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Dr. Richard Southgate, MD

Dr. Richard Southgate, MD

Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery*

Dr. Richard Southgate, MD is a reconstructive orthopedic surgeon in Lake Forest, IL. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital and Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.2 Star Rating
Based on 22 reviews 4.2 Star Rating (22 reviews)

Practice

1000 N Westmoreland Rd Lake Forest, IL 60045
Telehealth available

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Hospital Highlight

Dr. Southgate is affiliated with Northwestern Memorial Hospital Chicago, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Southgate specializes in the area of Orthopedic Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ See hospitals
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Dr. Southgate's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Southgate

4.2
22 ratings, 22 with a written review
5 star
77%
77%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
5%
5%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
18%
18%

Your trust is our top concern.

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Awful
I didn't feel like he listened to me at all. After 3 appointments, I talked to my PCP and he did a transfer of service. I'm driving an hour to see the new surgeon but it's well worth it. I found him to be rude, condescending and terrible at communication. Additionally, he added notes to my file that were patently untrue about advice and counseling he gave.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
GRACE – Dec 14, 2022
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Excellent, thoughtful and caring doctor
My mother had many years of knee pain due to arthritis. We knew she required surgery but we were scared to proceed. From the first moment we met Dr. Southgate, I could see that he was very caring and. knowledgeable. He took the time to explain treatment options very clearly. Its now been 2 months since my mom had her successful knee replacement with Dr. Southgate and we are very pleased with his expertise and care to say the least. Thank you Dr. Southgate!!!
What went well
  • 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
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Julius Klein – Sep 29, 2022
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Dr. Southgate performed hip replacement surgery on my father. Time can only tell how surgery went: my assumption is well. His bedside manner, however, was atrocious. I live far away from my father. My mother and sister have passed, so I am my fathers only option for care. He refuses to move out of his home, understandably, yet has limited financial resources and is legally blind and deaf. I care for his every need from afar, and in person as much as possible; it is challenging at best. I needed to secure after surgery rehab care for my father, which unfortunately means skilled nursing. I live across state, work full time, have three children, one with specific needs. I NEED my dad in skilled nursing, to recover safely. Dr. Southgate questioned my commitment to my father, questioned my whereabouts, and asked my dad if he was a "priority". He proceeded to tell us that families who WANT their loved ones to go to skilled nursing are a huge drain on medical resources, and one of the biggest issues in the medical arena to date. He continued with the fact that this is not a problem in Portland, where he is from. ( I didn't point out the obvious demographic differences between there and the desert.) The last thing he said to us before my dad was wheeled into surgery was that skilled nursing facilities are terrible places to be, which I can't disagree with, but it was an unnecessary, inappropriate dose of negativity my father really could have done without, especially in that compromised moment. What am I to do with my three children, their health and education, and my job/livelyhood if I am away caring for my dad? Where do those resources come from? I would have loved another solution if Dr. Southgate would have only offered. Instead, he left me feeling guilty and afraid my dad would not get proper care after surgery. And it left my dad feeling scared, and ashamed, as if he were an inconvenience to me and the medical community. This was the totality of the doctor's interaction with my father. I don't care how the doctor spoke to me; I can take it any day. But my dad has been through too much to have been treated in this way. He served his country, he was a professional athlete, and now is the most vulnerable of humans. He, as everyone, deserves the upmost respect. My hope for the future would be that Dr. Southgate leave his preconceived beliefs at the door when he comes to work. Treat the individual, not the statistic. If he took the smallest amount of time to get to know his patients in the slightest way, he would be a better surgeon for it. To increase his emotional intelligence in this way would improve his surgical legacy and truly help him create something strong and meaningful within his practice here in the desert.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
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
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
T.E.S – Aug 18, 2022
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he did a total knee replacement and I was back at work in 13 days. Amazing!!!!
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
Ryan Wardell – Jul 29, 2022
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Had a full hip replacement 6 weeks ago. It was a pleasure having Dr Southgate as my surgeon. He did a great job and I am feeling better than before the surgery.
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
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Kent W Ellgren – Nov 23, 2021
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I saw Dr. Southgate for problems with my left knee. However, walking unevenly was causing pain around my right new artificial hip. He addressed the left knee and ignored the hip. When asked later in a phone call, he stated that he treats one problem at a time and I would need to schedule a second visit for my hip. Beware which problem you choose to select as your primary problem.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Barbara Copperman – Nov 06, 2021
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Dr. Southgate is great, he is very pleasant, compassionate, caring, knowledgeable, and thorough. He did a hip replacement for my sister last year and she pain free and very mobile. Throughout the process he provided the best care and attention anyone can get.
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
Helpful
Oct 22, 2021
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Follow up visit from total knee replacement 7 months ago. Doctor Southgate is professional, caring, knowledgable and willing to spend time answering questions.
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
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Gail Brockway – Sep 10, 2021
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Very explanatory about issue with my knee and why total knee replacement is necessary. Dr. Southgate is quite personable, easy to ask questions about the surgery, and expectations of recovery.
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
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Carol Rance – Jul 24, 2021
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Dr. Southgate was there even after hours to address questions and issues that arose after my surgery. He even doubled up appointments to see me. I’m very pleased to have him as my doctor. ??
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jul 18, 2021
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From the moment I walked into the office I felt at ease, everyone was so nice. This was my first visit and I’m very happy to have been referred to Dr. Southgate. After talking to him I feel confident that he’s going to be able to help me. He took the time to ask me questions and to answer any questions I had. I look forward to finally being able to resume my normal life at some point. I was very impressed by everything with my visit.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jennifer – Jun 06, 2021
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Dr Southgate spent time explaining the cause of my hip pain. Giving me options and answering my questions. I really appreciated that I was treated by him with an injection and not shuffled off quickly to assistants (happened a number of years ago and back then I was never even told I had a congenital issue!)
What went well
  • Office environment
  • 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
Helpful
Christie Stilson – Apr 24, 2021
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Dr Southgate and staff are amazing. After struggling for along time with another medical establishment for knee replacement surgery, I was referred to Dr Southgate, he explained everything in detail and the staff are great with helping explain any questions about anything else. And best of all, my wait time for surgery was weeks, not months.
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
Helpful
Duane Risley – Apr 10, 2021
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Great experience with partial knee replacement. Dr. Southgate was professional and competent, never hesitated to explain or answer questions, and worked with my insurance for an optimal outcome. The procedure was flawless, and I look forward to a painless future .
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
Helpful
Feb 17, 2021
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I am a 77 year old man, I have had daily pain in my right hip for many years. I finally could not postpone getting help any longer. Dr. Southgate suggested a total hip replacement. During my surgery my pelvis fractured, big problem. Dr. Southgate did a teriific job repairing the fracture and the repacement of my hip. He is a very skillfull surgeon. I am very pleased with the results. Thak You and kuddos Dr. Southgate.
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
Helpful
Lynn S. – Jan 09, 2021
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Dr. Southgate is very personable and organized. For my knee problem he explained the condition & options for treatment in a straightforward manner. I plan to have surgery with him in the near future
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jan 08, 2021
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excellent vidit, as dr. southgate listened attentively and showed great interest in my medical issues.
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
Helpful
gregg childs – Dec 25, 2020
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Dr. Southgate was very kins, helpful and professional.
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
Helpful
Sep 11, 2020
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He was incredibly detail-oriented and helped me get through my hip replacement with no narcotics after surgery! Dr. Southgate seemed compassionate and willing to answer any question that my husband and I had.
What went well
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Office environment
Helpful
Jul 18, 2020
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Totally mis-diagnosed my problem, told me I can cancer and I didnt. Also needed us to push to get help when I was so obviously in pain and needy.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
What could be improved
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jun 06, 2020
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Leave a review

