Louis, MO – May 18, 2017
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About Me

care philosophy

My Care Philosophy begins with being truthful. It continues by being as accurate as the medical data and science support. It completes itself with through communication and kindness.

biography

Being a good physician requires four steps; 1. Developing a moral foundation central to your character and behavior. This allows you to be a truthful person.  A truthful person learns more from their errors than their successes...read more
  • Internal Medicine

  • Rheumatology

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

  • Barnes & Jewish Hosp-wash University

    Fellowship Hospital, 1984
  • Saint Louis University Hospitals

    Internship Hospital, 1978
  • Saint Louis University School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1977
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Internal Medicine®
Internal Medicine
Rheumatology
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.

Dr. Costello is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Rheumatology

    Read our methodology

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    Locations

    Practice

    Office2821 N Ballas Rd Ste 165 Saint Louis, MO 63131
    1

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • St. Luke's Hospital

      232 S Woods Mill Rd
      Chesterfield, MO 63017
      Recipient of 14
      hospital awards

      Surgical Care Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

      Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

      View all awards

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

      89%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      5% higher than the national average

      83%
      Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

      18% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • Missouri Baptist Medical Center

      3015 N Ballas Rd
      Saint Louis, MO 63131
      Recipient of 19
      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

      Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024, 2023, 2022)

      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.

      89%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      5% higher than the national average

      80%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      4% higher than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • Mercy Hospital St. Louis

      615 S New Ballas Rd
      Saint Louis, MO 63141
      Recipient of 21
      hospital awards

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

      82%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      2% lower than the national average

      76%
      Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

      1% higher than the national average

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