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Dr. Darren Ballard, MD

Dr. Darren Ballard, MD

Gastroenterology*

Dr. Darren Ballard, MD is a gastroenterologist in Homewood, IL. Dr. Ballard has extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders and Pancreatic Disease. He is affiliated with medical facilities Advocate Trinity Hospital and Ingalls Memorial Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.4 Star Rating
Based on 23 reviews 4.4 Star Rating (23 reviews)

Brought to you by and on staff at

GI Alliance of Illinois: Homewood

Locations

GI Alliance of Illinois: Homewood

GI Alliance of Illinois: Homewood17901 Governors Hwy Ste 106 Homewood, IL 60430
1
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 7:00am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 7:00am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 7:00am - 5:00pm
    • Thu: 7:00am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 7:00am - 3:30pm
    • Sat: closed
    • Sun: closed
  • Directions

Dr. Ballard is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Gastroenterology

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
  • Area of ExpertiseDr. Ballard specializes in the area of Gastroenterology. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions WellPatients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers TelehealthThis doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Recent ReviewsReviews made in the last 30 days. See reviews

More Gastroenterology Specialists at GI Alliance of Illinois: Homewood

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Dr. Ballard's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Ballard

4.4
23 ratings, 21 with a written review
5 star
78%
78%
4 star
4%
4%
3 star
9%
9%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
9%
9%

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I don't feel that he really listens to me!
He seemed skeptical about my neck pain being related to my constipation, even though it is a fact that they are directly related based on my years of living with it. When I told him that many people with IBS C have neck pain, he was skeptical of that, and wanted me to quote published studies, which, I did send to him just now through the patient portal. He also was dismissive when I told him of how gut directed hypnosis really helped, and there are lots of published studies on that.I was also shocked that he recommended over the counter laxatives, because it is my understanding and personal experience that those drugs make the symptoms worse.I have now seen Dr. Ballard for three years for yearly checkups ,so that I can continue certain prescriptions, and the only reason I am staying for now is that I don't want to deal with the hassle of switching doctors, but I am starting to consider it. I feel that he talks down to me, and that he does not really address my needs.
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Apr 22, 2025
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Best Gi Dr in the South Suburban Area
First time seeing him. He had wonderful personality and. bedside manners. He went over my medical history and medication. He examined me and ask me questions and let me ask him questions and he explained any thing I asked him and wanted to know. He did not rush in and rush out like most doctors. He took his time examining you and listening to and answering questions
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • 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
Breee – Mar 26, 2025
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Dr. Ballard Is An Excellent Choice
I needed a colonoscopy and was referred to Dr. Ballard by my primary care doctor. It was an excellent referral. I like his personality and the procedure went well. I give everyone I interacted with five stars. I couldn’t be happier.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • 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
Mike B. – Feb 26, 2025
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Excellent experience!!!! Best sleep ever!!! He’s kind, considerate and caring. So blessed to have him and his team for my colonoscopy screening.
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
LJ Dalcour – Sep 14, 2024
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Very professional and friendly
I've had several procedures with Dr. Ballard. The staff is efficient, professional and friendly. Dr. Ballard thoroughly explained both the process and the results. Staff is great on follow up, making sure there were no complications or concerns.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • 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
Mary – Jun 05, 2024
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Quick and easy
Very professional!!!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • 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
Dimitri Bolden – Feb 14, 2024
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The front desk nice- the medical assistant is rude when she was examining me asking questions why I am at the clinic. I should have called- to make an appointment so I don’t have to come in. She doesn’t have no manners. That makes my Blood pressure high- on that day. Dr Ballard is Straight to the point about the situation.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Staff wasn't friendly
Helpful
Cherry Aquino – Jan 13, 2024
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Completely Satisfied
Dr. Ballard explained everything as he went through the colonoscopy. I got to watch the video screen during my exam. Very informative and interesting.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • 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
Scott – Oct 27, 2023
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Office Visit
Dr. Ballard took his time with my exam and asked more detailed questions than I expected. Wonderful bedside manner as well. Would recommend him in an instant.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • 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
Sep 29, 2023
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Would refer my family and friends
Dr Ballard took his time, asked questions and answered mine. I feel confident that we will find out what my issue is.
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
Margaret – Mar 12, 2023
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Dr. Ballard asked a lot of questions regarding my gastro system!, after we talked, it was recommended that I have the upper & lower gastro exams, based on my answers, & things that have affected me!, in .my life!, some of which I previously would have not considered, without his consultation!, & questioning! I look forward to getting this done soon!
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
Sep 17, 2022
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Excellent it was easy to get appointment no waiting. Explained future plan of treatment
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
Bhupinder Valia – Aug 30, 2022
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Good MD to have in your corner!
The Dr. was empathetic and personable. He cared about my needs and my medical history and made on point recommendations for the management of my UC.
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
Jul 20, 2022
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DR. BALLARD IS KIND AND COURTEOUS HOWEVER, I HAD ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND HE WAS PRETTY MUCH IN AND OUT
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Jul 19, 2022
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Excellent care
Dr Ballard and his staff were professional in every aspect of my procedure and care.
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
D.Leverston – Jul 07, 2022
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My visit with Dr.Ballard was a learning experience, he was so professional and informative and he made me feel comfortable and confident that the procedure that he provided would be ok, and it was. Thank you Dr. Ballard.
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
Marilyn Washington – Jun 04, 2022
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Great care.
Great care.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
May 21, 2022
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Lack of empathy and only looking for your money!
He doesn’t know how to deal with patients in a professional manner. He is only looking to take your money I highly DO NOT RECOMMEND! As a doctor paperwork should be filled out for patients that require them to do so and he doesn’t fo that at all!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Unhappy & unhealthy – May 20, 2022
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Dr. Ballard took good care of me and explained to me what was going on.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Linda Mines – May 05, 2022
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Absolutely excellent Gastroenterologist. Took time and explained my gallstone situation. Very empathetic and kind. Top education: Johns Hopkins, Loyola (med school), U of Michigan (residency and internist specialty), Indiana Fellowship (gastro specialty), Wisconsin (assistant proff, pancreas & gallbladder specialty). I highly recommend him.
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
Michael Cheney – Aug 25, 2021
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About Me

care philosophy

We operate on three guiding principles: Patient First, Quality Centric, and Provider-Led.As the largest and most reputable team of gastroenterology experts in the US, we provide unparalleled patient care with nationwide access.
  • Gastroenterology

  • Internal 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.

  • Loyola University Chicago School Of Dentistry

    Medical School
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Internal Medicine®
Gastroenterology
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. Ballard is a Healthgrades Choice provider in Gastroenterology

    Read our methodology

    Affiliated Hospitals

    • Advocate Trinity Hospital

      2320 E 93rd St
      Chicago, IL 60617
      Recipient of 1
      hospital award

      Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (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.

      80%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      4% lower than the national average

      74%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      2% lower than the national average

      View all patient feedback
    • Ingalls Memorial Hospital

      1 Ingalls Dr
      Harvey, IL 60426

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

      76%
      Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

      8% lower than the national average

      70%
      Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

      6% lower than the national average

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