How was your experience with Dr. Southgate?

About Me

care philosophy

At Orthopedic Fracture Specialists, our goal is to help you Put Your Life in Motion!

biography

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Richard Southgate feels completely at home here in Portland, his father's hometown. His mother – a nurse – imbued in him a love for science and a desire to help others from a young age, so medicine...read more
  • Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

  • Orthopedic Surgery

  • Hip & Knee Orthopedics

  • Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

  • Orthopedics

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

  • University Of California, San Francisco

    Fellowship Hospital
  • Univeristy Of Rochester Medical Center

    Residency Hospital
  • University Of Chicago Pritzker School Of Medicine

    Medical School
  • Carleton College

    Undergraduate School
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
Orthopedic Surgery
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

Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital1000 N Westmoreland Rd Lake Forest, IL 60045
1
Office41990 Cook St Bldg C Palm Desert, CA 92211
2

Practice

Northwestern Medicine Neurosurgery Grayslake Outpatient Center1475 E Belvidere Rd Ste 185 Grayslake, IL 60030
3

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital

    251 E Huron St
    Chicago, IL 60611
    Recipient of 29
    hospital awards

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

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

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    View all awards

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

    87%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    3% higher than the national average

    82%
    Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

    17% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital

    1000 N Westmoreland Rd
    Lake Forest, IL 60045
    Recipient of 13
    hospital awards

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

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

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024)

    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.

    88%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% 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
  • Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital

    4201 W Medical Center Dr
    McHenry, IL 60050
    Recipient of 33
    hospital awards

    America's 100 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    View all awards

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

    88%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% higher than the national average

    79%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    4% higher than the national average

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